BLM WY Burrowing Mammal Soils Study Focusing on WY Pocket Gopher (CESU) | Apply Online

FAQs: BLM WY Burrowing Mammal Soils Study Focusing on WY Pocket Gopher (CESU)

What is the "BLM WY Burrowing Mammal Soils Study Focusing on WY Pocket Gopher (CESU)" funding opportunity?

This is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary funding opportunity intended to support a soils-focused study that improves conservation planning for the Wyoming pocket gopher, a rare species found only in Wyoming and petitioned for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Which agency is offering this grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

What program or CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The listing is under CFDA 15.231, Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The main purpose is to scientifically describe Wyoming pocket gopher habitat needs by identifying and testing the soil properties associated with occupied habitat, and then using those findings to better understand where suitable habitat occurs across the landscape.

Why is this study focused on soils rather than standard wildlife surveys?

The Wyoming pocket gopher is fossorial and spends most of its life underground, which makes its presence and habitat requirements difficult to document through ordinary wildlife surveys. The BLM frames soil conditions as a key piece of information needed to protect the species effectively.

What conservation problem is BLM trying to address?

BLM notes that some agency-managed activities in Wyoming may pose risks to the species. BLM also states it has a responsibility to manage wildlife habitat in ways that help prevent species from becoming so imperiled that federal ESA listing becomes necessary.

What specific work does BLM expect to fund?

BLM intends to support work by professional soil scientists with local knowledge and experience. The expected work includes conducting soil analyses and related testing to determine whether Wyoming pocket gophers depend on specific, possibly unique soil characteristics.

What kinds of results is BLM hoping to get from the soils work?

BLM is seeking clearer, soil-based habitat definitions that can improve its ability to map potential habitat, anticipate where the species may occur, and develop practical management recommendations that protect key soil and habitat components while still allowing multiple-use management on appropriate lands.

How will the study outcomes be used in management or planning?

Based on the announcement, the results are intended to help BLM (1) map potential habitat, (2) predict where the species may occur, and (3) make management recommendations aimed at conserving important soils and habitat components.

Is this intended to be a collaborative project?

Yes. The opportunity is framed as a collaborative effort involving multiple cooperators, including industry partners (oil and gas and wind energy), the State of Wyoming, and the University of Wyoming.

What does "joint project management approach" mean in this opportunity?

The announcement emphasizes joint project management and indicates broader goals around understanding, mapping, and maintaining soils and important wildlife habitats, with the intent of reducing the likelihood that additional species will need ESA listing in the future.

What award instrument will be used?

The opportunity is planned as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

As described in the opportunity, a cooperative agreement suggests that BLM likely expects substantial involvement in the work as it is carried out (as opposed to a more hands-off relationship typical of some grants).

How much funding is available?

The opportunity anticipated a single award with an estimated total funding amount of $10,000.

How many awards does BLM expect to make?

The announcement anticipated a single award.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity did not require cost sharing or matching funds.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants were limited to private institutions of higher education, consistent with the CESU-oriented research and collaboration focus described in the announcement.

What does "CESU" refer to in this context?

The opportunity is presented as CESU-oriented and emphasizes research and collaboration. Eligibility restrictions to private institutions of higher education align with that research-focused collaboration approach.

What is the expected project period or duration?

The project period is approximately one year.

Is this project described as a first step or part of a longer effort?

Yes. BLM describes the award as potentially a first step. If the initial work identifies soil properties that appear uniquely important to the species, it could lead to more detailed follow-on studies.

What kinds of follow-on studies might occur if unique soil properties are identified?

The announcement mentions possible later efforts focused on locating where those soil properties occur, updating predictive habitat models, and refining how areas are prioritized for conservation or additional protections.

What happens if the preliminary study does not show evidence of distinctive or unique soils tied to the gopher?

If the preliminary study does not show evidence that the species requires distinctive soils, BLM indicates that further work on soil uniqueness may be postponed until additional information becomes available.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The announcement was posted on July 2, 2009, with a closing date of July 23, 2009.

Who is the grants management contact for this opportunity?

The listed grants management contact was Ilze J. Karklins Powers. The email provided was ipowers@blm.gov.

Where is the species found, and why does that matter for the project?

The Wyoming pocket gopher is found only in Wyoming. That limited range is part of why BLM emphasizes improved habitat understanding and careful planning to reduce risk and support conservation.

Why does the opportunity mention multiple-use management?

BLM indicates the goal is to protect key soil and habitat components while still allowing multiple-use management on appropriate lands, suggesting the study is intended to support practical recommendations that balance conservation with other land uses.