Gunnison Basin Volunteer Stewardship and Outreach/Education Project in Gunnison Colorado. | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Gunnison Basin Volunteer Stewardship and Outreach/Education Project?

The Gunnison Basin Volunteer Stewardship and Outreach/Education Project (Funding Opportunity Number L12AS00063) was a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary funding opportunity offered through a cooperative agreement. It was designed to support natural resource and recreation resource management work in and around Gunnison, Colorado, particularly within the jurisdiction of the BLM Gunnison Field Office.

Which federal agency offered this opportunity?

This opportunity was offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

What type of funding mechanism was used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The opportunity was offered through a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant. This structure generally indicates substantial involvement by BLM in planning, coordination, and implementation, with the selected partner collaborating closely with the agency.

What was the main purpose of the project?

The core purpose was to use a local partnership model to (1) keep ongoing public outreach and education programs moving forward and (2) carry out on-the-ground habitat improvement projects on public lands managed by the BLM Gunnison Field Office.

Where was the project intended to take place?

The project focused on public lands in and around Gunnison, Colorado, within the jurisdiction of the BLM Gunnison Field Office.

What kinds of activities were emphasized under public outreach and education?

The announcement emphasized continuing and expanding education and interpretive programs. These types of activities generally help the public understand local landscapes, habitats, land-use responsibilities, and appropriate recreation practices on public lands.

What does "interpretive programs" mean in the context of this opportunity?

In this context, interpretive programs refer to public-facing efforts that help people understand the meaning and value of local landscapes and habitats and how to recreate responsibly. The announcement described these as education and interpretive programs tied to land-use responsibilities and appropriate recreation practices.

What is meant by providing a "public forum"?

The opportunity stated a goal of providing a public forum, which typically means creating or supporting structured ways for community input and participation to occur. Examples consistent with the description include volunteer events, public-facing stewardship initiatives, interpretive activities, or coordination platforms that bring together residents, user groups, and partner organizations.

Why did the BLM emphasize local expertise?

The announcement highlighted the need for local expertise, indicating BLM was looking for a partner familiar with Gunnison Basin conditions and community dynamics. The intent was to tailor outreach messaging, volunteer coordination, and project planning to local needs and stakeholders.

What types of habitat improvement work were included?

The short description did not list specific habitat actions, but it stated that habitat improvement work was part of the scope. The language is consistent with common BLM stewardship efforts such as improving riparian or upland conditions, supporting restoration activities, reducing resource impacts from recreation, rehabilitating disturbed areas, or implementing targeted improvements identified by the field office.

Was volunteer involvement part of the project design?

Yes. The project centered on a partnership model intended to connect BLM with community members, volunteers, and local stakeholders, and translate that engagement into education, interpretation, and stewardship outcomes on public lands.

What was the total expected funding amount?

The estimated total funding was $80,000.

What was the maximum award amount (ceiling)?

The award ceiling was $80,000.

What was the minimum award amount (floor)?

The award floor was $1,200.

How many awards were expected?

The listing indicated one expected award.

Was cost sharing or a matching contribution required?

No. The listing specified no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

What CFDA program was this opportunity associated with?

The opportunity fell under CFDA number 15.225, Recreation Resource Management.

What does CFDA 15.225 suggest about the project focus?

The CFDA listing aligns the opportunity with recreation resource management work, including projects that support responsible recreation, visitor engagement, and sustained stewardship of public lands.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition was generally open to a wide range of applicant types, subject to any clarifications in the full announcement.

Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean any organization could apply?

It means the opportunity was generally open, but the listing also noted that eligibility could be subject to clarifications contained in the full announcement. The short description did not provide additional constraints beyond the "unrestricted" label.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on April 4, 2012.

When was the opportunity created?

The listing shows a created date of April 23, 2012.

What was the application closing date?

The original closing date of April 23, 2012 was extended to April 27, 2012.

Is this funding opportunity still open?

No. The archive date was May 4, 2012, indicating the opportunity is long closed.

Where were applicants instructed to find the full requirements and application package?

Applicants were directed to download the full instructions and application package via the application tab associated with the posting.

Who was the point of contact for questions or access issues?

The listed point of contact was Ruth A. Raisanen at BLM.

How could applicants reach the point of contact?

Ruth A. Raisanen could be reached by phone at 303-239-3605 or by email at rraisane@blm.gov.

What kinds of help was the point of contact expected to provide?

The contact was identified for help accessing the full announcement electronically or for other submission-related issues.

What does the funding opportunity number identify?

Funding Opportunity Number L12AS00063 is the unique identifier used to reference this specific BLM opportunity.

What does it mean that the grant was "discretionary"?

The listing described it as a BLM discretionary grant, meaning it was a competitively offered funding opportunity rather than a formula-based entitlement program.

What was BLM looking for in a partner organization?

Based on the description, BLM was seeking a partner able to connect the agency with community members, volunteers, and local stakeholders; sustain and expand outreach/education and interpretive programs; and collaborate with BLM on habitat improvement and stewardship projects in the Gunnison Basin.