Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA WY08 9007
Apply for RFA WY08 9007
- The Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research Monitoring for Special Status Plant Species of Wyoming" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.231 Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 17, 2008 and posted on Mar 17, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 21, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $100,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grant opportunity titled "Research Monitoring for Special Status Plant Species of Wyoming" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA WY08 9007) supports field-based survey, monitoring, and ecological research focused on Wyoming plant species that are either federally listed under the Endangered Species Act or considered sensitive species of conservation concern. The work is grounded in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1743, Sections 307(a) and 307(b)). The central problem the opportunity addresses is that many of these plants are endemic to Wyoming and found nowhere else, yet for some species the basic picture of where they occur, how many populations exist, and how stable those populations are remains incomplete or uncertain. BLM has been building this knowledge over multiple years with other partners, and this project is intended to continue and expand that effort so land managers have better information for conservation decisions on public lands.
The project objectives focus on improving both the map-level understanding and the biological understanding of special status plants. Specifically, the work is meant to clarify current distribution and abundance across Wyoming, generate demographic information that can reveal population trends over time, and refine understanding of each species range limits and where additional occurrences might be found. Beyond simply locating plants, the project also aims to explain why they occur where they do by documenting habitat requirements, and to identify threats that could undermine long-term conservation, whether those threats are newly emerging or previously underappreciated.
The scope is statewide and includes any areas where these special status plants are known to occur or may occur, spanning upland, wetland, and riparian habitats. The tasks emphasize practical, repeatable field methods and tools that can feed directly into BLM planning. A major deliverable is detailed mapping of occurrences using GPS and GIS, especially for populations that have not previously been mapped precisely. The recipient is also expected to conduct complete population censuses and collect demographic data, which typically means gathering information beyond presence or absence, such as counts by life stage or other measures that help indicate population health and trajectory.
A notable component of the work is testing and improving tools for finding new populations. The project calls for testing aerial photo interpretation as a way to locate previously unknown occurrences and for evaluating the utility of a specific potential distribution model created by Walt Fertig and Robert Thurston in 2003, which was developed for BLM sensitive and federally listed plants. The recipient is expected to work with that model to determine how well it predicts suitable habitat and how effectively it can guide field crews to new sites. Related tasks include overlaying potential habitat layers onto digital orthophotos so crews can use those combined map products in the field.
The research is also expected to connect plant occurrences to environmental conditions in a way that is useful for management. That includes documenting habitat requirements by recording the geological mapping unit and describing dominant vegetation and cover in relation to where populations occur. There is also a genetics or taxonomy-adjacent element: collecting multiple samples within populations and from nearby taxonomic varieties to evaluate the possibility of interbreeding, which can matter for how species boundaries are interpreted and how conservation strategies are designed. Throughout the work, the recipient must identify new or potential threats to occurrences, helping BLM understand risk factors that could affect persistence.
Reporting and deliverables are structured around an annual cycle. Work begins within ten calendar days after environmental conditions match the plants phenology, meaning field timing is tied to when the target species can be detected and accurately surveyed. For each funded year, the recipient must submit a draft technical report to BLM by April 30 (two paper copies plus one electronic copy). BLM then has 30 days to review and provide comments, after which the recipient has 30 days to revise. Final deliverables (two paper copies and one electronic) are due by September 1 following the funding year and must include GIS maps and location data along with the full report. The technical report itself is expected to be substantial, including an abstract, methods, results, and discussion, a thorough review of both published and unpublished literature relevant to the species and topics addressed, photographs of representative habitats, and a section that identifies management-oriented questions to guide future decisions and research.
Eligibility and administrative details narrow who can apply and what BLM expects in a capable partner. Eligible applicants are public and state controlled institutions of higher education. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.231 (Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management). The opportunity anticipated one award, with estimated total funding of $100,000, while individual award amounts were listed with a ceiling of $20,000 and a floor of $15,000, indicating funding may be structured across years, tasks, or increments rather than as a single lump sum. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated. Applicants must provide a clear methodological plan describing how objectives will be achieved, must demonstrate strong working knowledge of BLM special status and federally listed plants in Wyoming (distribution, abundance, ecology, and threats), and must show a high level of experience with the Fertig and Thurston (2003) model. Another practical requirement is that the applicant supplies at least 80 percent of the materials needed for the project, suggesting BLM expects the recipient to bring most field and technical capacity rather than relying on government-provided equipment.
In terms of overall value, the grant is designed to produce on-the-ground, decision-ready information: better maps, better population and trend data, clearer habitat associations, improved methods for discovering new populations, and a clearer understanding of threats. BLM frames the benefit as strengthening the ability of its staff to make informed management and conservation decisions on public lands that support sensitive and federally listed plant species and their habitats. The listed point of contact for access issues is Ilze Karklins Powers, Grants and Agreements Specialist, at 307-775-6293.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity is titled "Research Monitoring for Special Status Plant Species of Wyoming" and the Funding Opportunity Number is RFA WY08 9007.
Which agency is offering this grant?
The grant is offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
What is the main purpose of the grant?
The purpose is to support field-based survey, monitoring, and ecological research for Wyoming plant species that are either federally listed under the Endangered Species Act or considered sensitive species of conservation concern. The goal is to improve conservation decision-making on public lands by providing stronger, decision-ready information.
What problem is this project intended to address?
Many special status plants are endemic to Wyoming (found nowhere else), yet for some species the information about where they occur, how many populations exist, and how stable those populations are remains incomplete or uncertain. This project is meant to continue and expand multi-year efforts to close those gaps.
What legal authority supports this grant effort?
The work is grounded in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1743), specifically Sections 307(a) and 307(b).
What types of plant species are targeted by this opportunity?
The focus is on Wyoming plant species that are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act and/or BLM sensitive species (species of conservation concern).
Is the work limited to certain parts of Wyoming?
The scope is statewide and includes any areas where special status plants are known to occur or may occur.
What habitat types are included in the project scope?
The scope spans upland, wetland, and riparian habitats.
What are the key objectives of the project?
The objectives include: clarifying current distribution and abundance across Wyoming; generating demographic information to reveal population trends over time; refining understanding of range limits and where additional occurrences might be found; documenting habitat requirements; and identifying threats that could affect long-term conservation.
What kinds of field activities are expected?
Expected activities include field surveys and monitoring, detailed mapping of occurrences using GPS and GIS, complete population censuses, and collection of demographic data that goes beyond presence/absence (for example, counts by life stage or other indicators of population health and trajectory).
What mapping deliverables are required?
A major deliverable is detailed occurrence mapping using GPS and GIS, with emphasis on populations that have not previously been mapped precisely. Final deliverables must include GIS maps and location data along with the full technical report.
Does the project include work on finding new populations?
Yes. A notable component is testing and improving tools for discovering previously unknown occurrences.
What role does aerial photo interpretation play in this project?
The project calls for testing aerial photo interpretation as a method to locate previously unknown plant occurrences, and for using the results to guide field crews to promising areas.
What is the Fertig and Thurston (2003) model, and how is it used in this grant?
The project requires evaluation of a potential distribution model created by Walt Fertig and Robert Thurston in 2003 for BLM sensitive and federally listed plants. The recipient is expected to work with the model to assess how well it predicts suitable habitat and how effectively it can guide field crews to new sites.
Are applicants expected to have experience with the Fertig and Thurston (2003) model?
Yes. Applicants must show a high level of experience with the Fertig and Thurston (2003) model.
What GIS products are expected for field use?
Related tasks include overlaying potential habitat layers onto digital orthophotos so field crews can use combined map products while conducting surveys.
What habitat and environmental data should be recorded at plant occurrences?
The project includes documenting habitat requirements by recording the geological mapping unit and describing dominant vegetation and cover in relation to where populations occur.
Does the project include genetics- or taxonomy-related sampling?
Yes. The work includes collecting multiple samples within populations and from nearby taxonomic varieties to evaluate the possibility of interbreeding, which can affect how species boundaries are interpreted and how conservation strategies are designed.
Are threats to plant occurrences part of the required work?
Yes. The recipient must identify new or potential threats to occurrences to help BLM understand risk factors that could affect long-term persistence.
When does field work begin each year?
Work begins within ten calendar days after environmental conditions match the plants' phenology, meaning timing is tied to when the target species can be detected and accurately surveyed.
What is the reporting schedule for each funded year?
For each funded year: a draft technical report is due to BLM by April 30; BLM has 30 days to review and provide comments; the recipient then has 30 days to revise; final deliverables are due by September 1 following the funding year.
How many copies of reports must be submitted, and in what formats?
For both the draft and final reports, the recipient must submit two paper copies and one electronic copy.
What must the final deliverables include?
Final deliverables must include the final technical report plus GIS maps and location data.
What content is expected in the technical report?
The technical report is expected to include: an abstract; methods, results, and discussion; a thorough review of published and unpublished literature relevant to the species and topics addressed; photographs of representative habitats; and a section identifying management-oriented questions to guide future decisions and research.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants are public and state controlled institutions of higher education.
What type of funding instrument will be used?
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.
What is the CFDA number and program name associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is under CFDA 15.231, Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.
How many awards does BLM anticipate making?
BLM anticipated one award.
What is the estimated total funding available?
The estimated total funding is $100,000.
What are the listed minimum and maximum award amounts?
Individual award amounts were listed with a floor of $15,000 and a ceiling of $20,000. This suggests funding may be structured across years, tasks, or increments rather than issued as a single lump sum.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated.
What must applicants include in their approach or methodology?
Applicants must provide a clear methodological plan describing how the project objectives will be achieved.
What expertise does BLM expect from the applicant?
Applicants must demonstrate strong working knowledge of BLM special status and federally listed plants in Wyoming, including distribution, abundance, ecology, and threats, and must show substantial experience working with the Fertig and Thurston (2003) model.
What does the requirement about providing 80 percent of materials mean?
The opportunity states that the applicant supplies at least 80 percent of the materials needed for the project, indicating BLM expects the recipient to bring most of the field and technical capacity rather than relying on government-provided equipment.
What practical outcomes is BLM trying to achieve with this work?
BLM is aiming for on-the-ground, decision-ready outputs: improved occurrence maps, better population and trend information, clearer habitat associations, improved methods for locating new populations, and clearer identification of threats that matter for conservation and land management on public lands.
Who is the point of contact listed for access issues?
The listed point of contact for access issues is Ilze Karklins Powers, Grants and Agreements Specialist, at 307-775-6293.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: 2008 Washington State NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
Previous opportunity: Region 6 Wetland Program Development Grants
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA WY08 9007
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA WY08 9007) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2008 Washington State NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS WA 0801 Funding Number: USDA NRCS WA 0801 Agency: Washington State Office Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Inyo California Towhee and Desert Tortoise Surveys at NAWS China Lake, CA Apply for N62473 08 R TOWHEE Funding Number: N62473 08 R TOWHEE Agency: NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $46,400 |
| New Mexico Challenge Cost Share Program Apply for NM RFA08 0003 Funding Number: NM RFA08 0003 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Great Basin and Mojave Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Program Apply for NV NOI08 0007 Funding Number: NV NOI08 0007 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $522,111 |
| State of Nevada Recreation and Wilderness Projects Apply for NV NOI080008 Funding Number: NV NOI080008 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| Species and Vegetation Planning and Conservation Efforts Apply for OR NOI08 0002 Funding Number: OR NOI08 0002 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $17,183 |
| Migratory Bird Monitoring and Program Coordination Apply for WY NOI08 9001 Funding Number: WY NOI08 9001 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Arctic North Slope Natural Gas Hydrate Assessment and Exploration Project Apply for AK NOI08 0001 Funding Number: AK NOI08 0001 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Maintenance and operation of the North Slope Science Initiative (NSSI) intergovernmental website Apply for AK NOI08 0002 Funding Number: AK NOI08 0002 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $465,000 |
| Custodianship of the Walking Box Ranch Property Apply for NVNOI 080010 Funding Number: NVNOI 080010 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
| Walking Box Ranch Planning Apply for NVNOI 080011 Funding Number: NVNOI 080011 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,600,000 |
| Energy Exibit and Outreach Farmington, NM Apply for NM NOI08 0004 Funding Number: NM NOI08 0004 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Willow Creek Protection Fence Project Green Mountain Aspen Regeneration Apply for RFA WY08 9014 Funding Number: RFA WY08 9014 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| California Trail Interpretive Center, Elko, Nevada Cooperating Association Apply for NV NOI080009 Funding Number: NV NOI080009 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $738,000 |
| Silver State Trail System and Chief Mountain Area Plan Initiative Apply for NV NOI080001 Funding Number: NV NOI080001 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $587,000 |
| Lincoln County Backcountry Access and Planning Project Apply for NV NOI080012 Funding Number: NV NOI080012 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Grant Liaison and Staff Support to the State of Alaska Apply for 701818R038 Funding Number: 701818R038 Agency: Region 7 Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| Battle Mountain, Nevada, Resource Monitoring Project Apply for NV NOI080013 Funding Number: NV NOI080013 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $82,500 |
| Mojave tui chub Management at Naval Weapons Station China Lake, California Apply for N62473 08 R CHUB Funding Number: N62473 08 R CHUB Agency: NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Improving Ecuadors Coastal Parks thru Short Term Employment of Flooding Victims Apply for RFA518A08007 Funding Number: RFA518A08007 Agency: Ecuador USAID Quito Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA WY08 9007", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.