NM Plant Conservation and Restoration Management | L20AS00060

NM Plant Conservation and Restoration Management (L20AS00060) FAQs

1) What is the NM Plant Conservation and Restoration Management opportunity?

It is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperative agreement funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of the Interior focused on improving conservation and restoration outcomes on public lands in New Mexico through applied, on-the-ground habitat management and supporting research.

2) What is the main goal of this program?

The overall aim is to make restoration efforts more effective and more durable over time by pairing field implementation with science-based improvements in native plant materials, seeding methods, and long-term ecological understanding.

3) Where are supported projects expected to take place?

The opportunity focuses on public lands in New Mexico.

4) What types of work does the program fund?

The program supports a mix of applied habitat management and research that strengthens ecosystems and restores habitats important to keystone wildlife and game species. It also supports efforts that improve restoration planning and implementation, as well as public education and outreach tied to restoration and plant conservation.

5) Is native plant material development a priority?

Yes. A major emphasis is developing and scaling genetically appropriate native plant material for habitat restoration, including ensuring supplies match local or regional genetics and are suited to the conditions where they will be used.

6) What does "genetically appropriate" native plant material mean in this context?

Based on the opportunity description, it refers to native seed and plant supplies that match local or regional genetics and are appropriate for the site conditions where restoration will occur, with an emphasis on maintaining genetic integrity while increasing availability.

7) Does the program support building native seed and plant supply chains?

Yes. Projects can cover practical work to build reliable native plant supply chains, including selecting and evaluating seed sources and improving propagation techniques and agronomic production practices that increase availability without sacrificing genetic integrity.

8) What kinds of research studies are specifically encouraged?

Examples explicitly highlighted include plant ecology and ecophysiology research, seed bank persistence work (how long seeds remain viable in soils and under what conditions), and evaluations of traits or seed sources to determine which materials perform best across different environments.

9) Are tools and techniques for better seeding and establishment eligible?

Yes. The opportunity calls out the development and testing of seeding treatments and tools, which can include innovations in planting equipment, seed coatings, seed conditioning methods, and other techniques intended to increase establishment success in challenging landscapes.

10) Is pollinator-related work eligible under this opportunity?

Yes. Pollinator-focused work is identified as an eligible area, reflecting the role pollinators play in maintaining resilient plant communities and functioning habitats.

11) Does the program fund outreach and education components?

Yes. The program places value on public education and outreach that translates findings and best practices into usable products.

12) What outreach products are mentioned as examples?

Examples include information bulletins, handbooks, webinars, and apps.

13) Is citizen science mentioned as an area of interest?

Yes. There is explicit interest in efforts that strengthen citizen science connections between the BLM and its partners, helping the public participate in data collection, monitoring, or stewardship activities tied to restoration and plant conservation.

14) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is L20AS00060.

15) Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

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

16) What type of award instrument is used?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement instrument, which typically indicates substantial federal involvement or collaboration during project execution.

17) What is the program category and assistance listing identifier provided?

It is described as a discretionary funding opportunity in the Natural Resources category, with CFDA 15.245 referenced.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special districts; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status.

19) Are nonprofits required to have 501(c)(3) status to be eligible?

No. Nonprofit organizations are eligible with or without 501(c)(3) status, as stated in the opportunity description.

20) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $300,000.

21) How many awards were expected to be made?

The BLM expected to make about five awards under this opportunity.

22) When was the opportunity posted and when did it originally close?

The posting dates provided indicate it was created on February 25, 2020, with an original closing date of April 27, 2020.

23) What kinds of habitats or ecological outcomes are emphasized?

The opportunity emphasizes strengthening ecosystems and restoring habitats important to keystone wildlife and game species, with a broader focus on durable, long-term restoration outcomes supported by science-based improvements.

24) Does the opportunity support both field implementation and research?

Yes. It supports applied on-the-ground habitat management and research, with an emphasis on pairing implementation with research and evaluation to improve restoration success over time.