Deadline: 24-Apr-23
The Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices in collaboration with Qualified Youth and Conservation Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC) is accepting proposals to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive) including tribal members.
Recruitment efforts should focus on young, diverse people from local communities to assist with conservation projects that protect and promote multiple-use on public lands.
Projects available under this program are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Offices and emphasize on-the-ground projects, training, and mentorship opportunities for participants. The BLM is committed to connecting youth, from diverse backgrounds to natural and cultural resources on public lands through conservation service projects, recreational experiences, natural resource-based employment, and educational opportunities, including scientific studies. These projects create jobs that strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with youth conservation corps striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands. Participants are mentored by BLM professionals, acquire new skills, and gain experience in natural and cultural resource management. Through their BLM experience, youth gain an appreciation for public lands, learn about conservation-related careers, and become the next generation of public lands stewards.
Proposed projects within this funding opportunity notice will support the Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) and the Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) initiatives. These initiatives offer an opportunity to address climate change and address racial inequity by providing training opportunities for young people of color and others from historically disenfranchised communities.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Funding: $870,000
- Expected Award Amount
- Maximum Award: $350,000
- Minimum Award: $10,000
Projects
These project will include but not limited to the following:
- Enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration, and other improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g. kiosks, campgrounds, signage etc.).
- Monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data, timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health.
- Habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration, etc.
- Development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational and informational materials for visitors.
- Performance of studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys, etc.
- Preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures. Seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disasters such as catastrophic wildfires and landslides; as well as protection, conservation, and restoration of threatened, endangered, and special status species with the goal of preventing or de-listing of species.
- Reduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds, and other public land ecosystems. Production of materials and programs on natural, cultural, and/or paleontological resources, communication, education, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.
Expected Program Outcomes
Projects may vary in length, but none should last longer than three years. Projects may be located in different geographic locations on BLM administered lands. The overall project success shall be validated and tracked by the BLM project coordinator using various criteria such as:
- Expose young people to public service, furthering their understanding and appreciation of the nation’s natural and cultural resources, while implementing Secretarial Orders and priorities.
- Stimulate interest in conservation careers by working with BLM conservation professionals and providing qualified conservation projects that will allow corps members to be certified for two years noncompetitive hiring status upon completion of the projects and 640 hours.
- Promote job creation to strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.
- Promote and stimulate public purposes by providing education, job training, development of responsible citizenship, and productive community involvement in the care and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.
- Assist qualified conservation corps to enhance and maintain public lands and waters by engaging youth in conserving or developing natural and cultural resources.
- Engage young people within the local area or within the states to provide opportunities to stimulate interest in conservation activities. Individual project awards will also identify outcomes specific to those particular projects.
Eligibility Criteria
- State governments.
- County governments.
- City or township governments.
- Special district governments.
- Independent school districts.
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments).
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Private institutions of higher education.
- Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.