Summary:

The purpose of this program is to improve the availability and use of locally adapted and genetically appropriate native seed for restoration. This program is intended to increase the quantity, diversity, and effectiveness of native forbs and grasses for restoration of wildlife habitats and rehabilitation after wildfires. The strategic goals of this program include:

• Implementing the National Native Seed Strategy
• Developing genetically appropriate native plant material/seed for use in habitat restoration
• Implementing and assessing seed-based restoration techniques/efforts
• Collaborating with farmers and conservationists to increase BLM stock and foundation seed amounts to use on larger seed increase IDIQ contracts so that commercial availability of genetically diverse and locally sourced seed for restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation projects is increased at a landscape scale
• Supporting source-identified seed certification programs via partnerships with state seed-certifying agencies
• Inventorying, monitoring, and restoring rare plant species and their associated communities, including the development of conservation strategies/plans that include best management practices and reporting on the condition and trend of rare plant species and their habitat
• Increasing and improving pollinator habitat
• Expanding public education programs and outreach
• Database creation, and management and analysis, including geospatial, collaborative web service or support and training

This program is also intended to advance the Department of the Interior's priorities to address the climate crisis, restore balance on public lands and waters, advance environmental justice, and invest in a clean energy future. For FY 2024, this program is also focusing to support work in areas to facilitate meeting the priorities in implementing the funding agency's National Seed Strategy, as detailed online at www.blm.gov/programs. Specific areas of emphasis under this program to implement the funding agency's priorities include supporting actions that:

• Protect biodiversity
• Increase resilience to climate change and help leverage natural climate solutions
• Contribute to conserving at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030
• Engage communities of color, low-income families, and rural and Indigenous communities to enhance economic opportunities related to native seed production and restoration
• Use the best science and data available to make decisions

This program has an opportunity to work with partner organizations to assist with:

• Supporting habitat management efforts to restore habitat for keystone wildlife and pollinators, and increase on-the-ground project work to reduce the threats to sage grouse, rare plants, and other sensitive species in high-priority habitats
• Work with growers to continue to develop genetically appropriate native plant material for use in habitat restoration and rehabilitation
• Support studies to improve the effectiveness of conservation restoration efforts
• Support pollinator studies and projects that increase the knowledge and nexus to the importance of native plant communities and pollinators to restoration durability and ecological function
• Implement conservation actions for high-priority rare plant species
• Increase understanding of rare plant biology and threats
• Monitor, protect, and restore habitat that supports more than 1,800 rare plant species, more than 300 of which are found exclusively on BLM lands
• Assist BLM programs in restoring public lands and integrating more widespread use of native plant materials
• Expand public education programs and outreach on native plants and native plant communities

Projects must assist BLM in meeting one or more of the funding agency's priorities, which can be found online at www.doi.gov/ourpriorities, as well as one of the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration listed on page 5 of the NOFA file. Projects must also state a benefit to the public.

Eligibility is limited to projects that take place in BLM Restoration Landscape areas, which include select areas in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Refer to the Eligibility section for details.

Last Updated: August 26, 2024