The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its Alaska Aquatic Resources Program, offering up to $500,000 to support projects that restore and manage aquatic ecosystems, particularly riparian and wetland areas. The program encourages applications from diverse entities, including state and local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofits, to address ecological challenges such as habitat degradation, water quality, and the impacts of climate change. There is no cost-sharing requirement, and applicants are urged to engage with BLM representatives before submission to ensure project alignment with federal priorities. Applications must be submitted by March 17, 2025, through Grants.gov, with details on eligibility, project goals, and administrative requirements provided extensively. Key evaluation criteria will include the public benefit of proposed projects, alignment with the Department of the Interior priorities, and the applicant’s qualifications. The BLM emphasizes the collaborative nature of the funding, wherein substantial involvement from the agency is expected throughout project execution, fostering resource-sharing and capacity-building endeavors.
The Aquatic Resource FOA for BLM Alaska outlines focal areas for research and management of aquatic resources, emphasizing decision support, conservation, restoration, sustainability, and collaboration. Key initiatives include improving inventory and monitoring of riparian and aquatic ecosystems, updating datasets like the Alaska Anadromous Waters Catalogue, and assessing fish habitat impacts from human activities. Conservation efforts focus on establishing temperature and water quality monitoring networks to ensure ecosystem integrity. Restoration projects aim to rehabilitate areas affected by invasive species, climate change, and resource development, while sustainability efforts seek to secure water availability for public land management. Collaboration with various stakeholders is vital for enhancing fish passage and community engagement in water quality monitoring. Additionally, the document prioritizes understanding climate change impacts on aquatic habitats, advancing monitoring tools, and evaluating ecological changes within BLM-managed lands. This comprehensive framework aligns with funding opportunities and grant applications aimed at maintaining the health of Alaska's vital aquatic resources, fostering sustainable management practices for the future.