Federal Natural Resources Grants

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to advise States, local units of government, and Indian Tribes of the potential availability of funds in their State for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to acquire and/or develop lands for public outdoor recreation purposes. The State and Local Assistance Program was created when the LWCF Act was enacted September 3, 1964. It helps fulfill the LWCF Acts purpose to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to present and future generations of U.S. citizens and visitors such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation in such recreation and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States. This is accomplished in part by authorizing and providing grants to States, and through States to local units of government and Indian tribes, for projects that acquire lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation spaces, as well as develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities. Outdoor recreation areas and facilities must be publicly owned as well as open to the general public and not limited to special groups. The LWCF State and Local Assistance program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated lead agencies in each of the 50 States plus American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each fiscal year Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is in turn allocated to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for the funding, States must have a current State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) in place that assesses demand and need for outdoor recreation resources and sets priorities for the use of LWCF funds. The process for applying for a grant begins at the State or Territory level. Entities interested in applying for an LWCF grant must contact their State lead agency to find out details about the availability of funds, timing of grant process, State program priorities, funding criteria, etc.The lead agency is responsible for soliciting project proposals from other State agencies, local units of government, and Indian Tribes and for conducting competitions to identify the projects that can best advance the goals or meet the needs identified in the States SCORP. The top ranked projects, within the funds available, are nominated to the NPS for consideration and final decision, as well as the actual award of a grant. Prospective applicants should be able to specifically describe how their project would address priority outdoor recreation needs and goals as identified in the States SCORP.

Recreational boating is a popular activity; there are approximately 11 million registered motorized recreational vessels in the United States. Of this total, an estimated 596,000 are at least 26 feet long. The Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-178) established the Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG) Program (16 U.S.C. 777g-1) to provide funding to the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (States) for the construction, renovation and maintenance of boating infrastructure facilities for transient recreational vessels at least 26 feet long that are operated, leased, rented, or chartered primarily for pleasure. The Act amended the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777). Subsequent reauthorizations of the Act allow expenditures from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and the continuation of the BIG Program. Boating infrastructure means the structures, equipment, accessories, and services that are necessary or desirable for a facility to accommodate eligible vessels. Transient vessels are those passing through or by a place, staying up to 15 days. Projects completed using BIG funds must provide public access, but may be publicly or privately owned. This package is the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 BIG Tier 1 grants.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and school districts for ecological restoration projects and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing native landscapes and wildlife habitats in the Willamette Valley.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects for at-risk species in the U.S. by providing financial assistance to a diverse range of applicants, including nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities, to implement proactive measures that prevent species from needing federal protection.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, educational institutions, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in Colorado for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks and enhancing community resilience against wildfires.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in creating inclusive outdoor recreation programs that engage underrepresented communities and promote equitable access to national forests and grasslands.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, county, and tribal governments in Alaska for projects that restore ecosystems, manage wildfire risks, and improve water resources on federal and non-federal lands.

This funding opportunity is designated for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to improve fish habitats in Salmon Creek, Pennsylvania, through a collaborative project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Application website will be open starting August 1, 2024 Award amount is based on availability of funding. Award amount is not to exceed $300,000. Award will be based on the merit of the proposal. Proposals are due September 13, 2024. Project is to be completed by January 30, 2026 Application Website: https://nucfac-ten-year-action-plan-grant.urbanandcommunityforests.org Link to RFP: https://nucfac.org/forms/Final%20%20NUCFAC%20RFP%206_17_2024%20ADA%20V05_.pdf Congress established the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council) to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to the nations urban and community forests and related natural resources. The Council is charged by law (P.L. 95-313 Section 9 as amended through PL 110-246, [16 U.S.C. 2105](g)(1)(A)) with developing a ten-year action plan; providing annual accomplishments for the action plan and assisting the U.S. Forest Service in establishing categories and recommendations for award to the agencys competitive National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program . The current National Urban and Community Forestry Ten-year Action plan (Action Plan) will expire at the end of 2026. To prepare for the next ten-year action plan, the Forest Service is requesting proposals from qualified organizations/entities to coordinate, facilitate and manage a collaborative and comprehensive process for the development of the next ten-year Action Plan. PROPOSAL REQUEST: Coordinate, facilitate, and manage a collaborative and comprehensive process for the development of the next National Urban and Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan (2027-2037). This includes publishing and rollout assistance. The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Councils authorizing legislation requires the Council to prepare a National Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan every ten years. The current Action Plan, 2016-2026, is to be updated by January 30, 2026, for the Council to meet its mandate. The Forest Service is seeking proposals from qualified organizations/entities to conduct a current assessment, and review and identify emerging issues of the nations urban forest resources and the urban and community forestry programs and activities conducted by Federal and State agencies, nonprofit organizations, community and civic organizations and other interested parties across the country. Funds are to support the development of a National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Councils Ten-Year Action Plan, 2027-2037 as mandated by Congress. The award will be based on the availability of funding, which may be subject to change. The maximum award amount may not to exceed $300,000. Proposals will be expected to address the following key elements, through implementation of the scope and criteria below. This will also include incorporating the Councils comments and recommendations. Key Elements: 1) Work with the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council and the Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry staff throughout the process for input and guidance. 2) Assess the current Action Plans accomplishments, gaps, and items to carry over into the next Action Plan. 3) Summarize the status of urban forest resources in the United States. This is to include the human dimension of urban forestry as well as the urban natural resources. 4) A review of urban and community forestry related programs and activities in the United States, including education and technical assistance activities conducted by: - the Department of Agriculture, and other Federal agencies, - the State forestry organizations, - private industry, - nonprofit organizations, community and civic organizations - Indian Nation and Indigenous communities, and - interested others. 5) Facilitate and integrate applicable public engagement recommendations for improving the status of the Nations urban and community forest resources, including education and technical assistance and modifications required in existing programs and policies of relevant Federal agencies. 6) A review of the urban and community forestry research, documents including-- a) a review of all past five years of research and ongoing research associated with urban and community forests, arboricultural practices, urban forest management, work with disadvantaged communities, and the economic, social, and psychological benefits of trees and forest cover in urban and community environments being conducted by the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities. b) recommendations for new and expanded research efforts directed to and by the Forest Service Research, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities; around urban and community forestry concerns identified by this Action Plan; and c) a summary of research priorities and an estimate of the funds needed to implement such research, on an annual basis, by the Forest Service Research, other Federal agencies, and associated land grant colleges and universities; for the next ten years. 7) An estimate of the financial and technical resources needed to implement the National Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan and the Urban and Community Forestry Program for the succeeding 10 fiscal years.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state and local governments, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits to implement wildfire risk reduction projects and community fire preparedness initiatives across various regions, excluding Nevada and Wyoming.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to enhance communication and coordination between the EPA and federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages on air quality issues, helping them participate in regulatory activities and uphold their sovereignty.

The "F25AS00014 Sea Duck Joint Venture FY25 Competitive Grants" is a funding opportunity aimed at promoting the conservation of North American sea ducks by supporting scientific research and effective management strategies, with a focus on preventing further listings of sea duck species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and contributing to the understanding of sea duck populations and habitat needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the University of Alaska's Coastal Marine Institute to facilitate environmental research and resource management decision-making related to offshore energy and mineral resources in Alaska.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits to improve recreational access and services on public lands in Alaska, particularly for underserved communities and in alignment with climate resilience and environmental stewardship goals.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations with expertise in ecology and wading bird monitoring to support the conservation and restoration efforts of the Florida Everglades through systematic population and reproductive success assessments.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The purpose of this NFO is to encourage and promote conservation planning and conservation practice implementation in urban, suburban, and other small-scale type agricultural operations. Emphasis will be placed on projects that establish new demonstration community gardens, or enhance and expand existing community agriculture projects. Proposals should seek to: 1. Provide conservation learning experiences to urban, suburban, and Tribal communities. 2. Address concerns regarding food deserts. 3. Advance Tribal food sovereignty. 4. Achieve positive and measurable natural resources conservation outcomes. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 22, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 21, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 1, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. and Japanese organizations in creating innovative projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through public engagement in areas like security, democracy, and entrepreneurship.

Project Title: Natural Resource Vegetation Mapping for San Clemente Island A cooperative agreement is being offered ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the of the recipients CESU Master Agreement. Note the established CESU Program indirect rate is 17.5%. Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project. Approximately $380,759 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. NOTE: This project will be awarded under the authority of 16 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act: For projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management plans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for the conservation or management of fish or wildlife. Period of Performance. The base period of agreement will extend 24 months from date of award. There will be no follow-on periods. Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives NOTE: At this time, we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time. Submission of Your Statement of Interest1. Statements of Interest are due by 12:00 P.M., Central Time, on 20 July 2024.2. Submit your Statement of Interest via e-mail attachments or direct questions to:Sandy JustmanGrants SpecialistUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: sandra.justman@usace.army.milOffice: 817-886-1073Kathy S. MitchellProject ManagerUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.milOffice: 817-886-1709Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives: offer the most highly qualified Principal Investigator, have the most relevant experience and the highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives. Submitters whose statements are determined to best meet the program objectives will be invited to submit a full proposal.Please review the full announcement and details found on the Related Tab

This grant provides funding to state and territory Coastal Zone Management Programs for projects focused on restoring coastal habitats, planning and designing restoration efforts, and conserving coastal lands, with an emphasis on benefiting tribal, indigenous, and underserved communities.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has collaborated with Qualified Youth and Conservation Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish conservation projects for numerous years. This program’s projects provide employment for participants and opportunities to learn about and gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management while promoting long-term interest in public lands stewardship and the BLM. The BLM Youth Program assists the BLM with diversifying the workforce while exposing participants to complex cultural and natural resource issues. This program supports the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Public Law 117-58, Sec. 40804(b) Ecosystem Restoration and Section 40803 Wildfire Risk Reduction. This program supports projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Sections 50221 Resilience, 50222 Ecosystems Restoration and 50303 DOI. The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth and conservation corps 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.