The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Department of the Interior has announced the funding opportunity L25AS00178, titled “FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Wyoming Threatened and Endangered Species Program.” This opportunity aims to protect biodiversity, slow species extinction, and improve resilience to climate change while supporting local communities, consistent with broader federal priorities like the **Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The funding will support projects aimed at conserving federally-listed species, Bureau-sensitive species, and rare wildlife and plants in Wyoming.

The primary objectives of this program include supporting **on-the-ground conservation efforts** and proactive management strategies to recover endangered species and their habitats. Projects may involve **targeted inventory and monitoring**, habitat restoration, genetic research, species translocations, seed collection, and propagation. Efforts should align with the **Endangered Species Act (ESA)**, specifically Sections **7(a)(1)** and **7(a)(2)**, ensuring compliance and advancing conservation outcomes. The program also seeks to increase public awareness of rare species through outreach, education, and targeted communications, particularly with underrepresented groups, including **communities of color, low-income families, rural communities, and indigenous populations**.

The total program funding is **$100,000**, with individual awards ranging from **$5,000 to $100,000**. There is **no cost-sharing or matching requirement** for applicants. Eligible entities include **state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, public and private higher education institutions, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations**. Individuals and for-profit entities are **ineligible** to apply for this funding.

Applications will be accepted starting **December 16, 2024**, and must be submitted **electronically by February 17, 2025, no later than 5:00 p.m. ET**. Submissions will undergo review, ranking, and final selection. Successful proposals are expected to align with BLM Wyoming’s strategic goals of protecting species, enhancing habitat conservation, and improving public knowledge of threatened and endangered species.

Applicants working through Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs) must specify their network affiliation, as indirect costs for CESU partners are capped at **17.5%** under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement.

For additional details, applicants may contact **Leona B. Parker** at **lparker@blm.gov**. Interested organizations should ensure their projects align with BLM’s conservation objectives and prioritize collaboration, species recovery, and public education to maximize impact under this funding opportunity.