The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming Aquatic Resource Management funding opportunity, under funding number L25AS00179, supports projects aimed at protecting and restoring riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources to ensure the long-term health of ecosystems. Administered through a cooperative agreement, this program is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) under relevant sections on ecosystem restoration, resilience, and Department of the Interior priorities. The program addresses issues such as habitat restoration, water availability, drought resilience, and combating invasive aquatic species. It also aligns with federal objectives to combat climate change, restore public land balance, advance environmental justice, and promote clean energy initiatives.

The program’s primary objectives include protecting and restoring riparian, wetland, and aquatic habitats; improving water quality and availability; supporting ecosystem structure and function; and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. It also focuses on inventorying and monitoring aquatic resources to inform management activities, supporting drought and climate change resilience, and increasing public knowledge and involvement, especially among rural, indigenous, and underserved communities. The program seeks projects that enhance ecosystem adaptability to wildfires, floods, and habitat fragmentation while preventing the spread of invasive species.

The total estimated funding available for this opportunity is $100,000, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $100,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, state and local governments (city, county, and special district), private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. Additionally, projects involving interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act are excluded from this program.

Applicants are required to submit proposals electronically by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 17, 2025. Applications will undergo review, rating, and ranking processes, with final award notifications following the evaluation. Proposals should address how they contribute to the program’s core functions, including habitat restoration, combating climate change, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and advancing inventory and monitoring tools.

Evaluation criteria for proposals include alignment with the program's objectives, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the potential to restore and protect aquatic resources on public lands. Proposals that foster collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local partners and those promoting outreach and education will be prioritized. Projects that engage underserved communities, including communities of color, low-income families, and rural populations, are also encouraged.

The program opening date is December 16, 2024, with the application closing date on February 17, 2025. Applications will be reviewed upon submission, and successful applicants will be notified after the evaluation process. The funding opportunity remains available for review and application until its archive date of December 31, 2025. For further details or application assistance, applicants can contact Leona B. Parker via email at lparker@blm.gov.