The Bureau of Land Management Headquarters Aquatic Resources Program has announced funding opportunity L25AS00169 to support aquatic resource management projects for fiscal year 2025. The program aims to protect and restore riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources on public lands. It focuses on achieving functioning ecosystems for balanced uses, including fish and wildlife habitat, while addressing long-term watershed health. This funding opportunity is made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which prioritize ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and environmental justice.

The program’s goals include ensuring water availability, restoring degraded water resources and aquatic habitats, advancing decision support tools for resource management, and increasing public knowledge of aquatic ecosystems. Proposed projects must align with the program’s core functions, including water quality protection, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and fostering ecosystem resilience to drought, wildfires, and floods. Special attention will be given to projects that engage underserved communities, such as low-income, rural, and indigenous populations, and that address climate-related challenges through adaptive restoration strategies.

The Bureau of Land Management expects to make four awards under this funding opportunity, with a total program funding of five hundred thousand dollars. Individual awards will range from fifty thousand dollars to a maximum of five hundred thousand dollars. There is no cost-sharing requirement. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must submit their proposals through Grants.gov by February 14, 2025. The application package must include standard federal forms, a project narrative, and a detailed budget narrative. The project narrative, limited to fifteen pages, must address the statement of need, goals and objectives, public benefits, technical approach, milestones, environmental compliance, stakeholder involvement, and project monitoring and evaluation plans. Proposals must also provide information on key personnel qualifications, past performance on similar projects, and additional supporting documentation as required.

Applications will be evaluated through a merit review process based on technical approach, applicant qualifications, public benefit, and alignment with program goals and Department of the Interior priorities. The strongest proposals will demonstrate clear project goals, achievable milestones, robust evaluation plans, and effective stakeholder collaboration. Projects that leverage partnerships and shared resources will be prioritized in cases of equivalent merit. The Bureau of Land Management will also conduct a risk review to assess financial and administrative capacity before finalizing awards.

Successful applicants will receive a notice of award outlining the terms and conditions of funding, including reporting requirements. Recipients must comply with federal regulations, including Buy America provisions for infrastructure projects. Projects are expected to start on July 1, 2025, and must be completed by September 30, 2030. Reporting requirements will include regular program performance updates, financial reports, and any disclosures related to conflicts of interest or federal compliance issues. For questions regarding eligibility, project scope, or application requirements, applicants are encouraged to contact Paula Cutillo, National Aquatics Resource Management Lead, at pcutillo@blm.gov.