The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon/Washington (OR/WA) Wildlife Program, funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), seeks to support wildlife habitat restoration, enhance climate resilience, and promote biodiversity conservation. The program provides $2,000,000 in total funding, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $1,500,000. Applications are due by March 14, 2025, and projects are expected to start by March 31, 2025, and conclude by March 30, 2030.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal entities, non-profits, educational institutions, and special district governments. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. Cost-sharing is not required. Applicants must register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov to submit their proposals.

The program supports various activities, including wildlife habitat restoration, wildlife population monitoring, research on climate impacts, and public education initiatives. Priority is given to projects addressing habitat connectivity, leveraging climate solutions, and collaborating with underserved communities. Projects should align with BLM’s mission, including support for Executive Orders on climate, equity, and public engagement.

Applications must include a detailed project narrative and budget narrative. The narrative should describe the project’s objectives, technical approach, public benefits, and compliance with environmental regulations. Applicants should include a monitoring plan to measure performance outcomes. Budget narratives must justify all costs, and indirect costs must adhere to federal guidelines.

Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated on merit, focusing on project alignment with wildlife management goals, technical soundness, public benefits, and applicant qualifications. Final awards may include risk-based conditions, depending on applicant reviews.

Recipients will enter into cooperative agreements with BLM, which will provide substantial involvement in project implementation. Reporting requirements include financial and performance updates. Projects involving infrastructure must comply with Buy America provisions. For additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact program leads or consult resources on Grants.gov.