BLM (NV) Range Management Project -- Using Plant Genetics to Improve Range Restoration | L18AS00069

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BLM (NV) Range Management Project - Using Plant Genetics to Improve Range Restoration?

It is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), focused on improving how rangelands in Nevada are restored after disturbance by combining modern plant genetics tools with field experimentation.

What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The main goal is to improve rangeland restoration outcomes by using genetics-informed decision-making to help land managers choose seed sources and restoration treatments that are more likely to succeed the first time, reducing the need for repeated and costly re-seeding or retreatment.

What kinds of rangeland problems is this project trying to address?

The project is aimed at restoration on lands damaged or stressed by factors such as wildfire, grazing pressure, invasive species, and drought, especially where disturbance can happen repeatedly and climate conditions may be shifting.

What is the core approach described for the project?

The approach combines next generation genetic sequencing and molecular analysis with common garden experiments to better understand how plant populations differ across landscapes and which seed sources perform best under specific conditions.

What are "next generation genetic sequencing" and "molecular analysis" used for in this project?

These tools are used to identify genetic differences among plant populations, understand relationships across landscapes, and evaluate whether certain seed sources may be better matched to particular environmental conditions relevant to restoration success.

What is a "common garden experiment" in the context of this opportunity?

A common garden experiment is a controlled study where plants from different seed sources are grown under the same conditions. This helps distinguish genetic adaptation from environmental effects and produces clearer evidence about local adaptation and performance.

What does the opportunity mean by "local seed adaptation"?

Local seed adaptation refers to determining when seed collected from local areas is necessary for successful restoration and when non-local seed sources that are well-matched to the environment might work as well or better.

Why is guidance on local versus non-local seed sources important for restoration?

Because using seed that is poorly adapted to a site can lead to weak establishment, higher mortality, and failed revegetation. Better guidance can improve success rates and reduce the need to repeatedly restore the same areas.

How is this project expected to reduce restoration costs?

By identifying seed types and restoration treatments that are more likely to establish and persist, the project is intended to reduce repeat restoration attempts and make limited restoration dollars go further.

What type of funding instrument is being used for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which indicates the BLM expects active collaboration with the selected partner organization rather than simply providing funding without agency involvement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

It means the project is designed to be carried out cooperatively with BLM, with active participation and collaboration from the agency during the work, rather than a more hands-off award structure.

Which agency and department are offering this grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with a Nevada (NV) range management focus.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is L18AS00069.

What CFDA number and category are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under Natural Resources with CFDA 15.237.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $70,000.

How many awards was BLM expecting to make?

BLM was expecting to make one award.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning it was open to any applicant type, provided they met any additional eligibility clarifications included in the full funding notice.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on July 16, 2018, and had an original closing date of August 16, 2018.

What types of outcomes is BLM looking for from this project?

Intended outcomes include stronger scientific understanding of rangeland ecology and improved, evidence-based guidance on seed selection and restoration treatments that increase establishment, persistence, and long-term rangeland resilience.

How does this opportunity shift restoration practice compared to traditional approaches?

It emphasizes using genomic data and controlled experiments to support seed and treatment decisions, rather than relying primarily on past practice or trial-and-error seeding.

Is the project focused on a particular geographic area?

Yes. The project is framed around rangelands in Nevada (NV).

What kinds of pressures are restoration strategies expected to handle under this project?

The project description highlights real-world pressures such as fire, invasive plants, grazing, and drought, including landscapes experiencing repeated disturbance and changing climate conditions.

What is the practical decision-making question this project is trying to answer for land managers?

A central question is which seeds to use and which restoration treatments are most likely to succeed on the first attempt, especially under site-specific environmental conditions.