Description
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado's 8.3 million acres of public lands, along with 27 million acres of mineral estate, are concentrated primarily in the western portion of the State. The lands range from alpine tundra, colorful canyons, and mesas in the southwest, to rolling sage-covered hills in the northwest. These public lands play a vital role in providing open space and contribute to Colorado's quality of life. The public lands and resources administered by the BLM are among Colorado's greatest assets, benefitting local communities and our nation. Every year, BLM-managed public lands support thousands of jobs in Colorado and draw millions of visitors. Colorado's public lands support diverse lifestyles and livelihoods on healthy and working landscapes in Colorado's backyard. BLM Colorado's National Conservation Lands encompass approximately one million acres, or one-eighth of all BLM land in the state.BLM-managed lands are vital to thousands of mammal, reptile, avian, and amphibian species. Managing more wildlife habitats than any other federal agency, the BLM's wildlife program helps ensure self-sustaining populations and a natural abundance and diversity of wildlife on public lands. Overall, BLM manages habitats for more than 3,000 species of wildlife dispersed over some of the nation's most ecologically diverse and unique habitats. In order to provide for the long-term protection of wildlife resources, the BLM supports numerous habitat conservation and enhancement activities, many funded through partnerships with federal, state, and nongovernmental organizations. Wildlife-related activities on BLM-managed lands, such as hunting or bird-watching, contribute hundreds of millions of dollars each year in economic benefits to local communities. In particular, the cornerstone of the BLM's wildlife program is the strength of partnerships with national, regional, and local organizations that share our goals of providing sustainable recreation opportunities and economic benefits to communities. In fact, recreation-related activities contribute more than $543 million to Colorado's economy and supports more than 4,625 jobs. To ensure stewardship efforts and bolster the recreational values of public lands, the BLM supports numerous wildlife habitat improvements and restoration activities.To promote the expansion of recreational, hunting, and wildlife conservation opportunities and to strengthen partnerships with a variety of organizations, the BLM is seeking a cooperator/partner to assist with identifying and monitoring native bird species and habitats on public lands in Colorado. Monitoring in conjunction with partners provides crucial information on species distribution, abundance, and population trends to improve the public's understanding of management impacts to bird habitat and populations. Monitoring identifies needs for habitat improvements, and opportunities to continue to conserve and support native bird species, including special status, game, and migratory bird populations. In addition, these activities leverage resources by local, state and national organizations that promote shared conservation and improve access to public lands.This FOA is being released prior to the passage of a Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2018 by Congress. Enactment of additional Continuing Resolutions or an Appropriations Act may affect the availability and/or level of funding for this program. To download the full announcement, instructions, and application package, please visit www.grants.gov and enter in the Funding Opportunity Number of L18AS00004.