BLM National Operations Center Freshwater Assessment and Monitoring Assistance

Description

Background: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees nearly 155,000 miles of perennial lotic systems and more than 20,000 sq. mi of wetlands located primarily throughout 12 Western States, including Alaska. Under the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA), the BLM is to manage these and other natural resources for multiple use and sustained yield. For example, BLM aquatic resources are critical to western communities for drinking water, dependable water supplies for irrigated agriculture and domestic livestock, countless recreational opportunities, and power production to ensure American energy independence. Collectively, aquatic resources help drive the economic vitality and maintenance of working western landscapes. Consequently, knowing the conditions and trends of aquatic systems is critical to achieving the BLM mission, which is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. As land stewards, the BLM is working to manage the sustainability of aquatic resources for present and future generations. This stewardship requires partnerships to streamline the Bureau's processes and effectively serve the American public. In particular, priorities for partnerships include streamlining of aquatic inventory and assessment activities, prioritizing stream, riparian and watershed restoration and/or reclamation activities, aquatic invasive species detection and prevention, and assessments of the effectiveness of restoration or reclamation actions to inform adaptive management. Objectives: BLM has an opportunity to work with a partner organization to improve the health and productivity of public lands, while furthering facilitating energy development, recreation opportunities to the public, and cattle grazing among other permitted uses. All awards under this funding opportunity must benefit the general public: BLM lands provide valuable goods and materials the American public rely on for energy production, food supply, and recreational family opportunities. The sustainability of these goods and services for present and future generations depends on maintaining clean dependable water supplies, the prevention of invasive species, habitat restoration and improved land-use planning achieved through building partnerships with states and local communities. Outcomes from this partnership will help the BLM and other federal agencies make land management decisions that balance development and resource extraction with sustainable aquatic ecosystems critical to wildlife in the arid west.This partnership results in the hiring of 30 to 50 youth per year; providing on the ground experience, training, and professional development to our countries future land stewards. Lastly, the partnership seeks to serve the American public through more efficient natural resource management. The recipient is expected to have experience or actively be working with federal and state agencies to identify and implement efficiencies in environmental monitoring and permitting.

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