The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is now accepting proposals for its National Conservation Lands – Management Studies Support Program (NCL-BLM). This program funds research that supports the long-term stewardship of BLM’s National Conservation Lands by improving our understanding of these areas’ natural and cultural resources and the effectiveness of current management strategies. The program encourages partnerships with universities, tribes, non-profits, and local or state agencies to co-develop and conduct management-focused studies. Funded projects will help inform BLM decisions, support tribal co-stewardship, and promote citizen science initiatives.
Program Goals:
- Management-Driven Research: Applied research that addresses urgent and relevant land management questions on BLM’s National Conservation Lands.
- Community/Citizen Science: Projects that involve the public in data collection, analysis, or synthesis to support evidence-informed decision-making.
- Tribal Co-Stewardship: Studies that evaluate or advance shared stewardship with Tribal entities, including integration of Indigenous Knowledge.
Supported Areas of Research:
- Assessment of ecosystem services or resource values
- Effectiveness of conservation practices
- Cultural or tribal resource integration
- Adaptive management strategies
The National Conservation Lands include the following unit designations:
- National Monuments
- National Conservation Areas
- Wilderness
- Wilderness Study Areas
- National Wild and Scenic Rivers
- National Scenic and Historic Trails
- California Desert National Conservation Lands
- Other similar Congressional designations such as Outstanding Natural Areas, National Scenic Ares, and Cooperative Management Areas.
BLM National Conservation Lands Map: https://www.blm.gov/national-office/public-room/map/blm-national-conservation-lands-map
Key Details
Award Range: Up to $45,000 per project
Matching Funds: Not required
Performance Period: 60 months
Proposal Deadline: July 11, 2025, by 2:00 PM PT (due date revised per funding announcement modification)
More Information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359680