BLM-AZ Bald Eagles Conservation | L18AS00031

FAQs: BLM-AZ Bald Eagles Conservation Grant (Funding Opportunity Number L18AS00031)

What is the BLM-AZ Bald Eagles Conservation grant opportunity?

It is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of the Interior focused on keeping Arizona bald eagles thriving through hands-on, science-based management.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The purpose is to support ongoing actions that improve bald eagle population stability and nesting success in Arizona by reducing avoidable disturbance to breeding birds and using monitoring and best available science to guide management decisions.

Why is continued management needed if bald eagles are considered a conservation success?

The opportunity description notes that bald eagles in the Southwest represent a major conservation success, but maintaining that success depends on continued monitoring and practical, on-the-ground actions that protect breeding eagles from avoidable disturbances.

What kinds of conservation approach does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes hands-on management, science-based decision-making, and adaptive management, meaning protections are adjusted based on current monitoring results and conditions each season rather than relying on static rules.

What does "adaptive management" mean in this grant description?

Adaptive management refers to using current monitoring results and the best available science to decide when and where seasonal closures or other protective measures are needed around nest sites, and to continuously evaluate and re-evaluate practices as new information becomes available.

How does the opportunity address recreation and public use on BLM-managed lands?

A central theme is balancing wildlife needs with public use, especially recreational activities that can unintentionally disrupt nesting eagles. The project aims to reduce disturbance while also limiting unnecessary restrictions on recreation users by tailoring protections to real seasonal conditions.

What types of on-the-ground protective measures are mentioned?

The description specifically references local seasonal closures and other protective measures around nest sites, as well as protective buffers or closures during critical breeding periods.

What is the Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program and how does it fit into this grant?

The Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program is highlighted as a key component with a track record of reducing conflicts between people and eagles and improving nesting outcomes. Nest watch efforts typically involve monitoring nest areas, documenting behavior and nesting status, and helping implement or reinforce protective measures during sensitive breeding periods.

Why is monitoring around nests so important?

The description notes that breeding bald eagles are particularly sensitive to human disturbance. Monitoring helps inform when protections are needed to reduce disturbances that could negatively affect nesting success.

What is the overall conservation goal for Arizona bald eagles?

The stated goal is preventative: maintain strong reproductive success and population health so Arizona bald eagles remain secure and do not face a renewed risk of being federally listed as threatened or endangered.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

The opportunity is offered through a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

In this opportunity, a cooperative agreement indicates that BLM expects to be substantially involved in the project implementation or coordination, rather than issuing a hands-off award.

Is this a discretionary or mandatory funding opportunity?

It is described as a discretionary funding opportunity.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.247.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning any entity type may apply as long as it meets any requirements described in the full opportunity text.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $45,000.

How many awards was BLM expecting to make?

The opportunity indicates BLM anticipated making one award.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is L18AS00031.

When was the opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on July 13, 2018, and had an original closing date of August 14, 2018.

What is the geographic focus of the project?

The opportunity focuses on Arizona bald eagles and management actions on BLM-managed lands in Arizona where recreation and other public uses may intersect with nesting areas.

What problem is the grant trying to prevent?

It aims to prevent avoidable disturbance to breeding eagles that could reduce nest success, undermine population stability, and increase the risk of renewed federal listing concerns.

How does the opportunity try to avoid unnecessary restrictions on the public?

By relying on monitoring and current conditions each season to decide whether closures or buffers are needed, the approach seeks to apply targeted protections only where and when they are justified.