The bipartisan infrastructure law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment that helps local, state, and tribal communities tackle the climate crisis and environmental restoration needs while…

This Cooperative Agreement award, with a total funding of $717,512, was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife (CFDA 15.631) federal grant program. The award supports a collaborative effort between the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and federal, state, and private partners to conserve the sagebrush ecosystem in Nevada. Key activities to be delivered under this agreement include:

• Protecting sagebrush habitats from the spread of invasive annual grasses and destructive wildfires
• Removing encroaching conifers from sagebrush habitat to benefit migratory birds and other native wildlife
• Restoring and protecting wetland, mesic, and spring habitats to mitigate the effects of grazing impacts by wild horses and conifer encroachment

This 5-year project, which commenced on April 1, 2025, leverages leading-edge science and a strategic habitat conservation approach to address the most pressing threats to the sagebrush ecosystem, especially in the face of a changing climate. NDOW, as the primary awardee, may provide sub-awards to support research and conservation activities by partners such as the University of Nevada, Reno.

The bipartisan infrastructure law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment that helps local, state, and tribal communities tackle the climate crisis and environmental restoration needs while advancing environmental justice, creating jobs, and boosting local economies. By funding efforts to address intensifying drought, wildfires, flooding, and legacy pollution, the law is the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in american history. This project builds on an existing collaborative effort by the service, nevada department of wildlife, and our public and private partners to conserve the sagebrush ecosystem and conserve the significant biological, cultural, and economic resources IT supports. We are using leading-edge science and a strategic habitat conservation approach to identify the most pressing threats to a sustainable sagebrush ecosystem and invest in tangible, measurable actions to address those threats in the face of a changing climate. Projects completed under this agreement will: protect sagebrush habitats against the spread of invasive annual grasses and destructive wildfire. Remove encroaching conifers from sagebrush habitat for the benefit of migratory birds and other native wildlife species. Restore and protect wetland, mesic, and spring habitats to combat the effects from grazing impacts by wild horses and conifer encroachment.