The ACE program will connect youth from diverse backgrounds to natural resources on public lands through the riparian wetland data collection project, providing natural resource-based employment,…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under the Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands program (CFDA 15.243), provides $320,278.04 to engage youth from diverse backgrounds in natural resource management activities on public lands in New Mexico. The award was made on September 9, 2024 and has an ultimate completion date of July 27, 2027.

The primary products and services to be delivered under this grant include:

• Recruiting and supporting 48-51 week internships for youth to work with BLM staff in New Mexico to collect riparian and wetland data on BLM-managed lands, according to BLM's Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) protocols.
• Providing natural resource-based employment, educational opportunities, and professional development to help launch careers in natural resource management.

The grant is awarded to American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit organization that specializes in delivering youth conservation corps services to federal agencies. ACE will work with BLM staff to ensure efficient and high-quality data collection as part of this riparian and wetland monitoring project.

The ACE program will connect youth from diverse backgrounds to natural resources on public lands through the riparian wetland data collection project, providing natural resource-based employment, educational opportunities and professional development. The program strives to connect youth with basic skills to launch their careers in natural resources. ACE members will serve with BLM aim monitoring staff in new mexico to collect riparian and wetland data on BLM managed land across the state, according to BLM aim protocols. They will work with project lead and state office contacts to ensure data collection efficiency and quality. This agreement is to recruit interns for 48-51 week internships to support riparian and wetland monitoring