AZ youth Project Yuma Field Office Recreation - Round 2 Due 10.16.2026.docx

STATE: Arizona Office: Yuma Field Office Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L26AS00064 Project Submission Dates and Times: Round 2 Due 5 pm EST 10/16/2026

Project Title: Arizona Yuma Field Office Recreation Improvement Youth Crew Opportunity Available Funding in FY26: $84,000 Maximum Funding (if multi-year): $400,000 Note: BLM has determined $800 weekly stipend equal to $20.00 per hour is reasonable. Stipends above this amount must justify in budget narrative increase needed.

Period of Performance: December 31, 2026-December 30, 2031 Project Background Information:

The Recreation Program at the Yuma Field Office manages an array of public lands across southwestern Arizona, including developed recreation sites, campgrounds, off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas, river corridors along the Lower Colorado River, trail systems, wildlife viewing areas, and popular dispersed recreation landscapes. These sites support millions of visitors each year and play a vital role in public enjoyment, environmental stewardship, resource protection, and community engagement. Maintaining safe, accessible, and sustainable recreation opportunities is essential to the BLM’s mission of managing public lands for multiple uses and long-term health.

Project Objective:

The objective of this project is to support the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of public lands and recreation resources managed by the BLM Yuma Field Office. By engaging youth in hands-on stewardship, this project improves the quality, safety, and accessibility of recreation opportunities for millions of annual visitors, ensuring that public lands remain healthy, welcoming, and sustainable for current and future generations. The project also advances national priorities related to expanding outdoor recreation access, strengthening public land management, and improving recreational infrastructure, all of which support local economies through recreation.

In alignment with EO 14313 and Secretary’s Orders 3435 and 3442, this project supports national priorities by enhancing outdoor recreation access and improving public land experiences across the BLM Yuma Field Office. Youth will assist with recreation maintenance and visitor support at key sites including Mittry Lake, Senator Wash/T.K. Jones Campground, Martinez Lake, among other Colorado River sites. This project also supports SO 3419 by creating employment opportunities and youth will develop transferable skills that strengthen their competitiveness in both the public and private sectors, preparing them for a wide range of career pathways in natural resource management, recreation, and related fields.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (Maxiflex Eligible)

Qualification Requirements: This project is suitable for youth interested in or has experience in outdoor recreation, natural resource management, and other related fields. Applicants must also meet the following criteria: Pass a DOI security background check.

Housing: None. Crews may be required to camp.

Vehicle Needs: Youth Corps will need to provide for all transportation of crews.

Other Project Considerations:

Food: All food and water will need to be supplied by Youth Corps.

All Supplies: The Youth Corps should supply all tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Youth Corps will also provide the tents and camping supplies. Crews must be prepared with proper attire for field work in varying weather conditions.

Training Requirements: Chainsaw training maybe be required for some projects with training to be provided by the Youth Corps. First aid training should be provided by the Youth Corps. Some project specific training will be provided by the BLM such as rare plant/noxious weed identification or specific restoration methods when necessary.

BLM can provide GPS units, radios, hand tools, chainsaws (as appropriate), safety equipment, maps, and on-site project briefings, and vehicles, if available.

Duties:

This project will address priority maintenance, safety, and visitor service needs across several high-use YFO recreation sites along the Lower Colorado River, including Mittry Lake, Senator Wash/T.K. Jones Campground, Martinez Lake, Imperial Dam and La Posa LTVAs, Fortuna Pond, Oxbow, and dispersed river corridor sites.

The crews will conduct routine inspections at restrooms, boat launches, campgrounds, trailheads, and developed sites; install or replace 20–35 signs across 25–40 miles of roads and trails; complete litter cleanup along 15–25 miles of access routes and 10–15 recreation sites; perform minor repairs at 5–10 locations; trim vegetation along 12–20 miles of roadway and trail edges; monitor and report vandalism, erosion, hazards, and visitor impacts; and participate in habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and cleanup events.

BLM personnel will provide ongoing oversight, mentorship, and technical guidance to carry out this project.

BLM’s Involvement:

The BLM Yuma Field Office Recreation Program will be substantially involved in all phases of this youth crew project to ensure the project aligns with agency priorities, safety standards, and resource management objectives. BLM staff will provide direct oversight, technical guidance, and structured training to support the youth crew’s development and ensure high-quality work outcomes. Substantial involvement will include project planning, safety oversight and training, mentoring, resource protection, and government- furnished equipment and supplies.

BLM Program Contact:

Field PO Email: ahancarlin@blm.gov

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L26AS00064 posted on Grants.gov for all program requirements and applicable terms and conditions. Recipients selected for awards will be required to adhere to those requirements should an award be made.

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