BLM ID CFO Announcement for Youth Projects.doc

Office: Challis Field Office Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L22AS00174 Project Submission Dates and Times: April 5, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. ET

Project Title: Challis Public Land Youth Conservation Project Initiative Maximum Available Funding in FY22: *See below for individual project estimates BLM has determined $600 weekly stipend equal to $15.00 per hour is a reasonable. Stipends above this amount must be justified in the budget narrative.

BLM has determined this cost in order to meet the goals and objectives outlined below for multiple conservation projects with direct and indirect benefits to Endangered and Threatened Species and to benefit the natural resources within the Challis Field Office. The cost would cover labor for youth to be successful in completion of projects that make a difference on the landscape. The cost for these projects may be supplemented with nonfederal sources to assist in services, materials, equipment and any combination of the foregoing.

Project Background Information: Challis Field Office administers public land located in the heart of Idaho, it consists of 792,000 acres of public land divided by the Salmon river that spawns world class opportunities including: nature/wildlife viewing, wilderness solitude, camping, hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking, rock hounding and offroad vehicle exploration. Surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48 with some of the most breathtaking scenery Idaho has to offer. The efforts put through this opportunity are more valuable by investing in youth that will gain interest in public land management.

Project Objective: BLM, Challis Field Office, Idaho has an opportunity to introduce and educate youth in careers that form the foundation for BLM. The resource area staff are constantly looking for ways to connect the next generation that will be the stewards in the management of multiple uses that continue the sustained use of public land. This agreement will provide work experience to youth for their career and educational benefit. This will be accomplished by providing them opportunities to gain new experiences, learn about public lands, further their understanding and appreciation of the natural resources that have issues arise from multiple uses. From this, they will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our public lands and of the value of public service, and are likely to become life-long advocates for those values. This opportunity will be focused on project creation, maintenance, and monitoring of resources. The projects involved with this agreement will provide opportunities to enhance career skills in natural resource management.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, generally 8 AM to 5PM, for 8-12 weeks, with flexable start/end dates in April-June/August-October. Weekends might be required, but would be a rare occurance.

Qualification Requirements: This opportunity is suitable for youth working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in natural resources. As stated in the duties this opportunity will require time outdoors and field work that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must also meet the following criteria: 1). Pass a DOI security background check.

Housing: Agency cannot provide housing but may be able to assist in locating appropriate clean housing.

Vehicle Needs: Applicants will need to provide a four wheel drive vehicle to access the remote work site locations but may be able to ride along some days in a government vehicle.

Other Project Considerations:

Food: Will be the responsibility of the applicants.

Supplies: BLM will provide the necessary tools and equipment for the duties and tasks assigned.

Training Requirements: BLM will provide training for specific duties or tasks as assigned and will be mentored by a qualified staff.

Travel: Not necessary to complete projects.

Duties: The successful applicant will assist the resource staff in completing work within the disciplines of rangeland management, biology, fisheries, fuels/forestry, recreation, horse and burro managment and maintenance of facilities. Numerous projects exist for field work with minor office work. Field work includes habitat restoration including beaver dam analogs, sage grouse research, building and constructing riparian exclosures, wildlife surveys, collection of fuels and weeds data, and fulfill priority goals for resources at management discretion. Office duties will largely consist of some limited data entry, report writing, and development of education materials to aid in the betterment of agreement outcomes.

The participants will work out of the Challis Field Office. The projects will be directed by the Assistant Field Managers setting priorities for the field season. Fieldwork will be done in a remote backcountry setting and requires strenuous exertion. Weather and terrain conditions may be extreme (e.g. heat, cold, thunderstorms, steep badlands).

Project expected outcomes will target 5 PE targets for 3 resources annually.

Challis Field Office:

Challis Field Office Public Outreach Through Interpretation, Environmental Education Program/Event. Applicants through this program will assist staff in building an outreach event during the summer. The goal would be to provide an event that brings community members together to support this agreement and request public comments for future projects.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $20,000 Range Projects Challis Field Office Maintain Lake/Wetland/Stream/Riparian Projects. These exclosures protect T/E riparian areas that require maintenance. Approximate work would be calculated by mile. Goal would include 1-2 miles annually. Specific projects include: Exclosures protecting the Pahsimeroi River, East Fork of the Salmon River, and the Salmon River.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $5,000 Challis Field Office Apply Weed Treatments (Acres) 50. Controlling the spread of noxious weeds in the Challis resource area is a high priority to keep productive rangelands that are mostly weed free from proactive management. The goals from this target will include areas of high user locations; along the salmon river recreation sites, near adjacent private properties to public land, and along roadways that have the potential to spread.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $10,000 Recreation Projects Challis Field Office Annual Trail Maintenance (Miles)1-2. Maintenance of the mountain bike and walking trails adjacent to Challis, repair and building of crossings and corners that receive runoff flow that create user hazards require maintenance to keep trail users safe.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $5,000 Challis Field Office Site Non-Building Annual Maintenance (Number of Sites) 5. Work accomplished at recreation sites will assist the office in meeting user expectations. Cottonwood, Joe T Fallini, East Fork, Garden Creek, and Bayhorse Campgrounds are all in need of maintenance needs.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $5,000 Wildlife Projects Challis Field Office Monitor Species Populations (Number) 5-6. The monitoring accomplished through this target will focus on improving and expanding data for species in the Challis Field Office. Intended species would include; BLM sensitive species, sage grouse, pygmy rabbits, yellow-billed cuckoo, wolverine and lynx habitats.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $25,000 Fuels Projects Challis Field Office Monitor Fuels Treatment (Acres) 300. With the implementation of the 2018 Vegetation Restoration EA the monitoring for treatment success will be necessary to continue efforts in improving the sage brush steppe ecosystem.

FY22 Estimated Funding: $20,000 BLM’s Involvement: There will be substantial BLM involvement by BLM professionals that will work daily side by side with recipients on all projects and also be providing project orientation and hands-on training. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan, if project is not staying on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. In addition, BLM and recipient will meet weekly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review any training needs; and then make a decision what direction to take in finalizing project or move to the next phase.

BLM Program Contact:

Chris Herr

(208) 879-6214 cherr@blm.gov

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L22AS00174 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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