OpportunityTitle: Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management Utah Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: This opportunity is open to any qualified youth conservation corps established by a state or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a qualified nonprofit organization interested in working cooperatively with the BLM to develop and administer multiple-use conservation projects. Conservation projects must focus on providing employment, education, and public-service opportunities for U.S. citizens and legal residents (between ages 16 and 30 inclusive and veterans up to age 35 inclusive) recruited from local and surrounding communities to assist with projects on public lands.  No other entities are eligible to respond. All responding non-profit entities must provide a copy of their Section 501(c) (3) status determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service.The term &quot;qualified youth or conservation corps&quot; means any program established by a state or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a nonprofit organization that:Is capable of offering meaningful, fulltime, productive work for individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and veterans up to age 35 in a natural or cultural resource setting;Provides participants a mix of work experience, basic and life skills, education, training, and support BLMs mission; andProvides participants opportunities to develop life skills and work ethics through their work on BLM lands that transfer to their community and the United States.
Description: The Utah Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices have collaborated with Qualified Youth and Conservation Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish conservation projects for numerous years. This programs projects provide employment for participants and opportunities to learn about and gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management while promoting long-term interest in public lands stewardship and the BLM. The BLM Youth Program assists the BLM with diversifying the workforce while exposing participants to the complex cultural and natural resource issues faced by National Conservation Lands managers. The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth and conservation corps to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive) including tribal members. Young people are recruited from local communities to assist with conservation projects that protect and promote multiple-use on public lands. Projects available under this funding announcement are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Offices and emphasize on-the-ground projects, training, and mentorship opportunities for participants. The BLM is committed to connecting youth, from diverse backgrounds, to natural and cultural resources on public lands through conservation service projects, recreational experiences, natural resource-based employment, and educational opportunities, including scientific studies. These projects create jobs that strengthen Americas economy and foster relationships with youth conservation corps striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands. Participants are mentored by BLM professionals, acquire new skills, and gain experience in natural and cultural resource management. Through their BLM experience, youth gain an appreciation for public lands, learn about conservation-related careers, and become the next generation of public lands stewards. In addition, the public gains improved access to sustainable recreation activities as well as hunting and wildlife-related recreation opportunities on BLM administered lands.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: rbruse@blm.gov
GrantorContactText: Rachelle Bruse (801) 539-4226 &lt;br/&gt;rbruse@blm.gov
CloseDateExplanation: Open from February 24, 2020 through May 11, 2020. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM EST on May 11, 2020.