Aquatics Resources Management

Aquatic Resource Management: Water, Riparian, Wetland, and Fisheries Resources
CFDA 15.244 Active Cooperative Agreement
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$5M FY2026
$22.1M
FY24
$1.2M
FY25
$5M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 We received approximately 50 applications and issued 9 awards.
FY2026 We anticipate receiving 50 applications and issuing 15 awards.

Program Objective

The Bureau of Land Management’s Aquatic Resources Program conserves and restores riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources (hereafter referred to as aquatic resources) to provide resource values and ecosystem services necessary to achieve the BLM’s multiple use mandate. The agencies aquatic resources and issues are diverse and include watersheds; riparian-wetland systems; springs, streams, rivers, and groundwater; ponds and lakes; fisheries; water quality; water rights and uses; and aquatic invasive species. These systems also support myriad species of plants, fish, and wildlife; provide ecosystem services such as drinking water, pollination, and nutrient cycling; attenuate wildfires, floods, and drought; and are key to the vitality of local economies and communities. The Program also works to support the thoughtful implementation of other aspects of BLM’s mission (e.g., locatable minerals, fluid minerals, range, forestry recreation, renewable energy), which could either impact aquatic resources or require restoration of such resources to achieve multiple-use and sustained yield management objectives.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • U.S. State Government
  • Department/Agency of U.S. State
  • Federally Recognized Tribal Government
  • Municipality/Township Government
  • County Government
  • Local
  • State
  • Tribal
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Not-for-Profit Organization

How to Apply

Award Procedure

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program funding announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Final award selection review by BLM Leadership.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project, but should not be more than five years. Further information will be available for each program at the time the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement. Most awards are anticipated within 120days or less after the announcement closes.

Program details & compliance

Description

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Aquatic Resources Program supports riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and water resources for a combination of balanced and diverse uses including the Nation’s need for domestic sources of minerals, food, timber and fiber, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and the long-term needs of future generations. Program staff collaborate with Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, and non-governmental partners to guide efficient environmental reviews and permitting actions on public lands; to avoid, minimize, or rectify impacts from permitted uses; to ensure water of suitable quality and quantity is available for beneficial uses; to improve habitat for fish and wildlife; and to control aquatic invasive species.

The BLM’s Aquatic Resources Program has opportunities to: 1) Ensure water availability to sustain healthy riparian and wetland areas, aquatic habitats, and beneficial uses; 2) Advance innovative decision support tools to inform efficient and effective environmental reviews, the use of BLM-managed lands, the protection of remaining high-quality habitats, and the strategic restoration of degraded systems; and 3) Restore degraded water resources, riparian and wetland areas, and aquatic habitats, with a focus on process-based approaches supporting the BLM’s multiple use and sustained yield mission.

Mission Categories

Primary: Land and Forest Conservation

Other categories:
Environmental Quality EducationWater Pollution ControlWater ConservationFish and Wildlife Preservation

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Projects are primarily conducted on lands administered by the BLM in the Western United States and Alaska, but may also be conducted on other public or private lands. Regardless of location, all projects must contribute to the attainment of BLM management objectives and have significant BLM involvement in the project. Assistance can be used to help protect or restore aquatic resources and to provide related public outreach and education opportunities.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Division of Wildlife, Aquatics & Environmental Protection
(720) 545-8367
760 Horizon Drive, Suite 324, Grand Junction, CO 81506
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-07-31. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-08-08 03:02:36.