BLM CA Interpretive Services Seabird Protection Central CA Coast | L18AS00027

Opportunity Information: Apply for L18AS00027

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is seeking a partner organization to help deliver interpretive and outreach services that reduce human disturbance to seabirds along the Central California Coast. This effort supports the Seabird Colony Enhancement Project led by the Torch Platform Irene Oil Spill Trustee Council, with a focus on protecting seabirds at sensitive nesting colonies and roosting sites. The geographic scope runs broadly from southern Monterey County down to Ventura County, targeting areas where seabirds are especially vulnerable to disruptions from recreation and coastal use.

The core of the opportunity is public education and on-the-ground interpretation designed to change visitor behavior in ways that directly protect seabirds. The project relies on developing and deploying communication tools such as signs, buoys, interpretive panels, posters, and printed materials like brochures. In addition to these physical and printed media, the work includes a structured program of directed public contact, meaning planned, face-to-face engagement with beachgoers, coastal visitors, and community members to explain where seabirds nest or roost and what practical steps people can take to avoid disturbance. The emphasis is on translating seabird protection needs into clear, actionable guidance for the people most likely to be near these habitats.

The partner would collaborate with BLM to create and participate in a range of outreach venues aimed at different audiences. Examples described in the notice include workshops on seabird protection for rangers and law enforcement officers, which suggests a goal of strengthening consistent messaging and enforcement awareness among frontline staff. The work also includes docent trainings for naturalists, indicating an interest in building a knowledgeable volunteer or educator base that can communicate seabird stewardship effectively. Public-facing engagement is expected through informational displays at wildlife and nature festivals, participation in community beach cleanups, and hosting or contributing to open houses at parks, museums, and libraries. The project also anticipates interpretive talks and guided walks, including programming connected to summer camps, which broadens the outreach to families and youth education settings.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary federal funding opportunity offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning the BLM expects to be actively involved with the recipient during project implementation rather than simply issuing a grant with minimal agency participation. The opportunity number is L18AS00027, and it falls under the Natural Resources funding activity category (CFDA 15.231). The award ceiling listed is $17,089, with BLM expecting to make one award. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full notice. The opportunity was posted July 10, 2018, with an original application deadline of August 13, 2018.

Overall, the grant is designed for an organization that can combine conservation messaging, interpretive product development, and community-based outreach to reduce seabird disturbance across a heavily visited stretch of the California coast. The most competitive partner would likely be capable of producing high-quality educational materials, organizing and delivering trainings and public events, and working closely with BLM staff to ensure outreach is targeted, accurate, and consistent with local seabird protection priorities.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BLM CA Interpretive Services Seabird Protection Central CA Coast" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.231.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 10, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 13, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $17,089.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for L18AS00027

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