Natureserve

Funding Opportunity Number: L23AS00162FUNDING Opportunity Goals Text: This Proposal Continues Work That Started 3 Years Ago to Improve the Flow of Special Status Species Observation Data Between BLM HQ, Field Offices, and State Natural Heritage Programs by Linking Through the Natureserve Portal. BLM Requires Efficient and Effective Access to This Type of Biological and Location Information to Successfully Conserve Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species and Their Habitats. It Is Important That the Information Shared Is Consistently Collected and Shared With Involved Parties. This Proposal Also Continues Work to Collect New Information and Remap Thousands of Existing Special Status Species Location Records Into Standardized Formats, Making Them Available for BLM Use. the Proposal Is Relevant Given Increasing Need to Inform Conservation Efforts in Light of Increasing Uses of BLM Lands. Information Collected Through This Proposal Is Shared With the Public Through Natureserves Website, Increasing Public Understanding of the Status and Conservation Needs of Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species. Citizen Scientists Can Also Become More Involved in Providing Accurate Information Through Development and Use of the Standardized Field Data Collection Forms. the Technical Approach Clearly Lays Out 5 Project Objectives With Specific Tasks That Are Clear and Applicable to Achieving Stated Needs and Results. the Approach Builds Off 3 Previous Years of Work to Ensure Collaboration, Training, and Use of New Data Forms in 5 States. Efforts Will Be Expanded Across Additional States in This Proposal, With 2 New States in Year 1. the Proposal Also Describes Lessons Learned From the Previous 3 Year Effort and Proposes Solutions Moving Forward Which Is Likely to Increase Success of the Approach. 1. Surveying BLM Needs, Expanding Understanding and Use of Field Forms, Providing Training Through Webinars, Meetings, and Development of Materials. 2. Identify 2 New States, Document Data Exchange Plan and Frequency, Identify Field Users, Survey Pre-existing Data for Crosswalk Into Field Survey Template, Engaging Staff in Survey Design, Testing, and Implementation. 3. Document Data Updates Delivery of Aggregated Observation Data. 4. Launch Mobile Enabled Map of Field Observations, Incorporate Eos and Source Features, Incorporate Species Habitat Models and Range Maps. 5. Conduct Taxonomic Breakdown of Observation in Each State, Summarize New SSS Records and Identify Geographic and Taxonomic Gaps.