Grant 361 2012-05410 Grant BLM - award notice & details

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actions that improve the ecological health of BLM lands, as well as those that block unlawful uses (e.g. livestock trespass), reinforces the message that public lands in good ecological condition can serve many uses and builds trust between the land managing agency, user groups, and nearby private property owners. 11. How is this project in the best public interest and how will it benefit local communities? The West Eugene Wetlands have been identified as one of the most important conservation areas in the state by The Nature Conservancy and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. Habitats supported in West Eugene are increasingly rare within the Willamette Valley and support a tremendous biological diversity, including many rare species. This project will directly support regional conservation goals on 0 and C lands owned by the BLM by improving habitat for at -risk native animals and plants, including federally listed plants, at the North and South Taylor parcels, and the Long Tom ACEC. Projects such as this, which enhance habitat for rare species and promote recovery of listed species on public lands provide a good model for private landowners interested in undertaking recovery actions. In addition to direct on- the - ground conservation benefits, this project will provide secondary benefits for multiple wetlands in the West Eugene Wetlands by contributing to the partner supported plant materials program. The West Eugene Wetlands plant materials program typically provides 50 to 70 native seed mixes for restoration and enhancement projects in the local area. At the regional level there is a critical need to produce diverse locally adapted plant materials as commercial markets are unable to supply the diversity or quantity of native plants to meet the conservation and restoration needs of the area. This need will likely increase in order to effectively adapt to climate change impacts on wetlands in the Willamette Valley. Thus, supporting this project and helping sustain this program will have regional conservation benefits that reach well beyond these three properties. This project will also have direct benefits for local youth through its employment of the NYC. Projects outlined in this proposal support local Eugene efforts to strengthen youth programs through outreach, education and seasonal employment. Through successful partnerships with the City of Eugene, the BLM, and other agencies, NYC can provide employment opportunities for local youth for the corning years. NYC's program expose a wide range of youth to non - traditional career opportunities, and helps all youth increase their job skills, community involvement, and empowerment to solve problems. Youth increase their understanding of how agencies such as the BLM and the City of Eugene operate and how youth can continue being involved in community service with these agencies. NYC programs use outdoor lifestyle and challenging projects to teach problem solving and positive living skills, promote a strong and productive work ethic, encourage learning, and build self - esteem. Youth in the program learn essential job skills and receive training that will enhance their ability to make a positive impact in the communities in which they live. Youth from the region will be exposed to local and regional resource management issues, and the complexity of challenges facing Oregon's resource management agencies and industries. NYC programs are accredited through the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, thereby allowing NYC to award high- school credit to successful participants that is transferable to most public schools in Oregon and other parts of the United States. This is especially important for students who may be credit deficient due to the current reduction of 4 of 16