News published: 18 September 2024

Next round of partnership projects to support conservation action for U.S. rare plant species

BGCI is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Forest Service Rare Plant Partnerships which support conservation action by botanic gardens for rare plant species that occur on USDA Forest Service land, in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

These partnerships are made possible through a cooperative agreement between the Forest Service and BGCI-US. In general, partnerships should be structured as one year projects with budgets between USD $5,000 and USD $10,000, and include an equal amount of matched costs (see application for more details).

Applications must satisfy the following conditions:

• Work is completed by personnel at a botanic garden, or similar organisation.
• Activities are focused on one or more rare plant species that occur on Forest Service land.
• Projects on Forest Service land must be coordinated with local Forest Service personnel (the degree of involvement of Forest Service personnel may vary).
• The main focus is on appropriate conservation action for the target species. Activities may include seed or other germplasm banking, out-plantings, molecular genetic studies, or any non-research activity falling within the Integrated Plant Conservation model.
• BGCI membership is not required, however BGCI member organisations will be given priority.

Applications are due by 17 November 2023, and award notifications can be expected in January 2024