The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under the Department of the Interior, is investing nearly $18 million from the Administration’s Investing in America agenda to address climate change and enhance landscape resilience.
The funding, sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act, noted as the largest climate investment in history, will support the National Seed Strategy Keystone project, aiming to secure a diverse supply of native seeds crucial for restoring ecosystems on public lands and building climate resilience.
Secretary Haaland emphasized the importance of a steady supply of native seeds for the well-being of current and future generations. The initiative addresses the loss of native plant communities due to habitat loss and climate-related impacts like prolonged wildfire seasons and extreme weather events.
$45 million has been specifically allocated to expand the native seed supply chain. The funds will be invested in infrastructure, tools, research, and labor needed for a robust native seed supply chain. Projects will include restoring whitebark pine trees, and upgrading greenhouse facilities for native seedlings.
The National Seed Strategy Keystone Initiative builds on 25 years of native seed collection, research, and development, contributing to a restoration economy in rural communities.
Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash
