The project will establish a statewide native seed cooperative to increase the number of commercial seed producers in Utah. This will increase the availability of genetically appropriate native plant materials for post-fire rehabilitation. With the number of fires that occur in Utah on an annual basis the need for ecologically matched seed is urgent and ongoing. Producing genetically appropriate native seed that are drought tolerant supports the Native Seed Strategy and the expansion of private growers ensures that adequate native seed is available for restoration. The project will address several data gaps including: a. Which native perennial forb and grass species can be grown reliably and economically under Utah's climate and irrigation constraints to support federal restoration needs? b. What agronomic practices (planting methods, irrigation schedules, weed management, and harvest approaches) maximize seed yield and reduce production costs for species needed in BLM ESR, fuels, and habitat projects? c. How can private land agricultural producers most effectively integrate native seed crops into existing operations to expand the regional supply of genetically appropriate seed for federal treatments? Demonstration plots for a variety of native perennial forbs and grasses will be established to determine if they can be grown successfully and economically. Data that is collected (planting, irrigation, and harvest recommendations, harvest yields, production costs, etc..) from the plots will be used to generate producer focused educational materials, provide field demonstrations and develop a farmer-to-farmer peer network to encourage the expansion of commercial seed production in Utah. This will scale up seed availability by engaging agriculture producers across Utah by expanding the number of commercial growers.

The Native Seed Program will be designed to expand locally adapted seed production, strengthen collaboration, and build long-term capacity for restoration by increasing seed production in an agriculture setting. The following goals are prioritized to maximize impact under a limited budget. A. Build Capacity & Partnerships (Low-cost/High-impact) * Expand the number of native seed growers statewide. * Strengthen internal and external communication strategies. * Create a stakeholder framework to share knowledge, ideas, and data. B. Producer Engagement & Support (Moderate-cost/Visible Results) * Replicate the successful Southern Utah engagement model statewide. * Host demonstration field days to increase producer interest in seed production. * Provide shared-use equipment (collection, cleaning, testing) to reduce producer costs. C. Strengthen Seed Supply (Moderate- to Higher-cost/Essential for Success) * Identify and ensure availability of priority "workhorse" species. * Continue collaborate with the Seeds of Success program for targeted collections. * Document Utah-specific practices, economic opportunities, and incentive programs for producers. D. Advance Knowledge & Innovation (Higher-cost/Long-term Investment) * Develop decision-support tools for seed collection, production, and use. * Facilitate research to improve native seed production and ecosystem restoration technologies. Expected outcomes include the following: 1. An increase supply of genetically appropriate, drought tolerant native seed available for federal restoration treatments. 2. Expanded commercial grower participation, reducing reliance on limited wildland seed collections and lowering long-term project costs. 3. Improved restoration success and reduced per acre treatment costs across BLM managed lands through better species selection and agronomic efficiency. 4. Improved capacity to support the Native Seed Cycle, which guides landscape scale restoration prioritization. 5. Enhance resilience of federal lands following wildfire, drought and disturbance due to increased reliability of locally adapted plant materials. 6. A repeatable model for developing new native seed crops that supports BLM restoration. 7. Strong coordination across agencies and landowners, enabling landscape-scale restoration. The project is expected to produce the following deliverables during the funding period: 1. Research & Technical Deliverables a. Three agronomic bulletins summarizing planting, irrigation, weed control, and harvest recommendations for priority species. b. Annual technical report on seed yields, production costs, and performance of each species tested. c. Peer review data summaries (3-8) (one for each species) usable by BLM, UDWR, USU Extension, and private growers. 2. Producer & Outreach Deliverables a. Four producer focused fact sheets translating research findings into practical guidance for Utah growers. b. Two field demonstration days for agricultural producers, partners, and restoration practitioners. c. Establish 5-10 acres of demonstration plots established across cooperating private lands and research farms. These deliverables ensure the project contributes meaningful outputs that directly support federal restoration.

Utah BLM continually seeks opportunities to collaborate with partners through the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative (UWRI), leveraging funding to achieve common goals across the state. The focus is on enhancing ecosystem values including watershed health, biological diversity, water quality and yield while supporting sustainable use of natural resources. This approach has allowed the BLM to effectively implement Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation efforts following wildfires as well as proactive habitat improvement projects that increase ecosystem resistance and resilience helping to limit the size and impact of future wildfires.

The project is consistent with the National Seed Strategy. The strategy promotes the enhancement, availability and use of native seeds for ecological restoration to address challenges posed by environmental disturbances and promote healthy ecosystems. The goals of the strategy are to identify seed needs and ensure availability, improve native seed production technologies and develop tools to facilitate effective restoration practices, develop tools to enable land managers to make informed decisions regarding seeding practices and communicate with stakeholders and partners to provide for successful implementation of the strategy and for sharing best practices. Consistent with Utah Greater Sage-grouse Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment and ROD (December 2025)" including the following: MA-VEG-4: In PHMA, include GRSG habitat objectives in restoration/treatment projects. Include short-term and long-term habitat conditions in treatment objectives, including specific objectives for the establishment of sagebrush cover and height, as well as cover and heights for understory perennial grasses and forbs necessary for GRSG seasonal habitats (see Objective SSS-3). Revised Objective: In GRSG HMAs, manage activities that result in habitat loss and degradation to improve the condition of GRSG habitat across the planning area. Exceptions to this mitigation standard for GRSG shall be made for vegetation treatments to benefit Utah prairie dog. Objective SSS [X]: Within GRSG habitat management areas provide suitable habitat by managing for connected mosaics of sagebrush and associated communities that provide for seasonal habitats, dispersal, and migration, while limiting widespread anthropogenic disturbances and fragmentation. This objective will be accomplished by applying RMP land use allocations and management actions among HMAs, proactive habitat treatments, and project-level application of mitigation (avoiding, minimizing, and compensating, per MS-1794 and H-1794) for internal and external project proposals. Objective SSS [Y]: Manage GRSG habitat management areas to provide seasonal habitats at the HAF site-scale (Level 4) by providing for habitat characteristics that support seasonal habitat needs, including adequate protective cover and food needed to survive and reproduce. Seasonal habitats may include areas where sagebrush is the current dominant vegetation type, sagebrush is a primary shrub species within the various states of the ecological site or dominated by other vegetation types but still provides GRSG habitats, such as mesic areas. This objective will be accomplished through the combination of RMP land use allocations and management actions and restoration -- based on ecological potential, current vegetative condition, and existing seasonal values -- and the project-level application of mitigation (avoiding, minimizing, and compensating, per MS-1794 and H-1794) for internal and external project proposals.

This action is essential to ensure a consistent supply of native plant materials for immediate and long-term land rehabilitation needs. Natural recovery cannot keep pace with the increasing frequency of wildfires, spread of non-native species and drought. Native seeds are essential to stabilizing soils and speeding up recovery that is essential to maintaining the condition and services the public expects from DOI managed public lands.

The focus of the project is on enhancing ecosystem values through increasing the number of native seed producers to supply projects that will improve watershed health, biological diversity, water quality and yield while supporting sustainable use of natural resources. This approach will allow the BLM to effectively supply native seed to implement Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation efforts following wildfires as well as proactive habitat improvement projects that increase ecosystem resistance and resilience helping to limit the size and impact of future wildfires.

A risk mitigation plan will be identified to address potential risks including the following: * Drought or Low Seed Yields: Diversify collection sites and species to buffer against poor harvests * Grower Capacity Limitations: Provide training, technical support, and economic incentives to expand participation * Regulatory Delays: Coordinate early with BLM permitting offices and streamline NEPA compliance for seed collection * Market Fluctuations: Develop multi-year contracts and cost-share agreements to stabilize the seed grower's investment * Invasive Species Pressure: Prioritize restoration in areas with active weed management and integrate monitoring protocols These mitigation strategies will be reviewed annually and adapted based on field conditions and stakeholder feedback. The Utah Native Seed Partnership is expected to contribute to workforce development by: * Creating Jobs: Supporting agriculture producers, seed technicians, and restoration crews across rural Utah * Engaging Tribal Partners: Exploring culturally significant species and restoration opportunities with tribal nations * Student Involvement: Partnering with Utah State University (USU) and Southern Utah University (SUU) to involve students in seed collection, research, and restoration

The project will prioritize seed collection and deployment based on Utah's ecological seed zones and fire-prone landscapes. Focus areas include the following: * Sagebrush Steppe Restoration Zones: Especially in BLM districts impacted by repeated wildfires and invasive species * Greater Sage-Grouse Priority Habitat Areas (PHAs): Where native plant recovery is critical for species conservation * Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI) Priority Landscapes: Coordinated with Utah DNR and local conservation districts Seed zone maps and ecological site descriptions will guide species selection and ensure genetic appropriateness for each restoration site. A risk mitigation plan will be identified to address potential risks including the following: * Drought or Low Seed Yields: Diversify collection sites and species to buffer against poor harvests * Grower Capacity Limitations: Provide training, technical support, and economic incentives to expand participation * Regulatory Delays: Coordinate early with BLM permitting offices and streamline NEPA compliance for seed collection * Market Fluctuations: Develop multi-year contracts and cost-share agreements to stabilize the seed grower's investment * Invasive Species Pressure: Prioritize restoration in areas with active weed management and integrate monitoring protocols These mitigation strategies will be reviewed annually and adapted based on field conditions and stakeholder feedback. The Utah Native Seed Partnership is expected to contribute to workforce development by: * Creating Jobs: Supporting agriculture producers, seed technicians, and restoration crews across rural Utah * Engaging Tribal Partners: Exploring culturally significant species and restoration opportunities with tribal nations * Student Involvement: Partnering with Utah State University (USU) and Southern Utah University (SUU) to involve students in seed collection, research, and restoration

To ensure restoration success and continuous improvement, the project will implement a long-term monitoring and adaptive management framework as follows: * Vegetation Monitoring: Track seedling establishment, species composition, and cover over 3--5 years following planting * Wildlife Indicators: Monitor pollinator activity, sage-grouse habitat use, and forage recovery * Seed Performance Evaluation: Compare germination rates, survival, and growth across seed sources and treatments * Data Sharing: Use shared platforms to publish results and inform future seed selection and restoration strategies * Adjust species selection, sowing methods, and grower practices based on monitoring outcomes This approach will assist with ensuring that restoration is not only implemented but continuously refined for ecological success.

The Utah Native Seed Development Cooperative will be intentionally designed as a collaborative effort among internal DOI entities and external partners to maximize the availability and use of genetically appropriate native plant materials across the state. Coordination includes academic institutions such as Utah State University, Southern Utah University, and the Shrub Sciences Laboratory (USFS R&D), which contribute research, seed biology expertise, and student engagement. The Utah Department of Natural Resources and the Watershed Restoration Initiative provide strategic planning and implementation capacity, while the Great Basin Research Center and Utah State University Extension offer technical support and field-based infrastructure for seed collection, cleaning, and testing. The Nature Conservancy brings landscape-scale restoration experience and stakeholder outreach, and the Utah Crop Improvement Association facilitates seed certification and grower engagement. Together, these partners form a statewide network that integrates research, production, and restoration needs to serve federal, state, tribal, and private land managers.

The project will support the following: * Support Ecological Restoration: Locally produced native seeds will be used to restore landscapes impacted by disturbances such as wildfire. These species will provide for long-term vegetative communities that will be more resistant and resilient to future disturbances. * Strengthen ecosystems: Native plants form the base of healthy ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a wide range of species. * Enhance resilience: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and can help landscapes withstand future wildfire, and drought. * Ensure restoration success: Using genetically appropriate seed sources will improve the effectiveness and long-term success of restoration efforts.

The potential for this project to increase the availability of native perennial forb and grass seed availability is high. A consistent source of native seed to restore areas burned by wildfire and improve high value wildlife habitat for a wide range of wildlife species including Greater sage grouse is crucial to the long-term resistance and resilience of Utah's public lands.