NPS/Fred Bunch
A researcher explores the wetlands of Great Sand Dunes as part of an an amphibian survey of the park.
Permits for Research
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve encourages scientific research by academic, agency, and independent research scientists.
Priority for a research permit is given to research proposals that focus on those resources that are most pertinent to the Great Sand Dunes system: hydrology, geology, archeology (historic and prehistoric), and biological elements that are endemic to Great Sand Dunes, or elements whose natural histories are strongly influenced by the sand dunes system.
How to Obtain a Research and Collection Permit for Great Sand Dunes National Park
Expect that it may take at least 30 calendar days to process an application for a research permit. To submit an application for a research permit, go to the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System website. The application form may be filled out and submitted directly from the website.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the instruction set and general guidelines posted on the website prior to completing the Application Form (see Application FAQs and Permit FAQs).
In addition to the application for a research permit, a research proposal or study plan is required. Proposals may be attached electronically during the application process, or may be sent directly to park staff either electronically or via regular mail. Contact information is below.
Please note that pets are not allowed to accompany researchers. Kenneling or other pet-sitting arrangements must be made prior to your arrival to the park. Pets may not be left unattended at Park housing or Park camping site during your stay, may not be left with Park staff, nor may they accompany you in the field.
Researchers should also possess the necessary equipment to carry out their activities, including 4WD vehicles, maps, tools, and supplies. Should there be a need for housing or camping, please call well in advance of the commencement of the field work to determine whether or not we have available housing or camping, and what those charges are so that housing is adequately covered in your respective budget.
Collection of Specimens
Researchers who plan to collect and permanently retain specimens are required to contact the park’s museum curator to discuss arrangements for cataloguing, curating, and housing of specimens prior to commencement of their project. Funding and time for curating and cataloguing of specimens, including the required catalogue data entry into the DOI ICMS database, must be programmed into the project plan. Any specimens retained remain under the management of the National Park Service, but may be placed on loan to another institution or repository (does not apply for archaeological artifacts; see next paragraph). Please contact the park’s museum curator for more detailed information. Contact information follows.
Collection of Archeological Artifacts
All archaeological artifacts retained during an archaeological survey or research project, are, as previously described, to be curated and catalogued according to NPS guidelines. However, retention of artifacts at repositories other than a NPS unit is prohibited. Please contact the park’s cultural resource specialist for further information.
Information Specific to Social Scientists
Should you plan to conduct surveys at Great Sand Dunes National Park, you must obtain a Research Permit. You may also need to obtain clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Instructions and information detailing OMB clearance may be found at the NPS Social Science Section of the NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science webpage.
Research Contact Information
Fred Bunch
Chief of Resource Management
Natural and Cultural Resource Specialist
719-378-6361
Email Fred Bunch
Phyllis Pineda Bovin
Biologist
Museum Curator
719-378-6363
Email Phyllis Pineda Bovin
Mailing address
Resource Management Division
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
11500 State Highway 150
Mosca, Colorado
81146
