Who Needs a Research Permit?
A Scientific Research and Collecting Permit is required for activities pertaining to natural resources or social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors. Thus, social science surveys, monitoring, and collecting activities all require a Research Permit, as does traditional, hypothesis-driven, research. To discuss your particular situation, please e-mail the park's research staff.

Please go to the National Park Service Permit System to apply for a Research Permit.

Information Specific to Social Scientists
If you plan to conduct surveys in Rocky Mountain National Park, you may need to obtain clearance for your survey instrument from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Detailed instructions for obtaining OMB clearance can be found at the NPS Social Science Program.

You must obtain a Research Permit from the park as well. Rocky Mountain National Park is the site of between two and seven surveys a year, most occurring in June, July, and August. To minimize the likelihood that visitors will be approached by multiple surveyors, the park carefully considers both the location and timing of survey distribution. A member of the Research staff will contact you to discuss details after they receive your permit application.