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 and monitoring sample collection require a Research Permit, as does traditional research. If you are planning a social science survey, Office of Management and Budget approval will be required, and you will need to allow at least 6 months to get all the appropriate paperwork processed. If you would like to do archaeological research, there are also additional required permits. You will be advised of what is necessary when you submit your application for a Research Permit.

How to Obtain A Research Permit

Rocky Mountain National Park issues research permits as a part of the National Park Service Permit System. This system allows you to apply for a research permit at any National Park. To obtain a permit to do research at Rocky Mountain National Park, you must meet all the requirements and follow the instructions provided on the Research Permits website as well as meet the ANCHOR Park Specific Research Conditions listed below. While the National Research Permits website and the attached instructions mention that permits will be accepted via the internet or in hard copy, Rocky Mountain National Park does not have staff to allow hard copy submission. Please use the National Park Service Permit System to apply.

Information for Social Scientists

If you plan to conduct surveys in Rocky Mountain National Park, or in any unit of the National Park Service, you must 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 Social Science Surveys in Parks and for the NPS web page provided by the NPS Social Science Program. Any survey conducted on NPS property is considered to be "sponsored" by the agency for the purpose of this clearance process.

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. As a result of the demand, you will be required to reserve survey dates as a part of the Research Permitting process. When you apply for your Research Permit, you will be contacted by the Research Administrator with more information on obtaining reservations.