• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

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  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not open until Memorial Day Weekend

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Due to mandatory, across-the-board budget cuts, some visitor services in this park have changed. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not open until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. More »

  • Some restrooms and trash cans not available until Memorial Day

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Other than those at the visitor center and campgrounds, restrooms and trash cans will not be available until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. This includes the Manitou Islands. More »

Natural Resources Research

Biomonitoring for Diatoms and Paleolimnology

Studying historical lake response to ecological changes.

Brenda Moraska Lafrancois 2006

The National Park Service is responsible for protecting the natural resources on its lands. Protecting these resources requires a full understanding that can be obtained only by the long term accumulation and analysis of data produced by science.

Summaries of the scientific research conducted at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during this field season are listed in this section. Information from these studies will help managers make better planning, development, and conservation decisions.
 

Application Procedures to Conduct Research in the National Park
To obtain initial permission to conduct field research and/or collecting of specimens within areas administered by the National Park Service, you are required to complete and submit materials that enable park staff to evaluate the proposed activities and potential impacts on resources, policy, and visitor experiences. These materials include:

  • application form,
  • study proposal, and
  • copies of existing peer-reviews or the names of individuals you recommend to review your proposal.

To begin the permit application process, visit the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) website.

The RPRS website also contains instructions for the application process, frequently asked questions, links to other research-related websites, and links to submit or view Investigator Annual Reports (IARs)—reports detailing the accomplishments of ongoing or completed research projects.

 

Research Categories

Research on Animals
Research on Plants
Research on Water, Air, and Soil

Did You Know?

North Manitou Island Beach

North Manitou Island, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is located in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan about 8 miles off the Northwest part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It's 15,000 acres, managed as wilderness is Backpacking Heaven! More...