Research Permit Holders

 

Research permits are issued on a calendar year basis—they become active when issued and expire on December 31 of that same year. After this date, the permit is no longer valid. If your project requires additional time, you may renew your permit. Any modifications or amendments to your original proposal must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of fieldwork and before March 31 of that year. We recommend submitting changes at the time of renewal, early in the calendar year.

Whether or not you plan to renew your permit, you must complete the following by March 31 each year:

1. An Investigator's Annual Report. You may access the system by logging on to your Investigator Profile (unique username and password required)
2. A Field Check-out filed on-line using your Investigator Profile.
3. Contact our Curator’s Office at [e-mail] to fulfill your curatorial responsibilities for any samples collected from the park, even if they were destroyed through analysis.
4. A permit application for renewal through your profile or send a note indicating that you are finished with your research project.
   • Include updated Research Locations with your submission.

 

Important Researcher Information

Researcher Responsibilities & Park Regulations

Permit Compliance

• You must follow all park regulations and the specific conditions of your research permit.
• Violations may result in fines or revocation of your permit.

Permit Use & Staff Coverage

• Your research permit also serves as your gate pass for the duration of the calendar year.
• All field staff must be listed on the permit, with current contact information.

Check In/Out Requirements

• Researchers are required to complete a Researcher Check-In form for each unique field visit to Yellowstone. You do not need to call district rangers directly unless your permit conditions specifically require it.
• Check-in forms must be submitted no later than midnight on the Sunday before your fieldwork begins.
• The Researcher Check-in and Check-out forms are fairly simple. However, you may want to review the step by step instructions for the check-in and check-out.
• A unique trip can range from a single day to up to one month in duration.
• If your fieldwork will continue for more than one month, contact the Research Permit Office for special instructions.

Housing & Lodging

Park Housing Availability

• Housing in Yellowstone is extremely limited.
• Priority is given as follows:
  1. Researchers on park-funded projects
  2. Projects addressing high-priority management concerns
• Submit all trailer or dorm space requests at least six months in advance.
• Commercial lodging is available in the park and in nearby communities.

Campground Use

• Regular time limits and fees apply to researchers.
  • June 15 – September 15: Up to 14 days
  • Rest of the year: Up to 30 days
• Frontcountry campsites require a reservation.
• Norris Campground is available for Administrative Use. There are no Amenities.

Backcountry Use

Permits for Overnight Work

• A backcountry camping permit is required for any overnight stays in the backcountry. The Research Permit Office can help coordinate.
• All permits must be picked up at a Backcountry Office before departing.

Saddle Stock Use

• Needs approval from the Research Permit Office.
• Saddle stock and pack animals can be rented from commercial outfitters with park permits.
• All stock day trips must be reported to the Central Backcountry Office.

Watercraft Use

• Needs approval from the Research Permit Office.
• Aquatic Invasive Species boat inspections required.

Wildlife & Safety

Bear Safety

• You are working in bear country. Both grizzly and black bears are present.
• Report all bear sightings to a ranger as soon as possible.

Winter Fieldwork

• Winter conditions can be dangerous due to extreme cold, avalanche risk, and site isolation.
• Coordinate snowmobile trips with the Research Permit Office.
• Check with the local ranger for updates on avalanche danger and weather conditions.
• Consider enrolling in first aid, winter survival, or avalanche awareness courses through local organizations.

 

More Information

• 

  Research Permits

  Most types of research done in the park are subject to the park's research permitting policy and require a permit.

• 

  Permits & Reservations

  Review what you need a permit for and avoid surprises.

• 

  Operating Dates

  Wondering what will be open during your next trip? It's all covered here!

• 

  Lodging

  There are multiple lodging options that cater to different needs in Yellowstone. Be sure to make reservations early!

• 

  Camping

  Most park camping is reserved and full for the peak summer season. Plan ahead for a successful visit!

• 

  Backcountry Camping

  Enjoy the solitude of more than 300 backcountry campsites.