Research & Collecting Permits

 

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• Research Permit Application Packet

Summary: In any given year, as many as 200 Principal Investigators are permitted to use study sites in Yellowstone. Each permit application undergoes a formal, standard process for research permit review and issuance. All research permit holders are required to submit an annual report of their study progress and results that is available for public use.

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New Applications

The National Park Service is committed to ensuring that park management is informed by high-quality scientific research. Understanding Yellowstone’s natural and cultural resources is essential to both effective stewardship and the advancement of science. Research is allowed when it can be conducted without harming the resources for which the park was established.

Who Needs a Permit?

A Scientific Research and Collecting Permit is required for all research conducted in Yellowstone National Park outside the Heritage and Research Center. Applicants must represent a recognized scientific, educational, or governmental institution. Student researchers must have a qualified institutional advisor serve as the Principal Investigator. Each proposal is reviewed for:

• Compliance with laws, regulations, and NPS policy
• Potential impacts on park resources and values
• Relevance to Yellowstone’s management priorities
• Possibility of conducting the research outside the park
• Disruption to park visitors or operations
• Peer-reviewed scientific validity
• Need for additional permits (e.g., state, federal)
• Collection plans for specimens or artifacts
• Demands on limited NPS resources (housing, staff time, equipment)

 

Before You Apply

Before applying, read the National Park Service and Yellowstone-specific permit conditions, and download the Research Application Packet along with any additional forms required for research involving Wilderness areas, Bear Management Areas, live animal handling, or specimen collection.

National Park Service General Permit Conditions

1. Authority
   The permittee is granted privileges covered under this permit subject to the supervision of the superintendent or a designee, and shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the National Park System area and other federal and state laws. A National Park Service (NPS) representative may accompany the permittee in the field to ensure compliance with regulations.

2. Responsibility
   The permittee is responsible for ensuring that all persons working on the project adhere to permit conditions and applicable NPS regulations.

3. False Information
   The permittee is prohibited from giving false information that is used to issue this permit. To do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation of this permit and other applicable penalties.

4. Assignment
   This permit may not be transferred or assigned. Additional investigators and field assistants are to be coordinated by the person(s) named in the permit and should carry a copy of the permit while they are working in the park. The principal investigator shall notify the park's Research and Collecting Permit Office when there are desired changes in the approved study protocols or methods, changes in the affiliation or status of the principal investigator, or modification of the name of any project member.

5. Revocation
   This permit may be terminated for breach of any condition. The permittee may consult with the appropriate NPS Regional Science Advisor to clarify issues resulting in a revoked permit and the potential for reinstatement by the park superintendent or a designee.

6. Collection of Specimens (Including Materials)
   No specimens (including materials) may be collected unless authorized on the Scientific Research and Collecting permit. The general conditions for specimen collections are:

• Collection of archeological materials without a valid Federal Archeology Permit is prohibited.
• Collection of federally listed threatened or endangered species without a valid U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species permit is prohibited.
• Collection methods shall not attract undue attention or cause unapproved damage, depletion, or disturbance to the environment and other park resources, such as historic sites.
• New specimens must be reported to the NPS annually or more frequently if required by the park issuing the permit. Minimum information for annual reporting includes specimen classification, number of specimens collected, location collected, specimen status (e.g., herbarium sheet, preserved in alcohol/formalin, tanned and mounted, dried and boxed, etc.), and current location.
• Collected specimens that are not consumed in analysis or discarded after scientific analysis remain federal property. The NPS reserves the right to designate the repositories of all specimens removed from the park and to approve or restrict reassignment of specimens from one repository to another. Because specimens are Federal property, they shall not be destroyed or discarded without prior NPS authorization.
• Each specimen (or groups of specimens labeled as a group) that is retained permanently must bear NPS labels and must be accessioned and cataloged in the NPS National Catalog. Unless exempted by additional park-specific stipulations, the permittee will complete the labels and catalog records and will provide accession information. It is the permittee’s responsibility to contact the park for cataloging instructions and specimen labels as well as instructions on repository designation for the specimens.
• Collected specimens may be used for scientific or educational purposes only, and shall be dedicated to public benefit and be accessible to the public in accordance with NPS policies and procedures.
• Any specimens collected under this permit, any components of any specimens (including but not limited to natural organisms, enzymes or other bioactive molecules, genetic materials, or seeds), and research results derived from collected specimens are to be used for scientific or educational purposes only, and may not be used for commercial or other revenue-generating purposes unless the permittee has entered into a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) or other approved benefit-sharing agreement with the NPS. The sale of collected research specimens or other unauthorized transfers to third parties is prohibited. Furthermore, if the permittee sells or otherwise transfers collected specimens, any components thereof, or any products or research results developed from such specimens or their components without a CRADA or other approved benefit-sharing agreement with NPS, permittee will pay the NPS a royalty rate of twenty percent (20%) of gross revenue from such sales or other revenues. In addition to such royalty, the NPS may seek other damages to which the NPS may be entitled including but not limited to injunctive relief against the permittee.

7. Reports
   The permittee is required to submit an Investigator’s Annual Report and copies of final reports, publications, and other materials resulting from the study. Instructions for how and when to submit an annual report will be provided by NPS staff. Park research coordinators will analyze study proposals to determine whether copies of field notes, databases, maps, photos, and/or other materials may also be requested. The permittee is responsible for the content of reports and data provided to the National Park Service.

8. Confidentiality
   The permittee agrees to keep the specific location of sensitive park resources confidential. Sensitive resources include threatened species, endangered species, and rare species, archeological sites, caves, fossil sites, minerals, commercially valuable resources, and sacred ceremonial sites.

9. Methods of Travel
   Travel within the park is restricted to only those methods that are available to the general public unless otherwise specified in additional stipulations associated with this permit.

10. Other Permits
    The permittee must obtain all other required permit(s) to conduct the specified project.

11. Insurance
    If liability insurance is required by the NPS for this project, then documentation must be provided that it has been obtained and is current in all respects before this permit is considered valid.

12. Mechanized Equipment
    No use of mechanized equipment in designated, proposed, or potential wilderness areas is allowed unless authorized by the superintendent or a designee in additional specific conditions associated with this permit.

13. NPS Participation
    The permittee should not anticipate assistance from the NPS unless specific arrangements are made and documented in either an additional stipulation attached to this permit or in other separate written agreements.

14. Permanent Markers and Field Equipment
    The permittee is required to remove all markers or equipment from the field after the completion of the study or prior to the expiration date of this permit. The superintendent or a designee may modify this requirement through additional park-specific conditions that may be attached to this permit. Additional conditions regarding the positioning and identification of markers and field equipment may be issued by staff at individual parks.

15. Access to Park and Restricted Areas
    Approval for any activity is contingent on the park being open and staffed for required operations. No entry into restricted areas is allowed unless authorized in additional park-specific stipulations attached to this permit.

16. Notification
    The permittee is required to contact the park’s Research and Collecting Permit Office (or other offices if indicated in the stipulations associated with this permit) prior to initiating any fieldwork authorized by this permit. Ideally, this contact should occur at least one week prior to the initial visit to the park.

17. Expiration Date
    Permits expire on the date listed. Nothing in this permit shall be construed as granting any exclusive research privileges or automatic right to continue, extend, or renew this or any other line of research under new permit(s).

18. Other Stipulations
    This permit includes by reference all stipulations listed in the application materials or in additional attachments to this permit provided by the superintendent or a designee. Breach of any of the terms of this permit will be grounds for revocation of this permit and denial of future permits.

Yellowstone Permit Conditions

1. Responsibility for Research Staff
   Permit holders are responsible for ensuring that all field staff adhere to permit conditions. Staff must carry a copy of the permit at all times while conducting research in the park.

2. Research Trip Itineraries and Emergency Reporting
   Researchers must post trip itineraries at https://irma.nps.gov/rprs/ by the Sunday prior to each trip. In case of emergencies while in the park, dial 911 immediately.

3. Required Safety Plan
   All research groups must have a Safety Plan on file. The plan must address the types of field activities and risks anticipated. It must be reviewed by all staff before beginning work. Researchers should designate an emergency contact who will be notified at the end of each field day. If a researcher fails to check in, the contact should call 911 and the Research Permit Office at 307-344-2239. At minimum, the plan should include:

• Training requirements and documentation (e.g., bear safety, bear spray use, thermal area safety, stream fording)
• Work party size (groups of three or more recommended in bear country)
• Required safety equipment (e.g., bear spray, rain gear, heat-resistant gloves, extendable sampling pole)
• Daily trip itinerary and travel routes
• Worker check-in procedures

4. Firearm Restrictions
   Firearms are never permitted in government buildings or vehicles.

5. Working in Public View
   Unless specifically authorized, researchers must work out of public view. Any exceptions will be listed in the permit’s special conditions.

6. Specimen Collection Requirements
   Researchers approved to collect specimens must contact the Yellowstone Curator’s Office at [e-mail] annually. By February 28 of the following year, provide a complete inventory (count, type, location) of all collected materials. A repository form must be on file prior to collection. Permanently retained specimens must include accession and catalog numbers and be documented according to NPS metadata standards.

7. Field Equipment Authorization
   No field equipment, including plot markers, may be left in the park without prior authorization. All items must be labeled with the researcher’s name, phone number, and “Research Study #XXXX,” and have GPS coordinates recorded.

8. Restricted Area Access
   This permit does not grant access to restricted or closed areas of Yellowstone, including:

• Service roads
• Carcass dump sites
• Bear Management Areas
• Thermal areas
• Bird nesting grounds
• Wolf dens
• Trout spawning zones

9. Protection of Cultural Resources
   Research activities must avoid impacting cultural resources. Ground disturbance (e.g., digging) requires prior approval. Any archeological findings (e.g., artifacts, trash, cairns) must be reported to the Research Permit Office.

10. Intellectual Property and Invention Disclosure
    Researchers must notify Yellowstone’s Chief of Resources of any inventions or discoveries related to their research, materials, or collected specimens that may be patentable.

• Notify within 60 days of internal discovery reporting
• Notify within 30 days of filing a patent or other IP claim
• Invention disclosures should be marked “Confidential” under 35 U.S.C. § 205.

11. Use of Photos & Videos
    Photos or videos of closed areas or restricted research activities may not be shared via media (e.g., websites, social media, newspapers) without NPS approval. All filming must be pre-approved by the Film Permit Office and may require a separate Film Permit. Use in educational settings must be clearly labeled as research conducted under a Yellowstone Research Permit and remain on secure, private platforms.

12. Submission of Publications
    Permit holders must submit electronic copies of all journal articles, theses, and dissertations resulting from their Yellowstone research to the Research Permit Office annually.

13. Chemical Storage Prohibited
    Researchers may not store chemicals anywhere in the park, including in laboratories, offices, or storage facilities.

Special Considerations

Collecting Samples

• If you plan to collect samples of any kind, submit Appendix A: Proposed Repository for Collected Specimens as part of your application.

Closed Areas

• If your research takes place in a Bear Managagemet Area, submit a Bear Management Area Entry Request as part of your application.
• Additional closure areas are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium (Section III: 36 CFR § 1.5). If you proposed research locations are in a closed area, it will require additional time and approvals.

Minimum Requirement Analysis

• If your work has the potential to impace the wilderness character in Yellowstone's recommended wilderness, submit a Minimum Requirement Analysis as part of your application.

Handling Live Animals

• Please contact [e-mail] to obtain a permit for handling live animals. Submit the approved permit as part of your application.

Bird Banding

• If your research involves bird banding, please reach out to the U.S. Geological Survey for information on a bird banding permit. Submit the approved permit as part of your application.

 

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete & Upload Application

To apply for a research permit, visit the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System. Submit your application as early as possible—the review process takes a minimum of 60 days. If your proposal includes special considerations (e.g. Wilderness or Bear Management Areas), it can take longer. Submit your completed application including:

1. Research Locations 
   • If your locations are flexible, we recommend avoiding Wilderness or closure areas to expidite the permitting process.
2. A full research proposal (Guidelines provided in Research Application Packet)
3. Principal Investigator's Curriculum Vitae
4. Two peer reviews
   • You may use the provided peer review forms in the Research Application Packet or submit your own.
   • Peer reviews from proposals submitted to other agencies may be used if they meet NPS requirements.
5. Any Special Considerations
   • Assistance with Site Selection
   • Bear Management Area (BMA Form)
   • Wilderness (MRA Form)
   • Wildlife Handling (IACUC Permit)
   • Bird Banding (Permit)
   • Repository for Collected Specimens or Materials (Appendix A form)
   • Housing, Campsites, or Backcountry Permits
   • Logistical Support: Please note that Yellowstone has limited support capacity, prioritized based on management needs.

Step 2: Initial Application Review

Once your application and attached materials are submitted online, the Research Permit Office will conduct an initial review to ensure completeness and prepare the materials for consideration by the Subject Matter Expert and Research Review Team. This includes:

• Summarizing the research proposal
• Anticipating and addressing questions from the Subject Matter Expert and Research Review Team
• Notifying appropriate park staff
• Reviewing compliance with relevant laws and policies, including:
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • The Wilderness Act
  • Other applicable regulations
• Evaluating potential impacts to natural and cultural resources

After review, the Research Permit Office will:

• Approve the proposal, with or without stipulations (e.g., limits on sample collection or restricted area access).
• Deny the proposal, in which case the Principal Investigator will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial.

Step 3: If Approved, Receive Final Permit

If the research project is approved and a permit is issued, the Principal Investigator will receive an email containing:

• Official Research Permit
• Approval Letter
• Guidelines for the use of Yellowstone Research Photos
• Know Before You Research brochure
• Vehicle Dashboard Display Card

 

Contact Us

Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 5:00pm (MT)
Closed federal holidays
[phone]

[e-mail]

 

More Information

• 

  Research Permit Holders

  Reporting responsibilities, as well as key logistical and safety considerations to ensure your research proceeds smoothly.

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  Park Management

  Review laws and policies, meet park managers, and examine projects and budgets.

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  Laws & Policies

  Learn about the laws and policies that guide the National Park Service in protecting and preserving Yellowstone.

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  Operating Dates

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

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  Film, Photography, & Sound Recording

  A permit is required for filming, photography, and audio recording.

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  Bear Management

  Learn how the park manages bears and the people who come to see them.