Park-Specific Permit Conditions
We welcome your interest in Grand Canyon National Park, and look forward to working with you and learning more about your project through reports and personal contacts. We encourage you to work closely with park staff whenever opportunities allow. A National Park Service representative may accompany the permittee in the field to learn about your research and to ensure compliance with regulations.
All studies in Grand Canyon National Park, large or small, must have their own Research & Collecting Permit which is obtained through a proposal and review process that requires approximately 90 days. The permitting process is a critical component that enables Grand Canyon NP to understand ongoing research projects and incorporate this knowledge into our research database resulting in more informed management of valuable resources. This permit authorizes access to study sites by public roads, and by day hiking on open trails. The Research and Collecting Permit may also authorize limited collection of scientific specimens within the park.
MOST OF GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK IS MANAGED AS WILDERNESS. Management restrictions apply and affect approval of transportation means, field work timing and frequency, group size, and the use of mechanized or motorized tools. We ask that you limit your activities to the minimum necessary to meet the objectives of your approved proposal. With few exceptions, research use of aircraft, motor vehicles, motor boats, generators, or motor-powered devices of any kind are not allowed within areas managed as wilderness. However, if motor use or any potential activity outside or wilderness requirements is essential to your research, you are required to submit a detailed written justification including consideration of alternative methods or equipment in the SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND SPECIAL CONCERNS section of your study proposal in order for your activity to be considered for approval.
Responsibilities of Researchers
Various research projects may combine on field trips; however each project, permit, and associated permittees must be listed on the Access (or launch) Permit Application. Failure to report additional research projects and personnel may result in termination of the Access Permit and/or the Research & Collecting Permit of the P.I.(s) on the Permit. Additionally, photocopies of all associated Research & Collecting Permits must be carried during combined field trips.
The Research and Collecting permit authorizes only those specific activities that were approved following proposal review and are listed in your permit. Please read the finalized permit carefully! Activities not listed or authorized in your permit are not allowed. Field assistants working without direct supervision should have in their possession: Permit copy, letter from the P.I. and GRCA Research Office acknowledging their activities, and a full understanding of what the Permit allows. Rangers may ask to see your permit and are authorized to enforce all restrictions.
All Investigators and field trip assistants are responsible for compliance with the requirements and regulations of their Research & Collecting Permit. Failure on the part of the Investigators or assistants to adhere to park and permit policies may result in termination of their Permit and other penalties.
Other Required Permits
Other NPS and agency permits may still be required for your work. The Research Office should be your first point of contact for any further support services you may need. Access permits are required for:
- All river launches (except day-trips upstream of Lees Ferry)
- Aircraft use over park lands
- Backcountry camping - above or below rim.
- Cave trips
- Educational trips, filming, etc.
To obtain and submit applications for these access permits, submit your completed application NO LESS THAN 45 DAYS in advance. Please contact the Research Office directly.
Deliverables
As part of your Research and Collecting Permit agreement, Grand Canyon National Park annually requires copies of field notes, data, reports, publications and/or other materials resulting from studies conducted in NPS areas. Additional deliverables may be required of studies involving NPS funding or participation.
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