Research Permits

In any given year, as many as 200 Principal Investigators are permitted to use study sites in Yellowstone National Park, and many more conduct research at the park's Heritage and Research Center (HRC). Research conducted at the HRC facility does not require a permit. However, most other types of research done in the park are subject to the park's research permitting policy, and do require a permit. The park's Research Permit Office, located in the Yellowstone Center for Resources, is responsible for issuing and tracking research permits, and provides support to permitted researchers in the park. Each permit application undergoes a formal, standard process for research permit review and issuance.

Permitted researchers study everything from Archeology to Zoology in Yellowstone. All are required to submit an annual report of their study progress and results. These Investigators' Annual Reports (IARs) are then entered into the National Park Service's Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS), a searchable database that is available for public use.

Please contact the Research Permit Office at [phone] or at e-mail us prior to submitting a proposal so that your project can be discussed personally and you can get an early start on the permitting process.

The following index will help guide you through this web site and the permitting process for Yellowstone National Park.

• Yellowstone National Park Research Permitting Policy
• How to Apply for a New Research Permit in Yellowstone National Park
• How Your Application for a Research Permit is Processed
• Conditions Under Which Research Permits are Granted
• • National Park Service Permit Conditions
  • Additional Yellowstone Permit
    Conditions
  • Renew Research Permits/Submit Investigators' Annual Report
    
• Curation Regulations and Material Transfer Responsibilities
• Prepare to Work in Yellowstone
• Required Ranger Contacts
• Closed Areas
• Camping and Overnight Studies
• Yellowstone Wilderness Proposed
• Yellowstone Wilderness Area Map

 

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