Important Researcher Information

1. You are expected to follow all park regulations, and conditions of your permit. If a ranger finds you violating park rules or permit conditions, you may be subject to a fine, or revocation of your permit. So, please be sure to contact the ranger prior to working in their area. If there is a conflict with your proposed field plans (temporary bear closure, etc.), they will inform you by phone or email.

2. The authorized research permit serves as a gate pass for the duration of the calendar year. All field staff must be listed on the permit with contact information.

3. The availability of park housing is extremely limited. The Research Dorm at Lake is currently CLOSED. Because housing is limited, researchers who are working on park-funded research will be given first priority when booking space for themselves or their technicians. Those who are working on projects that address issues of high concern to park management will be given second priority. Any requests for trailer or dorm space should be made at least six months in advance. Other lodging is available in the park commercially and in nearby communities.

4. If you plan to use the campgrounds, remember that the regular time limits and fees apply to researchers. In general, you may stay in Yellowstone campgrounds no more than a total of 14 days between June 15th and September 15th and for 30 days during the rest of the year. Many front-country campsites require advanced reservations.

5. You will need a backcountry permit for any overnight backcountry work. Backcountry permits [phone] are available at most Visitor Centers. Backcountry campsites can be reserved in advance for $20 or you can reserve a permit in person no more than 48 hours in advance for free. However the actual permit needs to be picked up at a Backcountry Office before your hike. (Backpacking regulations and advance reservation forms are available on request.)

6. Report all bear sightings to a ranger as soon as practical. You are working in bear country. Grizzly and black bears are dangerous animals. Your laboratory is their home. Bear management area closures and other wildlife closures have been designated to reduce or eliminate human-related impacts in high-density wildlife habitat.

7. Road Construction - A full schedule of delays, openings, and closures is available here: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.htm . Road information is available at 307-344-2117. Many roads throughout Yellowstone are under repair. You should expect 30-minute delays or possible road closures in some areas.

8. Working in winter can be quite dangerous (extreme cold, avalanche concerns, isolated study sites), so please use extra caution when conducting fieldwork. Work with the Research Permit Office to plan any snowmobiling trips into the interior of the park. Check with the area ranger for current information about avalanche danger and changing weather conditions. We recommend that you contact organizations in your community that sponsor first aid, winter survival, or avalanche awareness courses, and enroll in such courses.

9. Saddle stock and pack outfits may be rented from several commercial outfitters. Commercial stock outfitters must have a permit to operate in the park. All stock day trips need to be reported to the Central Backcountry Office. Stock use regulations and a list of outfitters are available on request.

10. Yellowstone National Park is designated as a "Recommended Wilderness Area" and by law must be managed as Wilderness Area. You are not permitted to drive off designated roads. Also, Bicycles and other wheeled conveyances are prohibited on most trails.