Research
There are many diverse research projects on the Stanislaus National Forest. Research includes experimental forest demonstration areas, observatories, laboratories, stream gauges, weather stations, educational research study, and similar uses not intended to result in further development.
Our goal is to provide a high level of customer service for research activities on the Stanislaus National Forest. Please understand, however, that depending on the complexity of the proposal, and any environmental compliance that may be required, it may take up to 180 days to process a research permit. It is your responsibility to provide the Agency with all the information needed to review, evaluate, and make a decision on a submitted proposal and an application. All proposals are subject to initial screening. If a proposal passes initial screening it is formally accepted as an application and will enter a second screening for environmental analysis (cost recovery fees are applicable). Lastly, the environmental analysis process will determine if the proposed use will be authorized with a Special Use Permit.
Land Use Fee for Research Activities
Annual land use rental fee on the Stanislaus National Forest is determined in the following counties is calculated at 5% of NASS value per year of land use.
Land Use Rent is determined by:
(NASS 2017 Land Value per ac) * (.05) = Land Use Rent per year (Round to the nearest 1, so 1.4 = 1 and 1.5 = 2)
For example:
A research permit for two years on 1.00 ac with .5 ac in Alpine County and .5 ac in Calaveras County: (($1,829 * .05) + ($2,132 * .05) = $91.45 + $106.60) = $198.05 *2 years = $396.10
| Annual Land Use Rent fee based on 5% of NASS value per acre (ac) | |||||
County | NASS Land Value/ acre | .75 ac | .50 ac | .25 ac | .10 ac |
ALPINE Zone 7 | $3,658 | $2,744 | $1,829 | $915 | $366 |
CALAVERAS Zone 6 | $2,843 | $2,132 | $1,422 | $711 | $284 |
MARIPOSA Zone 4 | $1,651 | $1,238 | $826 | $413 | $165 |
TUOLUMNE Zone 6 | $2,972 | $2,229 | $1,486 | $743 | $297 |
Please be aware the minimum land use rent fee for FY25 is $78.36 per year. So, if the land use fee calculates less than $78.36, you will be charged $78.36 per year.
Cost Recovery Fees: separate fee for both processing and monitoring
The cost recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit. If the permit takes more than 50 hours to process or monitor these fees apply.
| Table of Cost Recovery Fees – CY 2025 | ||
Category | Hours | Processing Fee |
1 (Minimal Impact) | Estimated work hours are less than 8. | $155 |
2 | Estimated work hours are between 8 and 24. | $549 |
3 | Estimated work hours are between 24 and 36. | $1,033 |
4 | Estimated work hours between 36 and 50. | $1,481 |
5 (Master Agreements) | Varies | As specified in the Agreement |
6 (Major Agreements) | Estimated work hours greater than 50. | Full reasonable costs (FLPMA) Full actual costs (MLA) |
Submitting Requests
Submit request at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations.