Research

Thank you for considering conducting research on the Stanislaus National Forest. There is a diverse array of potential research projects on the Forest. We consider research one of the many allowed uses of public land; however, because National Forests are managed for multiple uses, a permit is required to conduct research on National Forest System Lands, and a determination needs to be made if the action is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act or other laws such as the Endangered Species Act or National Historic Preservation Act. Failure to obtain a permit for research violates Forest Service Policy and federal environmental regulations and may jeopardize the completion of the research.

Many activities occur in the Forest that may conflict with research projects, such as group recreational events, routine utility corridor maintenance, tree thinning, fuel wood or Christmas tree cutting, prescribed burns, habitat restoration, new land designations, and proposed land exchanges. Knowledge of research activities by Forest Service staff and regular communication can help minimize undesirable impacts on research projects. For this reason, and to promote and facilitate integration and coordination of complementary research projects, spatial data of all permitted research projects is required.

Permit processing time can range anywhere from 30 days to 6 months, so plan ahead and apply early. All research study proposals are subject to cost recovery (36 CFR 251.58(a)) and annual land use fees (36 CFR 251.57(a).)

All requests for research permits must include:

· General Special Use Application (SF-299) 

· Research Special Use Operating Plan/Itinerary 

· Shapefile or KML (Google Earth) file of where you intend to work.

Submitting Requests

Submit request at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations. Please submit all requests to: SM.FS.R5StanPermit@usda.gov