Research Permits

A Scientific Research and Collecting Permit is required for research and fieldwork on National Park lands that has the potential to impact resources or visitors. Research activities that require a permit include but are not limited to: 1) monitoring wildlife, plants, insects, and other species, 2) conducting archeological work, 3), studies of geology, soils, or topography, and 4) research of endangered, threatened, or rare species. Research on park lands should have a direct benefit to the park, be hypothesis-driven, and not cause harm or negative impacts to the park’s resources.

To discuss your request, please email the park's Research Coordinator, Sara Dolan (e-mail us) or apply directly online through the NPS Research Permit system. Please allow 90 days, at a minimum, for review and processing. Some projects may require additional federal or state permits if there are potential impacts to federally or state listed endangered and threatened species or archeological resources. Additional permitting may increase the review and approval time period.

For research requests related the park's archeological and archival collections please contact Fort Vancouver National Historical Park (FOVA) in Vancouver, WA and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle.