Scientific Research
A commercial rental permit for research and monitoring is required on lands managed by Arizona State Parks and Trails for activities that involve fieldwork, specimen collection and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors. Permits are required by anyone conducting these activities.
The application is available now. Please also review the included sample certificate of insurance and instructions.
When Might a Permit Not Be Required?
Exemptions for school events, environmental education programs, observational research consistent with standard park use and hours or other activities related to education and outreach may be granted. Please contact the Research and Science Coordinator with any questions.
Who May Apply?
Applicants will be asked to provide a description of any training, expertise, experience and/or affiliation with a scientific, educational or non-profit institution or a state, federal or tribal agency to show capability to conduct the proposed research. For projects involving multiple researchers, the applicant should be the principal investigator, but all team members should be listed on the application.
When to Apply?
It is recommended that potential researchers submit an application at least one month (30 days) prior to the desired study start date. Requests for expedited review may not be possible.
Applications and Research Proposals
Applications for a Commercial Rental Permit for Research and Monitoring that involve collecting natural objects or specimens, are invasive, or have the potential to impact the park operationally might require a more extensive research proposal. Applicants should be prepared to provide a full research proposal if asked.
Review of Applications and Proposals
Each application will be reviewed for consistency with agency mission, compliance with park operations, and other laws, regulations and policies.
External scientific review, partnering agency review or consultations may affect the timeline for Arizona State Parks and Trails’ project review. Consulting with these partners may be the responsibility of the researcher. For clarification, please contact the Research and Science Coordinator.
Decision Criteria for Permit Applications
Commercial Rental Permits for Research and Monitoring are evaluated based on: an assessment of perceived risk to the natural and cultural resources, potential interruption to park activities, and consistency with agency guiding laws, regulations and policies.
Permit Stipulations
A permit is valid only for the activities authorized in the permit and must be carried by the permittee(s) at all times while conducting research on a state parks. Permittee(s) is not required to pay regular entrance fees while conducting research in state parks, but MUST contact the park a minimum of one week in advance of any visits to coordinate with the Park Manager and other staff who are logistically responsible for the work.
The applicant must notify Arizona State Parks and Trails of any proposed changes to the submitted application. Requests for significant changes may necessitate the development of a revised proposal, re-evaluation of the permit conditions and re-issuance of a revised permit. Nothing in the permit shall be construed as granting any exclusive research privileges or automatic right to continue, extend, or renew research.
Additional Permits
Other state or federal permits may be required as part of a research project. Examples may include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird or threatened and endangered species permits, Arizona Game & Fish Department scientific collecting permits, or Arizona Department of Agriculture permit to harvest endangered or commercially exploited plants.
Scientific activities involving anything more than limited ground disturbance or pertaining to prehistoric or historic cultural resources, including but not limited to archeological sites, cultural landscapes, historic and prehistoric structures require that the applicant consult with the State Historic Preservation Office and/or the Arizona State Museum. Limited ground disturbance is the original construction footprint of a structure or trail, does not exceed more than 2 feet in any direction, or has little potential to alter, directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics that qualify a historic property for inclusion in the National Register (see link for a list of properties).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify and secure all additional regulatory permits required prior to research in state parks. Copies of all relevant permits must be included with the application.
Research Reports and Deliverables
Researchers may be asked to submit any resulting reports and deliverables, which may be in the form of compiled data, journal publications and/or other printed materials resulting from the studies conducted in state parks. This information is used to document accomplishments, confirm presence/absence or population status of resources found within the park and provide data to managers for making informed decisions.
Permit Renewals, Amendments or Extensions
Researchers may request a permit renewal, extension or amendment. Permit extensions and amendments can be requested at any point while a current permit is active.
Please fill out and submit the application form and submit to:
Athena Sparks, southern regional manager: asparks@azstateparks.gov
Dan Roddy, western regional manager: droddy@azstateparks.gov
Hank Vincent, northern regional manager: hvincent@azstateparks.gov
