Research Use
Several agencies have policies in place for researchers wishing to conduct studies on natural areas. The purposes for these policies include to:
- Ensure that the ecological integrity of the natural area is not affected
- Foster collaboration among researchers working at the same sites
- Ensure that new studies do not affect ongoing research
- Maintain records of research activities and results of benefit to the agency and other researchers
- Help increase awareness of any research findings that have management implications.
Click on an agency below for more information. If an agency is not listed, you should contact the agency directly to determine how to get approval.
Forest Service
All research activities on Oregon, Washington, and Alaska RNAs require approval by the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Station Director. The exception is RNAs located in wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, or other congressionally-designated areas (see http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/cda/special-areas.shtml) where the Regional Forester approves research with the concurrence of the Station Director. Research proposals are also reviewed by the District Ranger, the PNW Research Natural Areas (RNA) Coordinator, and the Station Director’s Office. Before applying, you are encouraged to discuss your project with the PNW RNA Coordinator, a Forest Service scientist, District or Forest staff, and/or the local District Ranger.
Download the RNA Research Approval Request Form.
Please send the completed request form to:
Dr. Todd M. Wilson, PNW RNA Coordinator
PNW Research station, Corvallis Forestry Sciences Laboratory
3200 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
E-mail: twilson@fs.fed.us
Phone: 541-750-7288
Bureau of Land Management
To conduct research on one of BLM’s Research Natural Areas or other Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, contact the lead botanist for the District in which the natural area resides.
Burns District 28910 Hwy 20 West Hines, OR 97738 Telephone: 541-573-4400 |
Coos Bay District 1300 Airport Lane North Bend, OR 97459 Telephone: 541-756-0100 |
Eugene District 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E Springfield, OR 97477 Telephone: 541-683-6600 / 888-442-3061 |
Lakeview District Office 1301 South G Street Lakeview, OR 97630 Telephone: 541-947-2177 |
Medford District Office 3040 Biddle Road Medford, OR 97504 Telephone: 541-618-2200 |
Prineville District Office 3050 N.E. 3rd Street Prineville, OR 97754 Telephone: 541-416-6700 |
Roseburg District Office 777 N.W. Garden Valley Boulevard Roseburg, OR 97470 Telephone: 541-440-4930 |
Salem District Office 1717 Fabry Road, S.E. Salem, OR 97306 Telephone: 503-375-5646 |
Spokane District Office 1103 N. Fancher Road Spokane, WA 99212 Telephone: 509-536-1200 |
Vale District Office 100 Oregon Street Vale, OR 97918 Telephone: 541-473-3144 |