Permits and Permissions

Review process for conducting research has two deadlines to submit proposed work. April 1 and October 1.

Bartlett Experimental Forest has limited staff and the USFS personnel are not available to support external researchers.

This is a field site located in the Quabbin Reservoir watershed - Massachusetts DCR Division of Water Supply Protection.

This property limits additional research - researchers need to coordinate with the DCR.

This is a field site located in the Quabbin Reservoir watershed - Massachusetts DCR Division of Water Supply Protection.

This property limits additional research - researchers need to make sure to coordinate with the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

This is a field site managed by Harvard University and open to additional research via the Harvard Experimental Forest website.

There are many other research projects co-located within the NEON research area.

Site permission is needed to work within the NEON tower footprint or at other locations within the site. Coordination with the University of Virginia along with NEON is required. Passive sampling and observational data gathering can be conducted without permission if it is in the public access areas of the arboretum during operating hours.

Some areas of the site have pre-existing experiments and a high density of markers, equipment, sensors, etc. Make sure to coordinate with on-going work at the site to avoid any impact. All researchers must be accompanied while on-site by at least one individual with an approved Visiting Scientist Agreement if they do not have their own agreement.

Annual hunting activities may render this area completely inaccessible for short periods of time (1-2 days) over the course of the season.

Significant portions of the site are off-limits or have restricted access due to captive animal activities.

Most research activities require approval from a land-use committee. Stays longer than a month may require the researcher to apply for contractor credentials and submit to a background check.

Access is limited as this site is owned by a private party. Daily access is limited to 7AM – 4PM. Very limited access from October through December. Site access to be coordinated with the NEON Domain Manager.

Significant portions of the site are off-limits or have restricted access due to captive animal activities.

Most research activities require approval from a land-use committee. Stays longer than a month may require the researcher to apply for contractor credentials and submit to a background check.

Access is limited as this site is owned by a private party. Daily access is limited to 7AM – 4PM. Very limited access from October through December. Site access to be coordinated with the NEON Domain Manager.

This area has an active research community and requires a site research permit.

This area has an active research community and requires a site research permit.

This area has an active research community and requires a site research permit.

This area has an active research community and requires a site research permit.

This area has an active research community and requires a site research permit.

This area has an active research community and requires a site research permit.

The site host encourages research at this site; however, all requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended that researchers submit a request to access this area at least 6 months in advance of any planned work dates.

Due to the high density of research taking place in this area, it is critical to coordinate with the site host to ensure there are no conflicts with ongoing research.

The site host encourages research at this site; however, all requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended that researchers submit a request to access this area at least 6 months in advance of any planned work dates.

Due to the high density of research taking place in this area, it is critical to coordinate with the site host to ensure there are no conflicts with ongoing research.

If proposed work will be in the water (not just on the banks) Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), request for scientific research, " Solicitud para proposito cientifico". Application is in Spanish but can be filled in using English if needed. It is recommended not to use Google translator to generate English to Spanish text (adds confusion). Also, projects should highlight the differences from NEON or the importance of PI project sampling process or lab analysis (page 2 section C). If PIs do not clearly illustrate those differences it is more likely the DNER will reject the application. It is recommended that researchers submit a request to access this area at least 6 months in advance of any planned work dates. Requesting permission to access this area includes multiple steps and well-planned coordination. Each request is evaluated by the site host.

This area is an active farm. It is recommended that researchers submit a request permits to this area at least 6 months in advance of any planned work dates.

Research activities are limited and must not interfere with farming activities. E.g., gates must remain closed at all times to avoid cattle walking out.

If proposed work will be in the water (not just on the banks) Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), request for scientific research, "Solicitud para proposito cientifico." Application is in Spanish but can be filled in using English if needed. It is recommended not to use Google translator to generate English to Spanish text (adds confusion). Also, projects should highlight the differences from NEON or the importance of PI project sampling process or lab analysis (page 2 section C). If PIs do not clearly illustrate those differences it is more likely the DNER will reject the application. It is recommended that researchers submit a request to access this area at least 6 months in advance of any planned work dates. Requesting permission to access this area includes multiple steps and well-planned coordination. Each request is evaluated by the site host.

Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), request for scientific research, " Solicitud para proposito cientifico". Application is in Spanish but can be filled in using English if needed. It is recommended not to use Google translator to generate English to Spanish text (adds confusion). Also, projects should highlight the differences from NEON or the importance of PI project sampling process or lab analysis (page 2 section C). If PIs do not clearly illustrate those differences it is more likely the DNER will reject the application. It is recommended that researchers submit a request to access this area at least 6 months in advance of any planned work dates. Requesting permission to access this area includes multiple steps and well-planned coordination. Each request is evaluated by the site host.

The host has indicated support of additional research at this site.

These distributed plots are located in the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest, approximately 50 km from the Steigerwaldt tower. Additional research may take place in this area with site host permission. However, logging takes place in the area and timber sales take priority over research. This location includes STEI distributed plots.

UNDERC encourages research at this site; however, each request is evaluated on the potential for scientific advancement, impact to the site, and consistency and compatibility with other designated, non-research uses of the property. Research applications for UNDERC are due in March of each year. However, off-cycle requests have been granted previously, so worth asking.

The University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) encourages research at this site; however, each request is evaluated on the potential for scientific advancement, impact to the site, and consistency and compatibility with other designated, non-research uses of the property. Research applications for UNDERC are due in April of each year.

Treehaven encourages research, but activities may be limited due to other uses of this property and on-going projects. The main TREE phenology loop and 10 of the 20 tower plots are on private land, and are unavailable for NEON Research Support Services (NRSS) projects.

The owner of this site does not want access to this site beyond NEON's ordinary workflow. This location contains STEI eddy covariance tower and TOS tower plots. Additional instruments could be hung on the tower, and field observations might be conducted by NEON staff in the context of their regular site visits.

The Nature Conservancy and Konza Prairie Biological Station (KSU) encourages research at this site that fits with their mission and is within their abilities as a host.

Please request site access at least two weeks prior to any planned work.

The Nature Conservancy and Konza Prairie Biological Station (KSU) encourages research at this site that fits with their mission and is within their abilities as a host.

Please request site access at least two weeks prior to any planned work.

This site host encourages research that fits with their mission and is within their abilities as a host.

Please request site access at least two weeks prior to any planned work.

This site host encourages research that fits with their mission and is within their abilities as a host.

Please request site access at least two weeks prior to any planned work.

The Nature Conservancy and Konza Prairie Biological Station (KSU) encourages research at this site that fits with their mission and is within their abilities as a host.

Please request site access at least two weeks prior to any planned work.

Mountain Lake Biological Station is open to additional research activities taking place in this area.

The National Park Service allows for additional research activities in this area. Please apply through the IRMA Permitting portal.

The National Park Service allows for additional research activities in this area. Please apply through the IRMA Permitting portal.

There is no system to request authorized access for additional research activities to this federally secure area at this time. Please coordinate efforts directly with the site manager.

Please coordinate directly with the US Forest Service for permitting and approval of research activities.

There is no system to request authorized access for additional research activities to this federally secure area at this time. Please coordinate efforts directly with the site manager.

This area is primarily intended for recreational activities and is also classified as a hunting area. Research access is limited but possible. Coordination with NEON Domain manager is required to access this site.

The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide Wood Duck brood habitat and serves as a protected wintering area for waterfowl.
Please coordinate efforts directly with the site manager.

This area is primarily intended for recreational activities and is also classified as a hunting area. Research access is limited but possible.

This area is primarily intended for recreational activities and is also classified as a hunting area. Research access is limited but possible.

This area is primarily intended for recreational activities and is also classified as a hunting area. Research access is limited but possible.

Coordination with NEON Domain Manager is required to access this site.

This area is primarily intended for recreational activities and is also classified as a hunting area. Research access is limited but possible.

Access is limited as this site is owned by a private party.

Please coordinate with NEON domain manager.

Please coordinate with NEON Domain Manager.

The site host encourages additional research activities that are related to the USDA Agricultural Research Service mission.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager.

The site host encourages additional research activities that are related to the US Fish and Wildlife mission.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager.

The site host encourages additional research activities that are related to the US Fish and Wildlife mission.

Please coordinate directly with the US Forest Service for permitting and approval.
During winter months access to many plots are behind a USFS locked gate (no NEON access) on a snow-covered road . Gate opens around first week of June and closes mid-November annually. Hiking in is permitted.

1. You will be required to obtain a research permit from Rocky Mountain National Park (see website link).
2. This permit will go through thorough environmental review. Please provide a detailed study plan with description of methodology and sampling plan.
3. Once the review is completed the permit will be generated, sent the PI for review and signing and then sent to Rocky Mountain National Park Superintendent for final approval.
4. This process can take up to 90 days to complete.
5. Investigators annual reports and final reports, pubs, and datasets submittals will be required.
Site is behind locked gate, arrange with NEON Domain Manager for access.
During winter months the 500ft road before and after the gate is generally plowed, but can require a short hike if not.

Access is limited as this site is owned by a private party. Please coordinate efforts with NEON Domain Manager.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager. Site manager requests we limit truck use on site and instead favors UTV/ hiking in from field house, ~0.5 mi.

Research/Site Access Process

Step 1: CPER Research Request Application
1. Window open Oct 1st through March 1st each year
2. CPER research committee reviews submissions
3. Submit request through this form: https://forms.office.com/g/5ZM3ajnGU5

Step 2: (IF APPROVED) Request Federal Property Access
1. Turn around time, 45-60 business days from the day they RECEIVE the permit request (requires background check & clearance)
2. Point of contact: TBD - this position recently became vacant but can contact Melissa Johnston - Agricultural Science Research Technician, melissa.johnston@usda.gov
3. Will be asked to submit:
i. Revocable Permit
ii. Section 106

Please do not contact the site host.

Site host requests NEON review and approval of all external research projects at the site, and that coordination be directly through the NEON Domain 11 Manager.

External research requests are limited at this site.

Please do not contact the site host.

Site host requests NEON review and approval of all external research projects at the site, and that coordination be directly through the NEON Domain 11 Manager.

External research requests are limited at this site.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager.

The National Park Service allows for additional research activities in this area. Please apply through the IRMA Permitting portal. Reach out to the NEON Domain Manager, Amy Jacobs, prior to contacting NPS permitting for additional assistance in process.
The NEON research area has limited access during the Bear Exclosure period annually March 10 - June 30. Advanced Coordination with NEON personnel if conducting activities for PI during this period is required.

The National Park Service allows for additional research activities in this area. Please apply through the IRMA Permitting portal. Reach out to NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting NPS permitting for additional assistance in process.

The NEON research area has limited access due to the sensitivity of the area. No access into the tower or tower airshed area (includes all tower plots) due to Bear Exclosure annually March 10 - June 30.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager to submit a site research permit (applications open in mid-Feb and closes May).
Site is behind a locked gate, arrange with NEON Domain Manager for access.
During winter months (early Nov-late May) road is closed to truck usage and only possible by a specialized vehicle (deep snow) or snowshoe/ski 1 mile up road.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager to submit a site research permit (applications open in mid-Feb and closes May).
Site is behind a locked gate, arrange with NEON Domain Manager for access.
During winter months (early Nov-late May) road is closed to truck usage and only possible by a specialized vehicle (deep snow) or snowshoe/ski 2-4 mi up road.

Please communicate with the NEON Domain Manager before submitting a site research permit to BLM permitting.

Please coordinate directly with the US Forest Service for permitting and approval.
During winter months (early Nov-early June) road is closed to truck usage and only possible by a specialized vehicle (deep snow) or snowshoe/ski 2.5 mi up road.

Mountain Research Station (MRS) is situated within Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland. Please coordinate NIWO research access with the MRS contacts.

JORN encourages research activities that do not conflict with on-going activities.

Please apply directly with site host and USDA for a site research permit. All requests are reviewed for impacts to cultural resources, endangered species and other research activities.

Santa Rita Experimental Range encourages research activities that do not conflict with on-going activities.

Please apply directly with site host for a site research permit. All requests are reviewed for impacts to cultural resources, endangered species and other research activities.

Please coordinate directly with the US Forest Service for permitting and approval.

REDB is a designated USFS Research natural Area and is located in a secure area with restricted access managed by Salt Lake City Watershed Department.

Please coordinate directly with the US Forest Service AND Salt Lake City Watershed for permitting and approval. Contact the NEON Domain 15 Manager if needing assistance in this process.

REDB is a designated USFS Research natural Area and is located in a secure area with restricted access managed by Salt Lake City Watershed Department.

Please coordinate directly with the US Forest Service AND Salt Lake City Public Utilities Watershed for permitting and approval. Contact the NEON Domain 15 Manager if needing assistance in this process.

Please communicate with the NEON Domain Manager before submitting a site research permit to BLM permitting.

Please coordinate with the US Forest Service site manager to submit a site research permit. The NEON Domain Manager can provide up-to-date contact information.

There are on-going research projects to be aware of at site.

Please coordinate with the US Forest Service site manager to submit a site research permit. The NEON Domain Manager can provide up-to-date contact information.

There are on-going research projects to be aware of at site.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources does not currently allow other research activities in this area.

Please coordinate with the US Forest Service site host to submit a site research permit. The NEON Domain Manager can provide up-to-date contact information.

There are on-going research projects to be aware of at site.

NOAA permit may also be required to due sensitive fish species in stream.

Please coordinate with the US Forest Service site host to submit a site research permit. The NEON Domain Manager can provide up-to-date contact information.

There are on-going research projects to be aware of at site.

NOAA permit may also be required to due sensitive fish species in stream.

Please coordinate efforts directly with the US Forest Service and HJ Andrews Experimental Forest for permitting and approval.

Site is located behind a locked gate. When physically accessing the site, researchers will need to check out a key and safety radio from HJ Andrews Experimental Forest. Winter access may only be possible by use of a specialized vehicle (deep snow).

Please coordinate efforts directly with the US Forest Service and HJ Andrews Experimental Forest for permitting and approval.

Site is located behind a locked gate. When physically accessing the site, researchers will need to check out a key and safety radio from HJ Andrews Experimental Forest. Winter access may only be possible by use of a specialized vehicle (deep snow).

Please coordinate efforts directly with the US Forest Service and HJ Andrews Experimental Forest for permitting and approval.

Site is located behind a locked gate. When physically accessing the site, researchers will need to check out a key and safety radio from HJ Andrews Experimental Forest. Winter access may only be possible by use of a specialized vehicle (deep snow).

Site host requests NEON approval of work be obtained prior to inquiring about permitting.

Work that is purely observational, work located on our tower, or work similar to NEON protocols and within our plots or stream reach is likely to be approved, but permitting timelines are much longer for higher impact work (>6 months).

Site host requests NEON approval of work be obtained prior to submitting a research application. External research is encouraged.

Site host requests NEON approval of work be obtained prior to inquiring about permitting.

Work that is purely observational, work located on the NEON tower, or work similar to NEON protocols and within our plots or stream reach is likely to be approved, but permitting timelines are much longer for higher impact work (>6 months).

Site host requests NEON approval of work be obtained prior to inquiring about permitting.

Work that is purely observational, work located on our tower, or work similar to NEON protocols and within our plots or stream reach is likely to be approved, but permitting timelines are much longer for higher impact work (>6 months).

Site host requests NEON approval of work be obtained prior to submitting inquiry to site host.

External research is encouraged, observational work will be a quick process, but destructive sampling will require a more lengthy process (<6 months).

Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting the site host for appropriate site research-access permits.

Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting the the BLM Realty Specialist at the Central Yukon Field Office and the Toolik Field Station GIS office manager. BLM issues approval, but defers first to Toolik Field Station for approval to ensure zero conflicts with existing research.

BLM permissions in Alaska may require additional time to receive site permissions and permits.

Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting the the BLM Realty Specialist at the Central Yukon Field Office and the Toolik Field Station GIS office manager. BLM issues approval, but defers first to Toolik Field Station for approval to ensure zero conflicts with existing research

BLM permissions in Alaska may require additional time to receive site permissions and permits.

Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting the the BLM Realty Specialist at the Central Yukon Field Office and the Toolik Field Station GIS office manager. BLM issues approval, but defers first to Toolik Field Station for approval to ensure zero conflicts with existing research

BLM permissions in Alaska may require additional time to receive site permissions and permits.

The NEON site is co-located with Bonanza Creek LTER. Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting LTER or Alaska DNR.

Please allow at least 3-6 months prior to any planned start dates.

The NEON site is co-located with Bonanza Creek LTER. Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting LTER or Alaska DNR.

Please allow at least 3-6 months prior to any planned start dates.

Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting the the BLM Realty Specialist at the Central Yukon Field Office.

BLM permissions in Alaska may require additional time to receive site permissions and permits.

Coordinate communication with NEON Domain Manager prior to contacting the Alaska DNR.

Please coordinate efforts with the site manager at least 3-6 months prior to any planned start dates.