DCNR Bureau of Forestry - Research Policy

Research is a valid use state forest land that increases knowledge and provides benefits to society. The Bureau of Forestry has a long history of cooperating with researchers and the application of research results has kept the Bureau of Forestry among the leaders in public forest land management.

State forest land and Bureau of Forestry personnel are subject to increasing demands and pressures from a wide range of users and user groups. Careful planning and coordination are essential for protecting forest resources from overuse, overburdening Bureau of Forestry personnel, and minimizing the potential for conflicts. To address these concerns, the Bureau of Forestry has adopted the following policy: All requests to conduct research or other scientific studies on state forest land or other projects involving significant commitment of Bureau of Forestry resources, including personnel time, must be approved by the State Forester. This policy is intended to facilitate communication between the Bureau of Forestry and researchers through the use of informal agreements.

Requests to conduct research on state forest land should be submitted via email to the Forest Resource Planning section. If you are unable to submit your request via email, please submit your proposal in writing to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Resource Planning and Information Division, PO Box 8552, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552.

The request should include all the following information that is applicable to your project:

• All individuals involved in the study, including the names of those proposing the study and those who will be involved in collecting field data.
• Necessary Bureau of Forestry personnel involvement. Please include tasks and estimated time requirements.
• If Bureau personnel are involved as investigators or cooperators, you must submit a proposal that outlines manuscript handling. This proposal should include who has publication rights, who will be on the pre-publication review team, and who will be credited.
• Describe the location and list the name of the state forest district(s) where the proposed study will occur. Include a map (digital if possible) outlining the proposed research area. Additionally, please provide the latitude and longitude coordinates of all research points in decimal degree format.
• All research conducted on state forest land requires a review of the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI). The online PNDI Environmental Review Tool can be accessed at: www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us Please save the PNDI receipt in PDF format and attach it to the proposal.
• Background information on the subject and related ongoing research.
• The objectives of the study.
• The methodologies proposed for conducting the study.
• The expected time frame of the study.
• Any proposed and/or potential disturbances to the study area, along with clean up and/or mitigation measures available.
• Any permits or other approvals required by federal, state, or local government agencies.
• Copies of labels from any chemicals used in association with the project.

Items such as maps and chemical labels that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Resource Planning and Information Division, PO Box 8552, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552.

If necessary, the Bureau of Forestry may request additional information in order to properly evaluate your proposal.

The review process takes approximately four weeks. If the request is tentatively approved, researchers are required to sign a "Conditions Acceptance Form" (Sample below). Projects receive final approval when this form is signed and returned to the Forest Resource Planning Section. Questions and comments concerning research on state forest land should be directed to the local district forester or to the Forest Resource Planning Section at 717-783-0387.