Permits and Policies

 

Activities fall under three categories:

• Casual Use: Depending on your proposed sampling plan, your activities might be considered “Casual Use”.  Casual Use is defined as activities resulting in no or negligible disturbance of public lands. 
  • Time for approval one month, depends on the season and obligations.
  • Examples of casual use authorization include plot observations, active layer sampling, hydrological sampling, minimal destructive sampling. 
  • The BLM ultimately makes the final decision on whether your activities would be considered casual use, or need to go through further review for an authorization permit. 
  • Free
• Authorization Permit: Permits are short term authorizations up to three years in scope. Most permits require an NEPA review, and occasionally analysis, which is reviewed by a BLM interdisciplinary team to review and process the proposal 
  • Permits take longer than Casual Use Authorizations to be processed due to the NEPA review or analysis.
  • Most proposals are categorical exclusion (CX) level NEPA.  A CX is a form of NEPA compliance, without the analysis that occurs in an Environmental Assessment (EA).  Occasionally, a proposal will require an EA level analysis. 
  • Examples of permitted activities include the installation of infrastructure, extensive destructive sampling, and temporary boardwalks. 
  • A small fee is associated with these permits ($)
  • Processing monitoring fees are based on hours estimated to process and monitor the permit. The fee schedule changes yearly, Rent is based on acreage and is due by December 31, yearly.
• Right-of-way Authorization: these authorizations are for periods of time greater than three years, for example boardwalks.  
  • These authorizations will undergo similar review as permits but but are more likely to need a lengthier Environmental Assessment level NEPA review. 
  • Examples of Right-of-Way Authorizations are permanent meteorological stations, greenhouses, snow fences and other kinds of infrastructure. 
  • These Authorizations have a large fee associated with them ($$)
  • Processing monitoring fees are based on hours estimated to process and monitor the permit. The fee schedule changes yearly, Rent is based on acreage and is due by December 31, yearly.

 * Note: Boardwalks are required by the BLM in some situations, depending on how often you will be accessing your site, the type of landscape your site is located on, and how many people will be accessing the site.  There will be additional costs involved if boardwalks are deemed necessary, in addition to the cost of installing the boardwalks.

International Researchers:

Permitting is a critical first step in planning fieldwork at TFS. Please review our general information first, located on our website. For foreign nationals, if your work is more complicated and requires Bureau of Land Management (BLM) authorization, you will need to obtain a State of Alaska business license. Most research projects can apply as individuals, but you may need to register as an entity. To obtain a business license, prior to applying for your BLM permit:

• For additional information on licenses and entities, please visit the Alaska Department of Commerce website.
• Once your entity is in “good standing” or if you are applying as an individual, then you can obtain the business license by visiting the Alaska Business Licensing website. 

A VISA will likely be required for your visit. For assistance with VISAs, please refer to the U.S. State Department website.

To expedite your application for a casual-use, permit, or right-of-way authorization please answer the following questions.  The more information that you provide the quicker the possible turnaround time.

 

• Questions for Toolik researchers for authorization application/casual use determination. 
• Who?
  • Who would authorization be to? (Name of PI)
  • Name of institution, contact name, address, cc address, the name on the authorization should be the party responsible for the rent and processing payment.
• Where?
  • Meridian, Township, Range, and Section ideally,  and lat and long in Excel CVS spreadsheet if possible. 
  • Map of locations in consultation with Toolik Field Station GIS is required for BLM permits.
• Ground Disturbance?
  • How will the ground be disturbed?
  • What size area to what depth?
  • Will there be measurements or samples be taken?
  • What quantity of samples will be taken over how large of an area?
  • If samples are taken will there be removal and replacement or will samples be removed permanently?
  • Will equipment be left on the land? Seasonally or long term?
  • Does the equipment require power? What is the source? Battery, Solar, Fuel?
  • What is the plan for fuel handling and spill prevention or clean up? (State's spill info here)
  • Is there a plan for removal of equipment if the activity is abandoned?
  • Is the activity short (3 years or less) term? or long term? 
• Site Access?
  • How will sites be accessed?
  • By vehicle on existing roads, pullouts?
  • By foot on existing trails and boardwalks?
  • If crossing tundra what is your method of access in what months?
  • Will additional boardwalk be necessary?
  • The more complete the information is in the original proposal the faster the BLM can process your application and or determine if it needs a casual use or research permit. 

 

Contact Information

 

 

For projects within Gates of the Arctic National park you will need to submit a permit request to the National Park Service. 

• Gates of the Arctic National Park has a whole webpage on "Conducting Research in Gates of the Arctic", with lots of great information for planning logistics and applying for permits. 
• A proposal needs to be submitted through the Research and Permit and Reporting System and fill out a questionnaire and email it to Gates of the Arctic research coordinator. 
• Proposals will be reviewed to “ensure that park resources and values, as well as other park users, are not unduly affected by the proposed research. An interdisciplinary team will evaluate applications to determine potential impacts in several areas, including: natural resources (NEPA), cultural resources (NHPA Section 106, ARPA, NAGPRA), subsistence resources and/or activities (ANILCA Section 810), Wilderness (Section 4(c) of the 1964 Wilderness Act, with Minimum Requirement/Minimum Tool determination) and the Endangered Species Act (Section 7), among others.
• How long will it take?
• Permit application deadline is March 31st for projects starting between May 1 - August 31. If applying for a permit outside this time frame apply at least 60 days in advance.
• Best Practices in planning to work in a National Park wilderness
  • Human powered tools and or battery packs, no motors. 
  • What kind of disturbance will occur from your collect, installation, sampling efforts?
• Early communication with the park to discuss and develop the project and confirm that it is consistent with wilderness regulations
• Explain in your permit application that the research needs to be accomplished in the wilderness rather than outside the park.  How does the research benefit the wilderness or it’s management?
• How can you minimize your impact on wilderness

• If you plan on collecting samples you will need to contact the park curator.  All samples collected in the park are property of the NPS.  These samples will need to be cataloged in the NPS system.  Better to learn the process before you begin sampling!  For more information see the Gates of the Arctic Collections webpage. 

 

Contact Information 

 Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water

Permits from the AK DNR are needed if you are going to :

1. Place monitoring equipment on the landscape for more than two weeks.
2. Staging a camp in one or more locations for more than two weeks.
3. Conducting off-road travel to reach your study sites. 

Apply for a permit for placing equipment or staging a camp through the Land-Use Permit Application. This Application includes the Land-Use Permit, Off-road Travel and Use of Uplands and Non-Marine Waters Permit Applications. 

Applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process and have a public notice period for review.

For more information check out the Land Use Permits page on the Alaska DNR website. 

 

Applications for permits to work in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

• Applications are needed for Scientific Research within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge managed by the USFW
• There is a very detailed permitting page on the ANWR website that will walk you through what information is needed, when it is due, and where to send your application.  The below information is just a summary.
• Information on special permits for ANWR

• Permit applications are only accepted between October 1 and November 30th.  Your application must be turned in by the last day of the application period.  
  • Email for permit application
• Link to the permit application 

• Things to include in your permit application
  • Describe project by specifically identifying timing, frequency, and how the project is expected to proceed:
  • Identify species or habitats being studied:
• Full Proposal from that you submitted for funding (ex. NSF proposal) with detailed information or
• Provide the answers to these questions or a combination of proposal and answers here.

• Expected benefits of research/monitoring:

• Where will your study site(s) be location (Lat/Long)?
  • Toolik GIS can help you make a map for your application.
• Denote exactly where your sites will be located with GPS points and or an attached map.
• What are the dates you will be at your study sites?
• How will you get to your study sites?
• List trails, routes, vehicle numbers and license plate numbers, where will you park. 
• How many people will participate? Will you be staying overnight in the refuge?  If so, in what kind of accommodation?
• What kinds of equipment and instrumentation will you be bringing into the field? 
• Will you be installing and leaving any equipment or instrumentation?
• When will it be installed? Removed? Will it need maintenance? How often will access be needed to download the data?
• Will you be disturbing the ground?
• If collecting samples, what kind, how many?
• Do you have the permits needed for collections?
• Will you have or be transporting hazardous materials?

• Email the completed application to  arctic_permits@fws.gov

 

Contact Information:

 

 Bureau of Land Management requires permitting to film on BLM lands.  

1. Fill out the Land Use Application and Permit form (Just the Application part, BLM does the rest).
2. Fill out the Filming on Public Lands - Detailed Description of Filming Activity Form.
3. Provide a Map with specific coordinates of where you will be filming (Lat/Long).
   • Toolik GIS can help you make a map for your application.
4. Pay the appropriate fees determined by the local BLM officer
   
   • Application processing time typically 1-2 months.

 

 National Park Service requires permitting to film on NPS lands.  

• Permits are needed for all commercial photography and filming within Gates of the Arctic National Park under a Special Use Permit.
• Use of UAS/drones in the the park is prohibited unless written approval by the superintendent.
• How to Apply

1. 1. Complete the Commercial Filming application and email to the park.
   2. Pay the non-refundable application and admin fee of $200
   3. For simple permit requests, applications must be received at least three weeks prior to proposed start date. For more complex requests, applications must be received six weeks in advance.

• Important note: General liability insurance must be carried by the permittee showing the “U.S. Government, National Park Service, Fairbanks Administrative Center, 4175 Geist Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709” as additionally insured. Short term policies must show coverage on "occurrence" basis. The minimum amount of commercial liability insurance is one million dollars. Additional amounts may be required for high-risk activities.
• Email the park directly with any questions via their web contact form.

 

 

 US Fish and Wildlife Service requires permitting to film on National Wildlife Refuges.  

• • Permits are needed for all commercial photography and filming under the Special Use Permit. The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones) is no longer allowed for any US Fish and Wildlife Service supported or permitted use.
  • Review the ANWR permitting webpage for a detailed description of the application process. All questions about filming or photography in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should be directed to the Permits Specialist Maria Berkeland at arctic_permits@fws.gov or at 907-888-5704.
  • A $100 fee may be required depending on activities and purpose. 
  • When to Apply
    • Winter/ Spring filming apply during October 1-November 30th
    • Summer/ Fall filming apply during January 1 - April 15th
    • Complete applications received during these time periods will be processed within 45 days of receipt.
    • Incomplete applications will be returned after the application period closes.
    • Applications outside of these dates will be processed during the next application period.
  • Required information
    • Denote exactly where your sites will be located with GPS points and or an attached map.
    • Toolik GIS can help you make a map for your application.
    • Explain why?
    • State of Alaska Business License
    • Narrative Letter to the Refuge Manager
    • Where will your study site(s) be location (Lat/Long)?
    • List of licenses and insurance policies that cover the photography and filming
    • What are the dates you will be at your sites?
    • How will you get to your sites? List trails, routes, vehicle numbers, license plate numbers, and where will you park.
    • How many people will participate? Will you be staying overnight in the refuge?  If so, in what kind of accommodation?
    • Will you have or be transporting hazardous materials? (e.g., fuel)
  • Important note: Commercial filming in the wilderness portions of the refuges are prohibited, unless deemed necessary to manage the wilderness. 
    • Most areas near Toolik are not in the wilderness area of ANWR, but be sure to check if your potential sites are located there. (map)
  • Submit your application and narrative letter to arctic_permits@fws.gov
  • To pay your $100 application fee, call 907-888-5704 and pay by credit card or send it by check to the address below.  

 

• Permits are needed for commercial photography and filming

University of Alaska Fairbanks requires a location agreement and media releases for all commercial filming within the station premises. 

• Contact Toolik's communication & DEI manager, Haley Dunleavy, as soon as possible to begin the approval process.
• Submit UAF media relations filming application form at least a week before filming start date.

•  Much of the land around and near Toolik Field Station is administered and managed by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  For questions and current information about permit requirements for UAS/drones launched from and operated over this land, please call: 907-474-2200

• Drone Use: Launching, landing, or operating of drones (i.e., unmanned aircraft) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

• As of January 29, 2020 unmanned aircraft systems are no longer allowed for any US FWS supported or permitted use.
• This prohibition applies to the use of drones for commercial filming and scientific research, regardless of previous approval. 
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems laws and regulations

 form 2920-1