Applying for a Permit

Permit Application

Submit your application at least 30 days in advance of the proposed start date for the research or collection activity.
Submit your research and collection permit application online.
Interdepartmental review and approval is often required for proposals involving natural areas, ecological reserves, wilderness areas and heritage rangelands. This extends the time required to prepare and issue a permit. A proposal like this must be submitted well in advance of proposed start of the project.
Permits or approvals may also be required from other agencies and organizations to conduct research or engage in collection activities. Obtaining a research and collection permit from Parks Division may be contingent upon having permits or approvals in place related to
- Wildlife research or collection through Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development
- Archaeological, paleontological or historical research or collection through Historic Resources Management of Alberta Culture
Additional permits related to site access may also be necessary. The type of access required must be identified in the research and collection application for Parks Division.
Aircraft landing and firearms permits may also be required. It may be necessary to follow-up with the regional or district office.

The following information is required for a permit application

Applicant's name and contact information
Project members' names and contact information
Commencement and termination of field operations
Description of project, methodology and details surrounding specimen collection and location of specimen placement
Details regarding where researchers will stay while in a park
Name of person who will supervise field operations in the applicant's absence
Description of vehicles used for research project, including off-highway vehicles
Anticipated written products of the project

For a multi-year project, a research and collection permit is issued on a calendar year basis only. As the permit expires on December 31, a permit renewal is required if the project is to continue in the following year. The permit renewal application must be submitted by November 30.

During a research project, researchers may be able to stay in a campground or other park accommodation. Approval must be provided by the appropriate park staff.

Permit Process

Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and Alberta Culture are partners in the Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) system. Please refer to the OPaC User Guide for assistance.

OPaC has separate portals for applications for

Parks-related research
Historical Resources Act clearances for small-scale oil and gas developments and for archaeological permits

Alberta Culture has more information on applying for Historical Resources Act clearances.

Online Permitting and Clearance is the sole means of applying for a research and collection permit on any lands under the administration of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation to

Apply for a research and collection permit
Apply for an amendment or renewal of a research and collection permit
Submit progress and final reports related to a research and collection permit

Online Permitting and Clearance features include

A one-time registration providing users with individual password-protected accounts to complete, submit and track the progress of their research applications
Communication by e-mail, notifying users when applications have been received, requesting changes if necessary and sending back approved applications and any other required documents

Conditions

General conditions apply to all permits.
Special conditions may also apply to issued permits. These outline unique or special circumstances related to the research activities and/or the site of the project.
Permit holders must comply with all conditions relating to their permit.