RESEARCH PERMIT GUIDELINES - SC State Parks

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
State Parks Service, Resource Management Section
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-0151 FAX: (803) 734-1017
www.southcarolinaparks.com
RESEARCH PERMIT GUIDELINES
Introduction
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) must coordinate a variety of activities on its
many parks. For the purpose of protecting the historical and natural resources and preventing conflicts with state park
regulations, the Resources Management Division has established a permit policy for conducting research investigations
on state park property.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of PRT to encourage research activities that are consistent with the department's goals of protecting
historical and natural resources which exist on state park lands. To this end, it is the policy of the parks division to
administer permits to regulate historical and natural resource research activities.
Projects Requiring a Permit
Historical: -surface collecting
-subsurface testing or excavation
-metal detectors or other sensor devices
-underwater collecting
Natural: -mineral and fossil collecting
-collecting of plants and plant parts
-collecting of animals and animal parts (except the taking of fish and animals
under existing state and park game laws, rules and regulations and agreements)
-tagging of any animal species
Permit Application
Application for a research permit must be made on forms obtained from the Division of State Parks. The Division shall
issue such a permit only if it has determined that the proposed research activity is consistent with proper management of
the cultural and natural resources. In making such a determination, the Division shall consider the following:
• whether there is a need for the information or data
• whether the proposed activities would duplicate sound research previously accomplished
• whether the activities would be unduly detrimental to the integrity of the historical and natural resources
• whether the research project is of reasonably sound design
• whether the applicant has the expertise to conduct the research appropriately
Persons issued a research permit shall submit to the division within 30 working days, reports detailing the information or
data obtained during the research activities. Reports should include a statement of goals and objectives, methodology,
results and conclusions. In addition, a copy will be required of any publication(s) benefiting from the activities performed
under the research permit.
Permits may be denied or revoked for any of the following reasons:
• submitting false information
• failure to maintain records
• failure to notify the park superintendent three days prior to the research activities
• violation of any specific conditions outlined in the permit
Research activities that will provide state parks with useful information for future management decisions or in the
development of educational programs will be actively encouraged. In some cases, it may be necessary for the division to
negotiate with a researcher to develop the appropriate methodology for generating the desired data or information.

Permit No.
South Carolina State Parks
Research Application
1. Name Age
Address
City & State
Zip Code
Phone (work) ( ) - (home) ( ) -
2. University or other affiliation:
Address Phone ( ) -
Occupation or Scientific Affiliation:
Address Phone ( ) -
3. Park where research is to be performed:
Brief description of proposed project location:
Proposed Research Schedule Dates:
Field Work: Beginning / / Ending / /
Total Project: Beginning / / Ending / /
List names of anyone who will assist in the fieldwork:
Describe the purpose and objectives of the investigation:
6. Describe the data recovery method, techniques and equipment to be used:
7. Describe how and in what form the investigation results will be reported and disseminated:
(attach additional information if necessary)
8. Disposition of the artifacts or specimens:
• After analysis, all artifacts must remain in the possession of the Division of State Parks.
• All fossils and biological specimens must remain part of public domain and thus be housed in a museum,
university, college, park or other such institution.
9. Please be sure to attach the following with your application:
• map clearly indicating the location of the proposed investigations
• resume/vita of the principal researcher

10. A permit may be used only by the person to whom it is issued. If the permittee is not present, a designated
assistant or student must have on their person a copy of the permit and a letter of authorization issued by the permittee.
The permittee shall be responsible for all violations by such sub-permittees and not interfere with the necessary
maintenance and operation of the park or the recreational and educational activities of park visitors.
The permittee shall and hereby does waive and release any and all claim against the South Carolina Department
of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, it's employees, or the state of South Carolina for any and all damages, loss, or cost to
person or property arising either directly or indirectly from the use of said premises and/or from the exercise of the
privileges granted by this permit.
The permittee shall be responsible for any and all damages, loss or cost to person or property arising either
directly or indirectly from the use of said premises and/or from the exercise of the privileges granted by this permit.
If any additional space is needed, attach additional sheets to the back of this application.
I certify that the above information is correct and true to the best of my knowledge.
DATE
RESEARCHER'S SIGNATURE
This portion to be completed by Park Resource Management Division:
Date Received / /
Comments or Restrictions
I recommend that this application be: approved approved with restrictions
not approved
Date
Chief of Resources Management or designee
Date of Issue
State Park Director or designee