What Does it Mean to Engage Responsibly?
Apply for a Research Permit: if you are interested in conducting research on the natural or cultural resources of a Great Lakes National Park, you must apply for a research permit. Even if a project is purely observational, researchers that are collecting data should apply for a permit. Research permits help the park track work that is being done, and information that is being collected, inside park boundaries and about the park to better inform management decisions. Researchers can apply for a permit through the Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS).
Join an Established Citizen Science Program:
Recreate Responsibly: The mission of the park speaks to the importance of encouraging recreation in National Parks. But all recreations should follow the 3 P's: Protecting You, Protecting Us, and Protecting America's National Treasures. The National Park Service has detailed information, guidelines, and tips on the Recreate Responsibly page.
Stay on Designated Trails Only:
Know the Basics of Water Safety: Much of the research and education in Great Lakes National Parks centers around water including the open waters of the Great Lakes, tributary freshwater rivers and streams, inland lakes and wetlands. When working in and around the waters of the national parks, its important to prioritize safety. Individual educational or research projects should have established safety guidelines. Basic information can be found in the NPS article Water Hazards - Health & Safety.
Never Collect Natural Resources (unless specified in a NPS research permit): Even if you are participating in a park authorized research, education, citizen science, or internship-related activity, collection of resources is strictly prohibited (e.g. seeds, flowers, soil, fish, rocks, etc) - unless specified by an approved active research permit.
Know the Risks from Ticks: Ticks are a natural part of many landscapes, and are common in Great Lakes parks. When working in the field, follow actions to reduce your exposure to ticks and and to remove ticks promptly as recommended by the NPS article One Health and Disease: Tick-Borne Disease.
Keep Your Distance from Wildlife: Even if you are participating in a park authorized research, education, citizen science, or internship-related activity, avoid contact with, or handling of, any forms of wildlife - unless specified by an approved active research permit.
Learn to Recognize Key Invasive Species:
