Using RNAs
Several agencies have policies in place for researchers wishing to conduct studies on natural areas. The purposes for these policies include to:
Ensure that the ecological integrity of the natural area is not affected
Foster collaboration among researchers working at the same sites
Ensure that new studies do not affect ongoing research
Maintain records of research activities and results of benefit to the agency and other researchers
Help increase awareness of any research findings that have management implications.
RNA Contacts
Forest Service
All research activities on Oregon, Washington, and Alaska RNAs require approval by the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Station Director. The exception is RNAs located in wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, or other congressionally-designated areas (see https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/cda/special-areas.shtml) where the Regional Forester approves research with the concurrence of the Station Director. Research proposals are also reviewed by the District Ranger, the PNW Research Natural Areas (RNA) Coordinator, and the Station Director’s Office. Before applying, you are encouraged to discuss your project with the PNW RNA Coordinator, a Forest Service scientist, District or Forest staff, and/or the local District Ranger.
Download RNA Research Approval Request Form.
Please send the completed request form to:
Dr. Todd M. Wilson, PNW RNA Coordinator
PNW Research Station
Corvallis Forestry Sciences Laboratory
3200 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 541-750-7288
Bureau of Land Management
To conduct research on one of BLM’s Research Natural Areas or other Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, contact the lead botanist for the District in which the natural area resides.
Burns District | Coos Bay District |
Eugene District | Lakeview District Office |
Medford District Office | Prineville District Office |
Roseburg District Office | Salem District Office |
Spokane District Office | Vale District Office |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of agency-specific designations for natural areas listed with state heritage programs. These include:
Agency | Term for Natural Area |
Bureau of Land Management | Area of Critical Environmental Concern; Research Natural Area; Outstanding Natural Area. |
Columbia Land Trust | Preserve |
National Park Service | Research Natural Area |
| OR Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Natural Area |
OR Dept of State Lands | State Natural Area |
OR Parks and Recreation Dept | State Natural Area |
Portland City Metro | Metro Natural Area |
The Nature Conservancy | Preserve |
US Army | Research Natural Area |
US Army Corps of Engineers | Research Natural Area |
US Department of Energy | Research Natural Area |
US Fish and Wildlife Service | Research Natural Area |
US Forest Service | Research Natural Area |
WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | Natural Area Preserve; Natural Resource Conservation Area |
WA Dept of Natural Resources | Natural Area Preserve; Natural Resource Conservation Area |
WA State Parks | Natural Area Preserve |
WA State University | Biological Study Area |
The best place to begin is to look at state heritage plans for Oregon and Washington to see if the area of interest could help fill ecological gaps within the current network. The contacts listed on these web pages (including PNW interagency committee members) may be able to help decide whether formal establishment and recognition as a natural area is warranted. In some case, agencies may decide that an area deserves some level of protection but designation as a natural area may not be the appropriate means to achieve this protection. This may be the case for sites with obvious human influences, very small sites, or sites that are already well represented in the current network.
Please visit our RNA contacts section above for the agency-specific contact.
Please visit our RNA contacts section above which outlines the process for getting permission to do research for several of the network agencies.
Traditional involvement with natural areas has been through scientific study and educational activities. However, there are many additional opportunities to participate and the need is great. Agencies often allocate minimal resources to stewardship of natural areas and could use assistance with the following types of activities:
- Site visits to document current conditions (stewardship monitoring)
- Monitoring and control of aggressive non-native plant species
- Inventory birds, wildflowers, butterflies or other natural features
- Assist with educational activities (e.g. lead a field trip)
If you or your group is interested in pursuing any of these activities, please contact the appropriate agency staff for the natural area of interest.