Anyone wishing to collect biological or geological materials, or air or water samples, or install research equipment on State Park land must obtain a scientific research and collecting permit from Tennessee State Parks. A complete an Application for Scientific Research and Collecting Permit form. A detailed review of the application is conducted, and the applicant is sent a copy of the approved permit when the review is complete. The permit may also be extended upon request. There is no fee for the Scientific Research and Collecting Permit.
Applicants have the duty to comply with all the provisions of the permit, statutes, and regulations.
Applicant may not collect specimens for personal use. Specimens taken must become part of the permanent collection of a public museum or herbarium or must in some suitable way be made permanently available to the public and the scientific community. Collection may not disturb the remaining natural features or mar the appearance of a park area. The applicant will be required to provide a complete report of the scientific investigation to the Division of State Parks as a condition of the permit. The Division is responsible for coordinating the approvals of the Division of Natural Heritage and the Division of Archaeology before granting permits to collectors on state park properties in cases where these Divisions have oversight interests.