Gros Morne National Park of Canada

Research Vital to the Future of Canada's Parks

Parks Canada protects and manages 40 national parks that are representative of the different natural regions of the country.

Protection of resources requires continuing research into the understanding of ecosystems, impact of use and techniques of conservation and resource management.

Parks Canada administers a research program - vital to the protection of Canada's system of national parks - that presents opportunities for compatible, basic or applied scientific research .

Preference is given to research projects that are related to park management, however, other projects are considered when they expand humanity's fund of knowledge.

A research project is a creative piece of work undertaken in a systematic manner to increase scientific and/or technical knowledge, to find new applications for such knowledge or to clarify/solve a specific park problem.

Who Can Propose a Project?

Any individual, private agency, non-profit organization, university, college and public or private institution can conduct natural resource research in Canada's national parks.

All projects are supervised by a sponsor who is recognized as an authority in the particular field of study.

Parks Canada may contribute directly to the performance of certain research essential for park management by awarding contracts. In most cases, however, it will provide only moral support. In certain projects considered particularly beneficial, the Park Superintendent may provide logistical or technical assistance.

Criteria for Evaluation

The Park Superintendent and the officer giving approval will review each proposal. To be accepted, a proposal must:

• be submitted in writing, with sufficient time for the approval process before the start of field work;

• demonstrate the relevance of conducting the project in a park;

• be of scientific value, and be technically feasible;

• have potentially positive effects on the resources, operation, and management or visitor activities of the park.

For More Information

If you would like to receive more information about the program, and guidelines for submitting proposals, a request may be made to the Director General of the Atlantic Region.

Science Advisor
Atlantic Region
Parks Canada, Historic Properties
Upper Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 1S9

For specific inquiries regarding research in Gros Morne National Park, contact:

A Final Word

National parks are above all else, sites dedicated to natural resource protection. As a result, the activities that may be practiced within their boundaries are governed by rules and regulations. Research activities are no different and that is why a permit is required. At first glance, the rules and regulations may seem complex, but remember that we are always available to assist you. To those researchers who have not as yet had dealings with the Parks, we hope to have the pleasure of working with you soon.