Research at Great Parks of Hamilton County

Name *

First Name Last Name

Partner Researchers (if any)

Partner 1 First Name Partner 1 Last Name

Partner Researchers (if any)

Partner 2 First Name Partner 2 Last Name

Address *

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City State / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email Address *

example@example.com

Phone Number *

Please enter a valid phone number.

Institutional Affiliation (if any)

Emergency Contact *

First Name Last Name

Emergency Contact Phone Number *

Please enter a valid phone number.

Project Title *

Summary of Research Purpose *

Summary of Research Methods (including a description of any equipment used and if equipment will be left unattended) *

Research Location in Great Parks (Coordinates and specific location information may be required for approval) *

Coordinates of Research Location

Do you intend to collect specimens? Permission is required for specimen collection. *

Yes No

If you intend to collect specimens, please describe what you will be collecting and explain how specimens will be vouchered and used.

Results of research including any final reports produced or data collected should be submitted to Great Parks at research@greatparks.org within 3 months of research completion unless otherwise approved. Maps clearly identifying the study area should be included with the submission of a final report or any data. Researchers may request assistance from GPHC for maps if necessary. Researchers may be asked to present their findings to park district staff.

I have read and understand the Research Results Policy.*

Natural Area Guidelines

Great Parks of Hamilton County (GPHC) invites researchers in the natural sciences to pursue various research projects in its parks and nature preserves. The philosophy of the park district is that preserved natural areas should be used as outdoor laboratories for scientific study of flora and fauna. However, because conservation of natural resources is the highest priority of Great Parks of Hamilton County and because the park district acts as a resource steward for all citizens of Hamilton County, the following guidelines have been established:

All proposals are reviewed by the park district's Research Committee. They will submit their recommendations for approval or disapproval to the Director of Natural Resources.
If applicable, a final report summarizing all research conducted must be sent to research@greatparks.org by the stipulated deadline in digital form. If the project extends beyond the deadline, an extension of the deadline must be sought from GPHC. Failure to file reports on time will result in denial of future research privileges. Spreadsheet data should be in Excel format and graphics should be in jpeg or tiff format. Mapping data should be in ArcMap shape files.
Projects unlikely to receive approval include those requiring habitat damage or unjustified removal of specimens from the parks. GPHC bylaws must be followed during the study.
If permission for collecting specimens is granted, the researcher shall be completely knowledgeable in the methods and use of any equipment for safe and efficient data collection and shall demonstrate this proficiency to the satisfaction of GPHC, if requested, by providing documented references and copies of previous projects of a similar nature.
Any plants or animals removed from the parks must be vouchered in a recognized and accessible herbarium or natural history museum location. Specimens of species currently endangered or threatened species within Ohio cannot be collected without appropriate permits. Photographic documentation should take the place of voucher specimens whenever possible.
Researchers must abide by all state laws, including permit regulations, and have current permits where so required. Copies of permits must be submitted to GPHC prior to beginning work.
The park district reserves the right to withdraw research permission if, once it has begun, the research is found to be detrimental to the park district.
A signed letter from GPHC Natural Resources giving approval to conduct research must be carried by the researcher as proof to Park Rangers that necessary approval has been granted.

By signing below, I attest that I have read and understand the Natural Area Guidelines.
First Name* Last Name* Signature* Date*

Is your research affiliated with an institution, agency or university? *

Yes – all researchers have completed and signed the Hold Harmless Form, and I have uploaded either a letter of self-insurance or Certificate of Insurance (COI) with the insurance coverage listed below. No - all researchers have signed the Research Volunteer Waiver.

Hold Harmless Form (for researchers affiliated with an institution, agency or university)

Research Volunteer Waiver (for researchers NOT affiliated with an institution, agency or university)

Insurance Coverage

Required for research affiliated with an institution, agency or university

Insurance coverage shall not be less than the following listing Great Parks of Hamilton County as additional insured:

Comprehensive General Liability (including Completed Operations, Blanket Contractual, Independent Contractors, and Personal Injury):

Bodily Injury: $1,000,000 Each Occurrence; $2,000,000 Aggregate.
Property Damage: $1,000,000 Each Occurrence; $1,000,000 Aggregate
Under all of the above mentioned forms of insurance, the Great Parks of Hamilton County shall be listed as additional insured.

Automobile Liability (including Owner, Non-owned and Hired):

Bodily Injury: $1,000,000 Each Occurrence; $1,000,000 Aggregate
Property Damage: $250,000 Each Occurrence; $250,000 Aggregate

Proof of Ohio BWC coverage

Please upload proof of insurance (for researchers affiliated with an institution, agency or university), any required permits and any additional proposal materials you’d like to include for your research.