What variables most contribute to the paperwork challenges of conducting field observations, catch-and-release sampling, and limited collections of a species that is threatened primarily by habitat degradation?
From my experience the best approach to this is to partner with US-FWS on any such research. This greatly relieves the amount of paperwork you will have to do and if you can engage one of the folks in the service then you will have an inside track on the permitting. I have generally found folks at US-FWS more than happy to be involved in such collaborative research.
In many cases you will need a permit from the state natural resource agency in addition to any required feeral permit . Depending on what you are proposing to do and what species you are working with the state permit may be all that is needed. Migratory birds will always require a federal permit. Crossing state lines with an endangered species will require a federal permit. A mark-release-recapture study involving a reptile or amphibian without removal from the field should only require a state permit. As Paul Jones says, getting to know the US FWS staff person in chanrge of that species is very helpful but alos get to know the state biologist.
If you are dealing with an endangered species you must have a federal research permit issued by the USFWS. The permit process can be lengthy and the permit is issued by the USFWS Division of Management Authority.
I would guess they will want to see a research proposal and a CV right away. I would contact the most local USFWS expert on the organism and ask them if you can meet (if feasible) and discuss your project. Include your IACUC approval (if you have it and when you expect it). If you have experience or training with handling THAT organism or a like organism with same methods (capture, marking, etc.) make sure they know about the work you have done. Then gently steer the conversation to what permits you will need, and a suggested collaboration.
The state Resource Agency probably has a branch that handles scientific permits. Having USFWS sign off on the project will help smooth that process, but it can still be lengthy.
Cynthia - I've worked with several Federally Endangered sturgeons so I know the ropes for working with listed species pretty well. All of the suggestions posted here are good, but regardless Robert is right on about needing a federal permit. Most PIs are required to apply for their own Federal permit and regardless of agencies that can be a pretty long involved process. There is however, one very important exception: If someone else (perhaps in FWS) already has a Federal ESA Permit, it is possible for them to list you as a "research associate" or as a "co-investigator" (actual titles may vary depending on the agency). As a co-investigator you will have to provide evidence that you are qualified to perform all of the "take actions" authorized for the permit holder. If you can do that, and you are added to the permit, then you must adhere to the permit conditions (methods, sampling conditions, annual take limitations, etc) specified on the original permit. If you can not meet the qualifications required, then you can still be added as a "research associate", but you may be limited in what you can actually do with the animals in the absence of the permit holder (PI). Regardless of which avenue your pursue, you will need help from the Fed agency issuing the permit. Hope this helps.
All of the comments provided above are valid. And, for a federal listed species, either USFWS and/or NOAA-NMFS are the lead agencies. Therefore, partnerships are a given but the federal agencies will probably not have any funds to actually support their part in the partnership. Good luck.
Getting all your permits and permissions lined up is key. You need a federal permit from the lead agency that manages that species (US FWS or NOAA NMFS), and a state permit from the state natural resources/environmental protection agency (because each state has it's own endangered species legislation). Many endangered species occur in protected areas (state parks, federal parks, marine sanctuaries), so you will need a permit from the them as well, in order to work in their area. If the site you are working is a county conservation area, you will still likely need permission from the county. Working on private property just requires the owner's permission, which is best to get in writing. If your organism is a vertebrate, you will need to submit a protocol to your institution's IACUC committee for approval. That protocol ensures that your institution is in compliance with the federal Animal Welfare Act.
This is time consuming with multiple permits usually required and several reports for permit renewals. Renewals are often on different timelines, so make sure you have a reminder to renew a month or two before each permit expires. However, it is well worth the effort and you gain a great deal of satisfaction from knowing you are working to make a difference for an endangered species' survival.
Experience with that species or a simliar species is crucial to your application. If you are lacking this component your best bet is to partner with a state agency or a fed agency that would already have a permit and have them list you on that permit.
At any rate get started soon. The process is a long and lengthy one. Just a renewal can often times take 6 months.
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