Harvard Forest Field Research Policy

All researchers conducting studies on Harvard Forest land need to abide by the following guidelines. For more information or assistance in locating suitable study sites, please contact Audrey Barker Plotkin, Site Coordinator (aabarker@fas.harvard.edu, 978-724-3302 x268).

Goal

The primary use of Harvard Forest's 3000+ acres is research and education in forest biology and ecology. Secondary uses include conservation, recreation and forest management. The field research policy aims to promote collaborative investigations on the site. Good documentation of study locations and communication among site users, facilitated by the Site Coordinator, is key to accomplishing this goal, while reducing conflicts among studies in the use of the area.

New Studies

Before initiating a new study or expanding on an existing site, the investigator should fill out a Researcher Application. The Harvard Forest Research Committee will review the application; investigators will receive a response within one month.

All researchers must be committed to contributing all of their resulting data to the long-term archive that makes the Harvard Forest a unique long-term ecological research site. Please review the Data, Sample and Document Policies.

Contact the Site Coordinator for assistance in locating new or expanded studies. Site establishment may also require assistance from the Facilities Manager, Administrator or other researchers. Manipulative studies may require additional permission from the Petersham Conservation Commission or other authorities, so please plan in advance.

Site Documentation

Before site establishment, researchers must provide a detailed map of study site locations. GPS coordinates are preferred. Also please provide information about how plots will be marked in the field and the expected timeframe of the study. The Harvard Forest maintains detailed records of the site history and researchers are encouraged to use these in planning their studies, with an objective of avoiding conflicts with other research.

Please specify the coordinate system and datum used; we generally use MA State Plane Meters NAD1983

Site Maintenance

All researchers are asked to remove superfluous plot markers and unused equipment from study sites annually. At the end of a study, all field markings must be removed unless prior arrangements for continued maintenance have been made with the Site Coordinator.

Security and Safety

Harvard Forest limits vehicle access to its land with gates and through posting of all property. Motorized vehicle access is prohibited, except for research use. Please report any problems, obvious violations or vandalism to the Site Coordinator.

On all roads through Harvard Forest, limit vehicle speed to no more than 15 miles per hour. Alternative forms of transportation (bicycle, walking, skiing) are highly encouraged to lessen vehicle impacts on study areas. Please respect pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle use of the roads.

Hunting is allowed on Harvard Forest land, except in small, posted research areas. Please be aware of hunting season (http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm#HUNT); blaze orange clothing is recommended, especially during deer hunting season.