SPF Risk Services

Fieldwork requires access permits before entering or commencing work on the property. Different locations have a variety of permit requirements and application processes, with some routing through a campus approval process while others are requested directly by the researcher without campus routing. Common fieldwork locations and their associated permit requirements are described and linked below. For permits to areas not listed below, please reach out with questions to Risk-Management@humboldt.edu for assistance.

Routed Through Campus Approval Process

Green Diamond properties: Activities conducted under the auspices of Cal Poly Humboldt by SPF employees and researchers are covered under the Master Land Use Permit between Cal Poly Humboldt and Green Diamond. To utilize the Master Land Use Permit for fieldwork activities, complete and submit the Green Diamond Access Request Form for approval by an authorized signatory.

City of Arcata properties: When physical research will be conducted on any nature area owned by the City of Arcata, a “Nature Area Entrance Permit (NAEP)” is required. Common City of Arcata research areas include the Arcata Community Forest, Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Jacoby Creek and some of the Bayside Fields. Click here to access the NAEP Request Form and further guidance.

Not Routed Through Campus Approval Process (Researcher Owns Process)

California State Parks:

• Main page for permits
• Application portal with all fields and forms
• FAQ Page

National Parks:

• Permit application portal
• Permit application portal “user manual”
• Research & Collection Overview

Key Considerations for State and National Park Permits:

• You must apply at least 90 days prior to the desired permit start date.
• You may need to obtain additional permits from other agencies (e.g. CDFW, NOAA, IACUC, US Fish and Wildlife, etc.)
• Risk-Management@humboldt.edu can support with:
  • Approval/signature of the Waiver and Indemnity agreement
  • Proof of general liability insurance 

If an employee or student requires a vessel (water craft) to conduct research on behalf of Cal Poly Humboldt, whether it be an externally funded project through SPF, or research through an academic course, there are multiple vessel types to choose from which all have unique safety and insurance requirements linked below. 

Regardless of vessel type to be used, a Vessel Use Survey for Externally Funded Proposals IRAF must be completed and submitted during the pre-award phase to ensure compliance related to vessel use.

Personal vessel use requires:

• Release of liability for all individuals going on the vessel
• Vessel inspection with the Campus Boat Safety Officer
• Insurance Certificate, with specific minimum insurance types

Charter vessel use requires:

• Release of liability for all individuals going on the vessel
• Verification of inspection by the appropriate agency, such as the U.S. Coast Guard
• Insurance Certificate, with specific minimum insurance types

Agency vessel use requires:

• Release of liability for all individuals going on the vessel
• Filing a float plan prior to each trip with the Boating Safety Officer
• Verification of existing MOU in place with the agency and confirmation the agency is on the pre-approved vessel list, no further requirements are necessary. 

Cal Poly Humboldt vessel use requires:

• Release of liability for all individuals going on the vessel
• Filing a float plan prior to each trip with the Boating Safety Officer
• If external partners (non-CPH personnel) will pilot the university owned vessel, a contract or MOU must be in place and the partnering agency must provide an appropriate standard of insurance.

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