 • Research
on Catalina
To do research on Conservancy land, researchers must apply for a permit and submit
a research proposal for evaluation. If the proposal is approved, a permit will
be issued that is good for the length of the proposed study. The permit includes
a list of regulations that must be followed while doing research on Conservancy
property. Researchers are advised to allow two months for proposal review, permit
processing, and arranging lodging and transportation on the island.
The Conservancy is a small, nonprofit organization with limited resources
to support scientific research. We may assist by providing housing, transportation,
guides, and field assistants. Reasonable fees are charged for housing and vehicle
usage. Under some circumstances, these fees may be reduced or waived.
Researchers should plan to bring most equipment and supplies from the mainland,
since island stores may not have certain items. The Conservancy has a small library
with books, articles, maps, and reports that pertain to the island. We currently
have a well equipped field lab at our Middle Ranch facility and an extensive
Geographic Information System.
Because the logistics of doing research on Catalina can be complex, it is
vital that you keep in close contact with the Conservancy concerning your travel
schedule, and your on-island lodging and transportation arrangements. It is wise
to select more than one possible time period for your research visit, since on-island
housing or vehicles may not be available at certain times. Adverse weather conditions
can seriously effect interior road conditions and may prohibit your access to
do research in the interior of the island.
• Research Proposals
Please submit your proposal at least two months in advance of when you would
like to begin your work to allow enough time for review. The proposal should
be no more than 15 pages in length and include an introduction, sections on methods,
expected results and their probable interpretation, and significance of the research.
Describe your project in enough detail that it can be evaluated by another scientist.
Explain why your research results will be useful to the Catalina Island Conservancy
as this will be a prime consideration.
• Reports
At the completion of the project, researchers must turn in a research report
along with copies of their data. The report should summarize the project, and
discuss its implications for conservation and ecological restoration on the island.
A multi-year project will also require an annual status report. The data should
be in a format usable by the Conservancy. This information will be held in strict
confidence. If the project was part of graduate work, copies of the dissertation,
or thesis, should be submitted to us. Finally, reprints of any research articles
from the project must also be deposited with the Conservancy. Please acknowledge
the support of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy in all of these publications.
• Transportation on the Island
Although researchers may be able to accomplish some of their work by hiking between
field sites, most people will need motorized transportation. Since cars and trucks
are not ferried to the island, researchers must rely on vehicles supplied by
the Conservancy. Generally, a Conservancy staff member or volunteer with a vehicle
will assist short-term researchers for the duration of their visit. After receiving
the necessary island and vehicle orientation, long term researchers may be permitted
to operate vehicles on their own. For researchers who do not need to travel extensively,
the Conservancy may be able to provide a drop-off and pickup service to their
field study areas.
• Field Assistants
The Conservancy has staff and volunteers who may be able to help researchers
as drivers, guides, and field assistants. Volunteers are trained by Conservancy
staff in various tasks, and many are knowledgeable about the island's history
and natural history. We prefer to have a volunteer or staff member accompany
you in the field until you have become familiar with the island.
• Housing
Several types of lodgings are available:
Middle Ranch Bunkhouse~single bed, up to 2 people in room, shared
bathroom and kitchen
Conservancy Volunteer Camp~The camp, located in the Haypress Reservoir
area, consists of tent cabins. The site has running water, a cooking area, shower,
and rest rooms.
Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden~ Located outside of Avalon.
There is a one bedroom house available (2-4 people)
Leased Cove facilities~a number of independently operated youth and
educational organizations lease land from the Conservancy and may be able to
provide housing for researchers.
Standard Campsites~there are established campsites at Little Harbor,
Parsons Landing, Two Harbors, Black Jack Mountain, and Hermit Gulch in Avalon.
Primitive (boat-in)~there are a limited number of coves, accessible
only by boat, that are available for camping.
Other Accommodations~It is also possible, but much more expensive, to
stay at a hotel or rental house in the city of Avalon or at the Banning House
Lodge at Two Harbors. Hotel rooms and rentals for May through September are often
booked months in advance.
All housing is located some distance from restaurants and stores. Grocery
stores are located in Avalon and Two Harbors, and most researchers should plan
to shop for groceries upon arrival. There are automatic teller machines in Avalon
and Two Harbors.
• Facilities/Services Charges
Researchers are charged for the use of Conservancy housing and vehicles to help
offset maintenance and operating costs. Total charges are either due upon departure,
or billable to the researcher or to the researcher's institution.
Housing ~ $10.00 per person per night
Vehicle use ~ $20.00 per day plus .60 per mile
Drop-off or Pickups ~ $5.00 per drop-off or pickup
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