University-Level Visits

Below are resources to help you learn more about SNARL as you plan your class visit:

• Examples of previous classes held at SNARL
• Information about facilities that can be reserved for course use
• Natural Resources of SNARL
• Real-time and historical weather at SNARL
• Bibliography of research conducted at SNARL since the 1980s
• If you are unsure of whether your class is feasible and appropriate for a UCNRS site, review the NRS Use and Guidelines
• Our staff are knowledgeable about the reserve, its resources, and possible options for courses. Please reach out to us with your questions and class ideas at vesr@nrs.ucsb.edu

Facilities

The reserve offers housing, laboratories, and meeting space to qualified organizations for education, research, and public service purposes.

Learn about our facilities

The first step to visiting SNARL is to create an application in our Research Access Management System (RAMS).

During the application process your class visit will be reviewed for suitability based on a number of factors including natural resources, permits, other research projects, infrastructure, environmental conditions, and staff resources if required. We will make every effort to work with applicants and welcome new classes.

Be sure to record the user name and log-in password you used when submitting your original application. Allow at least 10 business days (ideally more) for us to review your application. We will reach out to you with questions or once a determination of accept/reject has been made.

You will receive confirmation that your application has been approved via e-mail. If you are unsure, please check RAMS for the status of your application and reservation(s).

What information should I provide in the application?

• Course title and number
• Purpose of the field trip and specific activities planned
• Environmental manipulations including collecting specimens, removing soil, or installing long-term equipment
• Approximate dates of the proposed class visit. The application will require you to provide dates and an “activity” (what you are going to be doing on those dates) in order for your application to be approved
• Your anticipated need for housing, on-site transportation and/or equipment
• Number of students anticipated
• Contact information for a primary instructor who will be on-site during the fieldtrip

Additional Approvals

• If your class will involve vertebrate animals, you will need approval of the UCSB Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). For more information visit UCSB Animal Subjects and read Using Wild Vertebrates in Research.
• If you class includes research on human subjects, you will need approval of the UCSB Human Subjects Committee (HSC) which serves as the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• If your class involves drones, you will need to complete an application to fly drones at the Reserve. For questions on drones or the permitting process, reach out to Dr. Brandon Stark at uassafety@ucmerced.edu
• Installation of equipment will require a consultation and plan for installation, upkeep, and removal. Larger installations will require CEQA approval.

Make a Reservation for Every Visit

SNARL is one of the busiest natural reserves so coordination is essential to ensure that researchers’ needs are met and conflicts with housing, equipment, vehicles, and research sites are avoided. Your adherence to the online reservation process provides this essential research coordination.

• Learn about facilities you can rent as a class instructor.
• Create a reservation in RAMS every time you plan to to come to Sedgwick.
• Staff will review your reservation and notify you as to whether you have been approved. During the reservation process, staff are looking at accommodation availability, road and weather conditions, fire risk, personnel availability, and other activities on the reserve.
• Any classes visiting for an overnight must arrive M-Sat 8 AM – 5 PM to receive an orientation from a staff person. To coordinate an appointment email vesr@nrs.ucsb.edu
• Part of our job is to help you have a successful class, so let us know how we can help. However, beyond basic administrative and field support, we would bill you for our time. This would be discussed before billing.

Understanding Applications vs Reservations in RAMS

New classes are submitted as an application. Individual visits within a course are submitted as reservations linked to the application. Please allow 10 business days for review of a new application, and 3 business days for review of reservations.

When to file a new application:

• Any time a new class is presented to SNARL
• If a previously approved class is expanded, altered, significantly revised or extended beyond the period stated in the approved proposal.
• When multiple classes are proposed (separate applications must be filed for each course)

When to file a new reservation:

• Any time you plan to visit SNARL as part of an approved class application
• You may submit your first reservation at the same time as your application

Hours of Operation
SNARL operates on limited staff. Staff are generally available Monday-Saturday 8 AM – 5 PM. Researchers needing assistance should schedule a time to meet with staff during these hours.

Guidelines for Visitors:

• Bring the gate code (given to you once your reservation is approved), as there is limited cell service at the reserve! DO NOT share this code with others.  
• Before you arrive review our Code of Conduct
• Make sure you have completed all the necessary Permits and Waivers prior to your arrival
• Review the information on Infectious Diseases found in the area
• Review and download the General Information Guide. Please email vesr@nrs.ucsb.edu for any questions.
• Spouses and family members not engaged in research will be accommodated on a space-available basis. Public accommodations, including campgrounds, are available in the Mammoth and Convict Lake areas.
• Charge and carry a cell phone. Service can be spotty so please plan accordingly.
• Keep vehicles on established roadways and vehicle trails.
• Leave gates as you find them (e.g., if closed and locked, close and lock it after passing).
• Upon arrival at the reserve please read the posted information and Emergency Action Plan in each residence for detailed information.
• Let reserve staff know if you see anything broken or unusual out in the Reserve.
• NO firearms, NO smoking, and NO pets are permitted anywhere on the Reserve. If you violate these rules, you will be asked to leave.

Class and Field Trip Leader Responsibilities

Instructors and leaders are fully responsible for the safety and behavior of their students. All users must agree to our Code of Conduct to submit an application in RAMS. It is the responsibility of the instructor to relay this information to the students and take full responsibility for their actions and behavior. We require that class instructors and trip leaders stay onsite and in the dorm or living space accommodations with their students. Our staff have their hands full keeping the station operating, and do not have the time, resources, or training to supervise students.

Waiver of Liability

Each non-UC, overnight visitor to the reserve must sign and return a release agreement prior to visiting the reserve. Release agreements for minors must be signed by then parent or legal guardian. It is the responsibility of the group leader (the person who signs the application) to find out who in their group must sign a release agreement and to insure that they are on file with the reserve director prior to the proposed visit.

Reserve Waiver (Docusign)

Payment Information

• See our Rates and Payment Page for costs and payment methods.
• Users will be charged for the dates and the number of people they book at the time of application, unless they bring more people or stay longer.
• Payment may be made by UC recharge, by invoicing your college or university department, or by personal check or credit card.
• Please do not bring cash; we will send you an invoice following your visit.
• If part of a large group, please arrange for one individual to pay for the group.
• The group leader is responsible for making sure each participant is aware of reserve policies and guidelines listed on the application and in the information packet on the application website.

• Invoices will be emailed to the indicated person on the application after your visit. Let us know if you used different facilities than were on your RAMS reservation.
• Mention The Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratories in your manuscripts and send us your published research! We keep records of published work Zotero
• Tag us on social media on Instagram and Facebook