Researchers

The first step to using Sedgwick is to create an account in our Research Access Management System (RAMS). Be sure to record the user name and log-in password you used.

For new Projects, please email reserve staff to discuss nrs-sedgwick@ucsb.edu. Allow at least 10 business days (ideally more) for us to review your new Project.

Create a Project in RAMS and select Research. 1. Describe your project, 2. Choose your team, and 3. Provide permits

1. Description: What information should I provide?

• Title, principle investigator, a brief summary of the project and research methods you plan to use
• Approximate dates of the proposed research project. 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
• Frequency/duration/seasonal timing of your visit(s)
• Your anticipated need for housing, transportation and/or equipment
• How/whether specimens will be collected and specifically how many/ how much you require
• How you will avoid the intentional or inadvertent introduction of non-endemic genetic material within the boundary of the reserve
• Your ability to accurately document metadata associated with your project and share it with Reserve staff in a timely fashion.
• Your plans to construct or devise (and later remove) experimental manipulations or equipment installations during the scope of your work

2. Choose Your Team Members

• Include whom to send invoices; either the PI of your lab, grant manager, or financial administrator. Invoices can be paid via credit card, check, or intra/er campus transfer.
• Include everyone you plan to bring with you into the field.
• Include anyone else you would like to be able to book visits under this project.
• Search for the name of the person. If they are not in the system, choose Create a New User.
  • You will need their name, email, phone number, emergency contact, institution name, and current address.
  • This process is easier if your team member has an existing RAMS account.

3. Permits and Additional Approvals

• A letter of support from the Reserve Director is required for any grant administered by the University of California Santa Barbara. Please submit a final (or nearly finalized) proposal to the Director at least three weeks prior to the grant submission deadline if you need to obtain a letter of support. Contact us for more info
• If your project 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 project includes human subjects, you will need approval of the UCSB Human Subjects Committee (HSC) which serves as the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• If your project 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. Any upkeep of equipment, including mowing around installatins, will need to be negotiated with the director and may require recharge of staff time.

A Project submission is not a guaranteed approval of working at Sedgwick. During the next step, when you submit a visit reservation, your project will be reviewed for research value and suitability of the project 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 projects.