Field studies and sampling carried out on the terrain and waterbodies require a permit granted by Metsähallitus. The research permit application procedure is the same for nature reserves and other areas, but the deadlines for the latter are more flexible.
Permits for nature reserves, such as the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, the Saana Nature Reserve, the herb-rich forest reserves in Saana and the Annjalonji Special Area of Conservation, are always issued by authorities and subject to appeal. These permits become valid 30 days after the decision, as they are subject to a 30-day appeal period. The permit procedure should be initiated at least two months before starting fieldwork. It is strongly advised not to conduct research in these areas if suitable alternative locations are available..
In conjunction with the permit procedure, Metsähallitus assesses the need to contact the local reindeer owners’ association and, in projects with larger impacts, the Sámi Parliament of Finland to safeguard Sámi rights in the region. If you are planning to conduct field research in the Kilpisjärvi region, please contact the station’s research coordinator and Metsähallitus well in advance.
Please make sure that nothing is left in the field after research or sampling, and that any structures erected are removed after the project concludes. Fell flora are sensitive, and trails are quickly formed in the terrain. We urge people to work in areas with previous human activity and to restrict travel to minimise wear and tear. The local knowledge and expertise of the station’s research coordinator and technicians should be taken advantage of when selecting research sites and planning and constructing experimental designs in the field.