# 43 C.F.R. § 6302.16 (2026): When and how may I gather scientific information about resources in BLM wilderness?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_16

## Section

- **Citation:** 43 C.F.R. § 6302.16 (2026)
- **Heading:** When and how may I gather scientific information about resources in BLM wilderness?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 43 CFR: Public Lands: Interior / Chapter II: BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / Part 6300: MANAGEMENT OF DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS / Subpart 6302: Use of Wilderness Areas, Prohibited Acts, and Penalties / § 6302.16: § 6302.16   When and how may I gather scientific information about resources in BLM wilderness?

## Text

(a) You may conduct research, including gathering information and collecting natural or cultural resources in wilderness areas, using methods that may cause greater impacts on the wilderness environment than allowed under § 6302.15(a), if—
(1) Similar research opportunities are not reasonably available outside wilderness;
(2) You carry out your proposed activity in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment and conforming to the applicable management plan;
(3) Any ground disturbance or removal of material is the minimum necessary for the scientific purposes of the research; and
(4) You have an authorization from BLM.
(b) You must reclaim disturbed areas, and BLM may require you to post a bond.

## Nearby sections

- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.11 (2026) § 6302.11   How may I use wilderness areas?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_11.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.12 (2026) § 6302.12   When do I need an authorization and to pay a fee to use a wilderness area?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_12.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.13 (2026) § 6302.13   Where do I obtain an authorization to use a wilderness area?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_13.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.14 (2026) § 6302.14   What authorization do I need to climb in BLM wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_14.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.15 (2026) § 6302.15   When and how may I collect or disturb natural resources such as rocks and plants in wilderness areas?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_15.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.16 (2026) § 6302.16   When and how may I gather scientific information about resources in BLM wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_16.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.17 (2026) § 6302.17   When may I use a wheelchair in BLM wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_17.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.18 (2026) § 6302.18   How may American Indians use wilderness areas for traditional religious purposes?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_18.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.19 (2026) § 6302.19   When may BLM close or restrict use of wilderness areas?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_19.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.20 (2026) § 6302.20   What is prohibited in wilderness?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_20.md)
- [43 C.F.R. § 6302.30 (2026) § 6302.30   What penalties apply if I commit one or more of the prohibited acts?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_30.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T43_P6300_S6302_16. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.