Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a 5,400 acres (~2,200 ha) ecological research area and natural history preserve. It contains a mosaic of habitats which reflects the patchy distribution of soil, wetland, and lake types, and past land use patterns. Many tracts are relatively undisturbed by humans and constitute an irreplaceable natural resource for scholarly teaching and research.

Both observational and experimental research are encouraged at Cedar Creek, but both must be planned and implemented to minimize their environmental impact or their effects on on-going research. Active conservation of rare and endangered species or community types is also encouraged. Observational studies, if properly planned and carried out, can involve minimal habitat alteration. Even these studies must be performed so as to prevent disturbance of natural conditions and interference among researchers. Experimental or manipulative investigations may impact areas much more than observational research, and may make those areas unsuitable for other kinds of studies. Although experimental research is encouraged, there are restrictions on the size and number of experimental areas and on the extent of disturbance caused by experiments.

The following rules govern all Cedar Creek research. Review Research and Land Use Policy for more details.

1. No research of any sort may be initiated at Cedar Creek until a research proposal, with location and methodology explained in detail, has been submitted and approved. Ideally, no grant application seeking funding for research at Cedar Creek should be submitted to any funding agency or organization until the proposed research has been reviewed and approved by Cedar Creek leadership.
2. Do not enter any area where research is being performed without prior permission from the researcher.
3. No new or expanded research may be initiated until all possible potential conflicts with land management objectives and with research in progress have been resolved by the Associate Director or Director.
4. Vehicular travel within Cedar Creek is limited to designated roadways.  No vehicle is to be driven on any Cedar Creek sand or dirt roads at greater than 10 mph. Operation of any vehicle off such roads is strictly forbidden unless there is explicit prior written permission of the Director or Associate Director, or in the case of an emergency.
5. Each research proposal must detail its proposed location on a map and with latitude and longitude coordinates.
6. Each permanent study plot or area to be manipulated must be clearly and permanently delimited on the land in a manner approved by the Associate Director, using signposts and tags supplied by Cedar Creek.
7. If any structures, fences, barriers, etc, are installed, or if species exotic to Cedar Creek are added, they must be removed at the end of the research at the expense of the research grants of those responsible for the project.