The Stewardship Program is charged with conserving and protecting the unique, yet vulnerable,
natural and cultural heritage preserved within Washington's diverse state park system, while
providing sustainable recreational and education opportunities for current and future generations.
The Stewardship Program is an interdisciplinary team providing statewide technical support and
leadership in the preservation of historic sites and structures, sustainable management of
natural resources, and public interpretation that connects visitors with Washington’s natural
and human heritage. The program integrates and promotes sustainability as a core value in the
stewardship of Washington's 120,000-acre state park system.
For additional information about the State Park Stewardship Program, select a link
from the left.
Current Activities
The Stewardship Program is currently involved in a variety of resource management activities
that address forest health issues, preserving vulnerable historic structures, improving state
park sustainability practices and more.
Scientific Research Permit
The diverse natural resources within the Washington state parks system offer a variety of research
opportunities. However, conducting research in a Washington state park requires a research permit.
To conduct research, survey or collect any natural resource at a Washington state park, complete
and submit the
Scientific Research Permit Application
(108kb, PDF). A minimum of two weeks is required to process Scientific Research Permits and an
application fee is necessary to cover agency costs to process.