Permits provide a means to balance public use and conservation of protected species and their habitats. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service developed a vision and action plan, "Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Permits as a Conservation Tool," to promote long-term conservation of animals, plants, and their habitats, and encourage joint stewardship with others.
Any activity conducted off-trails on the Tijuana Slough NWR is illegal unless approved by the Refuge Manager. In order to conduct scientific research, or any other activity off-trail, please contact the Refuge Manager at (619) 575-2704 extension 302.
All research on the Reserve must be approved and authorized under a special-use permit signed by the Reserve manager or Refuge manager. Both California State Parks and FWS will institute a joint permitting system to be used whenever practical.