Special Places
Palaeontology Permits and Guidelines
It is against the law to excavate or collection fossils in Nova Scotia without a Heritage Research Permit. The permit system is in place to make sure that:
- Individuals excavating fossils are qualified to do the work;
- The excavation is well planned;
- Any recovered fossils are properly studied and cared for;
- A report about the work conducted is drafted and submitted to the provincial repository for future use by researchers, educators and the general public.
Palaeontology permits are available in two categories: Field Research and Professional Research.
To apply for a permit follow these steps:
1. Review the guidelines to understand which permit applies.
2. Complete, sign and date the Heritage Research Permit.
3. Submit your application to the Special Places Program at SPP@novascotia.ca.
Guidelines
Field Research Guidelines (PDF 531 KB)
Professional Research Guidelines (PDF 580 KB)
Application
Heritage Research Permit (Palaeontology) (PDF 100 KB)
Cost
Palaeontological Research - Free
Presenting and interpreting a connection to the past helps define the collective community of the present and future
