(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.