RiverWatch Permitting Each RiverWatch citizen scientist is required by the state to apply annually for a scientific collection permit from the State of Illinois. The on-line permit application form should only take a few minutes to complete. RiverWatch staff have created a brief guide to help you through the process, including a few shortcuts and simplifications that are unique to RiverWatch volunteers. If your collection site is within an Illinois State Park, Forest, or Conservation Area, please also complete the highlighted blanks in the Application for Research on Illinois State Lands and send the completed form to DNR.StateSitePermit@illinois.gov.