(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. (1) Similar research opportunities are not reasonably available outside wilderness;
2. (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. (3) Any ground disturbance or removal of material is the minimum necessary for the scientific purposes of the research; and
4. (4) You have an authorization from BLM.