In the last 30 years there has been increasing recognition of the potential for dendrochronological studies on Tasmanian trees. This research is likely to provide information that can be used for historical, palaeoclimatic and palaeogeographical reconstructions. Research to date in Tasmania has focussed on the endemic conifers, in particular Lagarostrobus franklinii and Athrotaxis spp., although other species have been used. Most available evidence indicates that properly conducted tree coring does not have any adverse effect on the health of conifers. Hardwoods, however, are susceptible to staining and fungal attack and Nothofagus cunninghamii is particularly prone to damage by myrtle wilt. As some dendrochronology field practices have the potential to cause damage, there is a need to establish appropriate guidelines in this area. Much dendrochronological work occurs in reserves where scientific collecting permits are required. This paper provides a set of proposed guidelines and conditions for the issue of such permits in Tasmanian public reserves. Introduction Dendrochronology is a science based on the examination of tree rings and other aspects of dateable wood in predominantly long-lived trees. Dendrochronological studies have especially favoured long-lived gymnosperms, notably the bristle-cone pines (Pinus longaeva) of the south-western United States (e.g. Ferguson 1970; Fritts 1976), and have largely been located in the mid-to high latitudes of the northern hemisphere. The concentration of work in the northern hemisphere has thrown light on questions about global environmental change (e.g. Jacoby & D'Arrigo 1989). Dendrochronological studies are diverse in scope but aim to answer questions about local, regional or global climatic changes, changes in the composition of atmospheric and environmental isotopes, local or regional ecological history, and geomorphology. Data is obtained from interpreting discs or core samples of tree wood.