Permits

Special Use Permits -

Revised Application for Special Use Permit (NPS Form 10-930)

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings,distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited.See the following definitions and examples to determine if your use might be included:

A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

1. provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;

2. requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;

3. is not prohibited by law or regulation;

4. is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS;

5. is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Examples include: car cruises, weddings, group bicycle rides, group runs, other ceremonies, or public assemblies, etc.

Examples of a First-Amendment Activity include: a political event or Freedom-of-Speech act.

For more information regarding Special Use Permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call 828-348-3441 or e-mail the park with the subject line "Attn: Special Use Permits."

Applications for permits should be submitted 90 days prior to the event, for consideration and processing.

Commercial Filming and Still Photography - all commercial film production requires a permit. Still photography requires a permit in certain instances. Please read Filming Guidelines, Requirements, and Fees before submitting a Commercial Filming and Still Photography Application.

Commercial Use Authorization - are required for engaging in any business within the park. Examples include guided bicycle tours, photography workshops, hiking and rock climbing activities. Please read Commercial Use Authorization - Guidelines, Requirements, Fees and Application before submitting a Commercial Use Authorization Application

Scientific Research and Collecting Permits - Please visit the National Park Service's Research Permit and Reporting website for information regarding scientific research permits.

Right of Way Permits - are required when utilities cross national park service lands. This includes but is not limited to electric, water, sewage, phone, cable lines. The placement of Right of Ways MUST avoid national park service lands where possible. Please review the Application procedure for Right of Ways and the Blue Ridge Parkway Vegetation Management Guidelines for Right-of-Ways. Please complete the Standard Form 299, and Appendix C of the Blue Ridge Parkway Vegetation Management Guidelines for Right-of-Ways.

Agricultural Leases - The agricultural lease program is intended to maintain the rural agricultural scene along the parkway and to preserve the scenic variety along the 469-mile route.

Agricultural lands along the parkway are leased through a Special Use Permit for a period of 5 years.

In permitting agricultural use of National Park Service lands, the parkway is required to foster practices, which conserve soil, protect streams and groundwater, control exotic plant species, and avoid toxic contamination of the environment.

Agricultural Lease holders are generally required to mow agricultural leases and fence lines at least once a year to control weeds and exotic plant species (e.g. thistle, multiflora rose, etc.).

A list of lands available for lease and a copy of the Special Use Permit conditions may be requested by mail from Tom Davis, Blue Ridge Parkway, 1670 Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd, VA 24091. Those interested in leasing the farmland following review of the Special Use Permit conditions, may obtain an application from the same location listed above. To have an application mailed to you or for further information, please contact Tom Davis at 540-745-9663 or via e-mail.