Special Use Permits

Overview

A special use permit is required by 36 CFR Section 2.50 for activities providing a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than to the public at large. These activities require some degree of management from the National Park Service if there is:

• the potential to interfere with usual visitor use patterns.
• congestion of highly visited areas such as the Osceola Landing and Picnic Area.
• possible impact on park resources.

The National Park Service may permit a special park use if the proposed activity will not:

• cause injury, damage or impairments to park resources;
• be contrary to the park’s purpose for which the park was established and the mission of the NPS;
• unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park; or
• interfere with visitor use, access, and programs
• interfere with park management or administration;
• interfere with commercial operations or other public facilities;
• present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.

Special Use Permits must be obtained in advance. It takes a minimum of two weeks to process an application and issue a permit. Depending on the time of the year, it could take longer. Applicants must plan accordingly. A fee may or may not be charged depending on the activity. Permit fees are non-refundable and include the cost of permit processing and monitoring of the event. If resources are damaged or trash is left, additional fees will be charged.

How to Apply

Step 1: Determine if your activity needs a permit.

Below is short list of example special events and activities which would require a Special Event Permit from the Superintendent. It is not a complete list. Please contact the Permit Office, 715-483-2245, to determine if your potential event will need a permit.
Examples:

• Ski or foot races (e.g., 5K, ultra marathon, skijouring)
• Demonstrations
• Fishing competitions
• Festivals
• Freedom of Speech events and gatherings
• Rallies
• Religious gatherings
• Scattering of ashes
• Weddings
• Commercial photography (still)

Step 2 – Fill out the Special Use Permit application (Form 10-930 long form).

Make sure to provide an original signature, and either mail in the original document or scan and email it to the Special Use Permit Coordinator. Unsigned documents will be returned to the requesting party, and may delay the processing time needed to issue a final permit. Have questions? Please contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator.

When completing the application, you will need to identify a location. If your location requires use of the Osceola picnic shelter(s), please indicate as such in the Project Information block. If your application is approved, the reservation for the specific shelter(s) you indicated on the application form will be reserved for you. Confirmation and final permit of the shelter reservation will be distributed to you, but it may arrive ahead of your final SUP paperwork. The following locations are areas permitted for use under the SUP program:

• Any section of the Namekagon or St Croix rivers between Namekagon Dam to Riverside, Gordon Dam to Riverside, and Riverside to Boom Site, Stillwater, MN
• NPS-owned landings (e.g., Osceola Landing) or its adjacent facilities
• Auditorium or meeting room spaces
• Parking lots
• Picnic shelters
• Campgrounds

 

Step 3 – Pay the application and/or additional fees online (if applicable).

St Croix NSR uses Pay.gov to process payments. Doing so, reduces internal procedural work that increases the costs of the program to the public. Follow the steps below only if the Special Use Permit Coordinator contacts you, and instructs you to pay an Application Fee, Location Fee, or other required fees. No paper checks, cash, or other methods of payment will be accepted, but EFTs, credit card, AmazonSmile, etc are acceptable forms of payment on Pay.gov.

1. Go to: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/198425940. And ensure that the page states 'SACN Special Use Permit Fees' before making Payment.

2. Once at the page, Please click the red button to 'Continue to the Form'

3. Your Permit Number will be provided to you once your application is approved.

4. Please fill in the Event Name and Contact information.

5. Check the box(es) and complete the appropriate financial information provided to you by the SUP Coordinator.

6. The Total Payment Due at the bottom should match what was provided to you by the SUP Coordinator, then press 'Continue' to complete your payment.

Step 4 – Provide the necessary insurance information (if applicable).

Not all parties will be required to provide proof of insurance. The SUP Coordinator will determine whether insurance is required, and then itemize the type and volume necessary. The requestor must ensure the “United States of America” is listed as an Additionally Insured Party on the insurance. Additionally, the requestor must provide proof of insurance before a draft Special Use Permit will be sent to the requesting party.

Step 5 – Review the draft Special Use Permit.

If no changes are needed, sign and date, and return the Permit with the original signature to the SUP Coordinator. Your permit is not finalized until it is signed by the Superintendent, and sent back to your attention.

Questions about the program can be sent to the SUP Coordinator at any time by email or phone at 715-483-2245.