A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and typically provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, or a First Amendment cause, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Primary consideration will be given to potential resource damage and to anticipated disruption of normal public use. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, but at a minimum of sixity days in advance.
Types of activities that sometimes require special use permits:
Filming projects that involve more than five people, in wilderness locations, or more extensive filming equipment.
Weddings and religious ceremonies
Sporting events and many other organized gatherings and events
Public assemblies, demonstrations, speechmaking, and distributing printed materials
All areas are open to scattering of human ashes (cremains) without a permit except for developed areas, campgrounds, and park facilities. The excepted areas or other circumstances require a permit or authorization.
How do I apply for a permit and when?
Please submit your inquiry or application at least 60 days in advance of your activity using the appropriate form listed below.
For more informaion Email the permit coordinator (with “Special Use Permit” in the subject line), or call with questions at: 907-246-2113
To submitt a completed application email form directly to: katm_dispatch@nps.gov
General Conditions Applying to All Permits
Access for other park visitors must not be impeded. Events must not impact park resources or impede a positive visitor experience for others.
Park entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the permitted event or activity.
Depending on location and time of day, request may be denied during periods of heavy use (such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, or weekends).
The permit holder is required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and codes.
Film, Still Photography and Audio Recording
The policy of National Park Service (NPS) is to allow filming, photography, and recordings when it is consistent with the protection and public enjoyment of park resources. These activities may not harm natural, cultural, wilderness, or recreational resources and cannot conflict with the public's normal use and enjoyment of the park.
Do I need a permit to film?
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public
Uses hand-carried equipment only
Does not require exclusive use of a site
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
Permit Information
If, after reviewing the information above, you have determined that your film, photography, or audio recording project needs a permit or you are unsure, please contact the park.
Permits are not guaranteed, and you should wait for final approval before making plans for travel and accommodations. Applications should be submitted at least 60 days in advance.
Form 10-931is the short application. This can be used when the production is 1-2 days in duration with cast and crew fewer than 5.
Form 10-932 is the longer application. This must be used when the production is more than 2 days in duration, requires multiple locations, and utilizes talent and/or cast/crew/support staff is greater than 5.
Location fees as well as cost of recovery fees may be charged. These fees are dependent on the size of the production and the number of days filming takes place in the park.
Special stipulations for filming at Alagnak Wild River include (but are not limited to):
Group size cannot exceed 15 people total
Backcountry Camping restrictions are 14 days in any one location and food storage and human waste removal requirements must be met.
