Special Use PermitsMany activities in the Park require a permit. A complete list of these activities can be found in the Superintendent's compendium. Continue on this page to learn about the application process for other uses, such as:
To Apply: Submit it to the Office of Special Park Uses at least two weeks in advance of the activity, more if the activity entails significant impacts to park operations. Please remember to enclose a cashier's check, or money order for $50 or contact us for credit card payment, to cover non-refundable application costs. Send the completed application along with the application fee in the form of a credit card, cashier's check, money order or personal check made payable to National Park Service to: Office of Special Park Uses For more information: contact the Chief Ranger by email or (715) 779-3398. Commercial Filming and PhotographyCommercial Filming Permits on Park LandOn January 22, 2021, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision in Price v. Barr determining the permit and fee requirements applying to commercial filming under 54 USC 100905, 43 CFR Part 5, and 36 CRF Part 5 are unconstitutional. The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:
The organizer of any other type of filming activity must contact the park and provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request. The following are prohibited:
Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent. Are filmers still required to pay fees to film in parks?As of January 22, 2021, the National Park Service is no longer collecting application or location fees, or cost recovery for filming. Still PhotographyWhen is a permit needed?Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:
How do I apply for a permit?To Apply: Submit it to the Office of Special Park Uses with no less than 30 days before the start date of the proposed activity to allow sufficient time for evaluation by the park staff. Include a check, money order, or call for credit card payment of $50 to cover non-refundable application costs. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the National Park Service. Location Fees are also required based on the number of crew and by days filming or photographing. Send the completed application to: Office of Special Park Uses ExceptionsGenerally, permits are not required for:
For more information: contact the Chief Ranger by email or (715) 779-3398. |
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Last updated: October 5, 2021