Special Use Permits

Providing opportunities for appropriate public enjoyment is an important part of the National Park Service mission. Approval of any special uses of the park-unrelated to public enjoyment-may be allowed if not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation. However, the National Park Service can only allow uses that are (1) appropriate to the purpose for which the park was established, and (2) can be sustained without causing unacceptable impacts.

 

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

• requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service;
• is not managed under a concession contract;
• is not a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Please keep these requirements in mind if you are considering a request for special use of facilities or resources at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

 

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Basic Application for Special Use Permit
• Make an online payment through Pay.Gov

Permitting Conditions

Each special use permit issued is based upon general conditions that protect visitor access, safety, and park values and resources. Other permit conditions may be imposed depending upon the proposed activity and the park site on which it is held. Most events will require a certificate of insurance to ensure liability coverage for operations, personal injury, property damage and loss, and other necessary categories. For events with potential participant impact, permittees must post a performance bond. The bond is refundable unless the deposit must be used, in whole or in part, for site cleanup, trash removal, property damage or because the permittee fails to comply with permit conditions. A tax ID or Social Security number is required from each person or organization doing business with the federal government.

Special Event Scheduling

An annual calendar is maintained of all special events held in the park. Requests for event dates are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis up to one year in advance. To avoid potential conflicts with scheduled park events, applications should be received as soon as possible. We will not issue permits for sites that are already affected by a scheduled event. An event is not placed on our calendar until a completed application form, accompanied by the $50 application fee, is received and reviewed at the park.

Special Event Trails

During special use events there are certain trails and areas that may be utilized if they are designated for the recreational activity. Click here to download the Special Uses Map. The information contained on this map is dynamic and may change over time. The data presented are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. 

 

Filming and Still Photography Permits

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; and

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

Find more detailed information on our film and still photography permits page.

 

First Amendment

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Find out more information on whether a permit is needed or not by visiting the First Amendment page.

 

Application Deadlines

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN THE FOLLOWING TIME FRAMES:

WEDDINGS
If no more than 25 persons will be at the event—2 weeks prior to the event.
If more than 25 persons will be at the event—8 weeks prior to the event.

EVENTS
Events that will take place on existing approved trails—8 weeks prior to the event

OTHER
After-hour pool use—5 business days prior to the event.
All other requests should be processed within 14 days if the application is complete and without alteration. Requests involving multiple locations, complex logistics, or coordination with other visitor activities will require a minimum of 30-45 days to process.

Application Package

The application package must include the following:

• a complete Special Use Permit Application including a detailed description of proposed event;
• the application fee payment.

Other items to include in the package if applicable are:

• maps, routes, or site diagrams depicting location of event, staging areas, construction areas, and ingress and egress routes;
• a list of all personnel, equipment and materials;
• a list of all vendors providing service for the event;
• a proposed time frame for activities; and
• contractor contact information.

Additional administrative, location and/or cost recovery fees may also be charged.

Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant without action. The Park will attempt to reach the applicant to resolve minor issues but may return the application without action if unable to reach the applicant over three business days. Applicants are encouraged to provide reliable daytime telephone contact information.

Once a special use permit is officially signed by the Park Superintendent, modifications or changes MUST be submitted through another application along with the fee in order to be considered.

 

A permit application may be denied if the proposed activity will:

1. Cause injury or damage to park resources
2. Result in significant conflict with other existing uses
3. Present a clear and present danger to public health and safety
4. Be contrary to the purposes for which the park was established
5. Substantially impair the operation of public facilities or services of NPS concessionaires or contractors
6. Unreasonably interfere with the interpretive visitor service or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the NPS
7. Unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic or commemorative locations within the park