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NPS Photo Individual Caving PermitsA free caving permit is required to visit any lava tube cave at El Malpais National Monument. Individual caving permits are issued for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10 people per group. The capacitiy for each cave is 10 people per cave per day. Cave permits can be picked up at the El Malpais Visitor Center at Exit 85 on I-40 in Grants, NM or at the El Morro National Monument Visitor Center. Special Use PermitsIndividuals or groups who wish to use El Malpais National Monument for a special purpose or event require a Special Use Permit. A Special Use Permit must be applied for and approved by the Superintendent. Special Use Permits include, but are not limited to, weddings, large group picnics, sporting events, church services, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, 1st Amendment activities (fee is waived), or anyone wishing to use a public address system. Permit applications require a $100 non-refundable processing fee and must be received by the park at least 2 months prior to proposed activity. Your submission of an application DOES NOT guarantee approval of a permit. Special use permit applications are available to download. If you have questions or are interested in these permits, please contact the Special Use Permits Coordinator by e-mail. Research PermitsAnyone wishing to conduct research at El Malpais National Monument must first submit an application. Contact the Research Permit Coordinator at 505-285-4641 ext. 227 or email us for more information. Permit Requirements for Commercial Filming & Still PhotographyEffective October 28, 2022 and following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on October 21, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) functionally reinstated previous laws and regulations related to commercial filming in national parks. The NPS has rescinded the interim guidance that was in place during litigation and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. This means that all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Commercial Filming & Still PhotographyWhen is permit needed for commercial filming?Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. What is considered commercial filming?Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. Does commercial filming by individuals or small groups require a permit?Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources. All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors. What fees will I have to pay for a commercial filming permit?
In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: Commercial Filming
Filming in Wilderness AreasThe National Park Service manages and protects more than 44 million acres of Congressionally-designated wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act of 1964. These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations. Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats, or landing aircrafts. Special use Permits for filming are required for all filming activities in wilderness areas, except casual filming by visitors, no matter the group size or equipment used. How do I apply for a permit?To apply for a commercial filming permit, use the Special Use Permit for Commercial & Still Photography. Please allow two months for permit processing. Contact the park permit coordinator via email or by phone at 505-285-4641 ext. 218 with questions. When is a permit needed for still photography?In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:
A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models. What fees will I have to pay for a permit?Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes a a non-refundable $200 application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application. Permit applications must be received by the park at least 2 months prior to proposed activity. Your submission of an application DOES NOT guarantee approval of a permit. In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: Still Photography
Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged. How do I apply for a permit?To apply for a still photography permit, use the Special Use Permit for Commercial & Still Photography. Please allow two months for permit processing. Contact the park permit coordinator via email or by phone at 505-285-4641 ext. 218 with questions. |
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Last updated: October 20, 2023