Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations

 

Special Use Permits

National parks are great places to celebrate historic events and family milestones. The types of activities that take place in national parks are diverse, such as sporting events, pageants, celebrations, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, historical reenactments, fairs, festivals, family reunions, and picnics.

Depending on the size and complexity of the planned event, the park may require you obtain a special use permit (SUP). If issued, the permit will include terms and conditions that protect park resources while allowing you to enjoy the park without interfering with other park visitors.

It is possible that if these events are low impact that they may be able to occur without a permit (less than 25 people attending, no equipment, no audio set up, etc.).

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

• provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
• 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 (NPS); and
• is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease;
• is a short term activity.

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 concession operations or other public facilities;
• present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.

Permit Applications and FAQs

 

 

Filming & Still Photography

Lands of the United States were set aside by Congress, Executive Order, or otherwise acquired in order to conserve and protect areas of untold beauty and grandeur, historical importance, and uniqueness for future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive photo apparatus. It was the sharing of these images that led to the designation of these areas as national parks and monuments. Visitors to national parks today continue to memorialize their visits through videos and photographs.

 

 

Commercial Use Authorization

If you are a commercial tour business that is planning multiple visits to Fort McHenry, or have already had your first visit to the site, then a commerical use authorization is required. Any businesses looking to conduct business on National Park Service land must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization.