Permits & Reservations

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Permits

A Special Park Use Permit is required to conduct certain special events and activities at Fort Pulaski National Monument. However, no activity can interfere with the daily operation of the park or with the visiting public. A special park use is defined as a short-term 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 Park Service in order to protect park assets and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the Park Service;
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the National Park Service charges a fee, or a lease.

Each request to permit a special park use or to renew authorization of an existing use will be reviewed and evaluated by the park superintendent.

Permit cost recovery fees, location fees, liability insurance, and performance bond requirements will be imposed, consistent with applicable statutory authorities and regulations. All costs incurred by the National Park Service in writing the permit, monitoring, providing protection services, restoring park areas, or otherwise supporting a special park use will be billed to the permittee.

Permit applications must be submitted at least one month (30 days) in advance of the requested activity dates. Applications will not be accepted for activities occurring more than a year (365 days) out.

To apply for a Special Use Permit, contact the Special Park Use Permit Coordinator at e-mail us.

 

Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

On 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 National Park Service is currently determining how this decision will be implemented.

Following the recent court decision, the National Park Service will not be implementing or enforcing the commercial filming portions of 43 CFR Part 5 until further notice, including accepting applications, issuing permits, enforcing the terms and conditions of permits, issuing citations related to permits, or collecting cost recovery and location fees for commercial filming activities.

As regulations regarding commercial filming permits are being reassessed, those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Do I need a permit to film?

Currently, the National Park Service is not issuing commercial filming permits, but is in the process of evaluating how best to regulate filming activities that affect visitors and park resources. All applicable laws and regulations governing activities and public use in parks still apply, including park hours and areas open and closed to the public. Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, and other staff associated with commercial filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors still apply to filming activities even if no permit is needed for their activity. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

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 Photography

When 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:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available through the Fort Pulaski National Monument permit office. Please contact our permitting team at e-mail us. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.

 

Reservations

Reservations for families and other small groups are generally not required for Fort Pulaski. All large groups and school groups of any size should make reservations. Due to COVID-19 groups of more than 10 people, cannot be accommodated. Some large groups may have to be split-up between park locations to ensure building and structure capacities are not exceeded. To make a group reservation please contact e-mail us.

Some educational or scientific institutions may be eligible for an academic fee waiver. For information on how to obtain an Academic Fee Waiver.

Commercial Use Authorizations

For information on how to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization.

Contact Information

Information requests, application packages, and other forms should be submitted to:

Fort Pulaski National Monument
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
PO Box 30757
Savannah, GA 31410
e-mail us