A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Primary consideration will be given to potential resource damage, anticipated disruption of normal public use, and previously approved permitted activities.
Please review theSuperintendent's Compendiumfor guidance on your proposed activity prior to submitting a special use permit application. Individuals or organizations interested in applying for a special use permit may first call the park at (505-425-8025) to discuss the possibility. If you are not familiar with Fort Union National Monument, a preliminary visit is advisable. The location where the event is to take place needs to be determined before a permit is issued. There may be special restrictions in the area that could limit access. Drones are prohibited.
Updates to Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Policy
On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.
Key elements of the new law include:
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 National Park Service.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
Who Needs a Permit?
You will need a permit for your filming, still photography, or sound recording activity in the following situations:
Large groups (9+ people): if your group has nine or more people participating in the activity.
Certain filming activities: if your activity doesn’t meet the requirements for an incidental activity or a small group, a permit will be required. This includes situations where the filming involves equipment other than handheld or a tripod, or if the activity is likely to disrupt the park experience, harm natural or cultural resources, or occur in a highly congested area.
Special Conditions: if your filming could potentially cause damage to resources, create unreasonable disruptions to the park experiences, or post a health or safety risk, a permit will be necessary.
Application for Special Use Permits
If an applicant wishes to proceed, they must fill out theApplication for a Special Use Permitand send it to the park to the attention of the Superintendent. Unless requested use is an exercise of a First Amendment right, applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable $100.00 check made out to "The National Park Service."
If approved, a Special Use Permit will be sent to the applicant, along with aHold Harmless Clause. Both must be signed and returned to the Superintendent before the permit approval is final.
Some Permit Limitations
Please remember that this is a historic site and is not designed for private parties, receptions, or recreational purposes unrelated to the park's mission.
Click on the desired link for further information and permit application forms. The application forms are in Adobe PDF format. Once completed, the permit application must be printed and signed. The application can then be faxed or mailed to the park (contact information provided on the application) or scanned and emailed. Applications are not considered complete until all requirements have been submitted, including the application fees and liability insurance certificates (except for First Amendment applications).
Submit it to the Special Park Use Coordinator, Fort Union National Monument, allowing a minimum of 4 weeks for evaluation by the park staff before the start date for your activity in the park. All efforts will be made to expedite the permitting process, however permits completion may take longer than 4 weeks.
Enclose your check or money order for $100.00 to cover the non-refundable application costs.
Include your tax payer ID# or social security number. In compliance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, the applicant must submit his or her social security number or federal tax ID number when completing the permit application.
We cannot process your application without items 1 & 2, listed above.
Submission of the application form and fee payment DOES NOT imply permission for any Special Park Use or event
Following receipt of an application for a Special Use Permit, an evaluation will be made of the requested activity. Denials will be communicated in writing.
If the requested activity is approved, a Special Park Use Permit, outlining terms and conditions governing the special use, NPS
cost information, bond and insurance requirements (if any), and payment instructions will be sent to the applicant.
Send to:
Special Use Permits Coordinator
Fort Union National Monument
PO Box 127
Watrous, NM 87753
