Special Use Permits Defined

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.