How to Apply
Permit applications may be submitted through mail, telephone, e-mail, or in person at park headquarters. A completed application and the non-refundable application fee of $65 are required before an application can be processed. We suggest contacting us prior to applying.
Application for Special Park Use Permit
Special Park Use Information packet
| Special Park Use Coordinator |
Telephone: 651-293-8440 |
| Mississippi National River and Recreation Area |
FAX: 651-293-3214 |
| 111 E Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105 |
Website: www.nps.gov/miss |
| Saint Paul, MN 55101 |
E-mail: rory_stierler@nps.gov |
Please allow sufficient time for the park to process your request (3-4 weeks).
The National Park Service WILL NOT issue a permit if the proposed activity:
- Impairs park resources
- Impairs visitor use
- Is contrary to the purposes for which the park was established
- Unreasonably impairs the atmosphere of locations within the park
- Unreasonably interferes with NPS activities, programs, or events
- Presents a clear and present danger to public health and safety
- Results in significant conflict with other existing uses
Cost Recovery
The authority for the National Park Service to recover and retain costs associated with managing special park uses is found at 16 U.S.C. 3a and 31 U.S.C. 9701. Charges established for a special park use under this authority are intended to recover costs associated with managing that activity and not to generate revenue beyond actual costs incurred. If any additional costs are incurred, the permittee will be billed at the conclusion of the permit.
| Request Type |
Application Fee |
Administrative Fees |
Monitoring |
| Special Use Permit |
$65 |
Varies |
Varies |
| Commercial Filming/Photography |
$65 |
Varies |
Varies |
| First Amendment |
No fee |
No fee |
No cost |
| Application Cost |
Must be submitted at the time of the initial application. This is a non-refundable payment. |
| Administration Cost |
Payable when the permit is approved and prior to beginning the event. This is a non-refundable payment. |
| Monitoring Cost |
If the event requires NPS supervision for resource protection of the health or safety of visitors, the cost will be estimated and payable when the permit is approved and prior to beginning the event. The scope and complexity of the permit activity will determine the level and type of supervision. The fee includes employee travel time to and from the event location. |
Commercial Filming and Photography
It is the policy of the National Park Service to encourage production to the fullest extent possible consistent with the protection of park resources and ensuring the enjoyment of those resources by the visiting public. A Commercial Filming/Photography permit is required. There is an $100 non-refundable application fee, possible performance bond (depending on the extent of the activity), location fees based on the size of the production, and reimbursement of all park costs in monitoring and administering the permit during production.
Application for Commercial Filming and Still Photography Permit
In addition to Cost Recovery, commercial filming and photography are subject to a mandatory location fee. This fee is universal throughout the entire National Park Service.
| Commercial Filming |
Commercial Photography |
| Number of People |
Cost per Day |
Number of People |
Cost per Day |
| 1-2 (tripod only) |
$0 |
1-10 |
$50 |
| 3-10 |
$150 |
11-30 |
$150 |
| 11-30 |
$250 |
Over 20 |
$250 |
| 31-49 |
$500 |
|
|
| Over 49 |
$750 |
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