Special Use Permits

fisherman in river with large green trees on the banks
Fisherman wading through the Pecos River

NPS Photo

Special Use Permits

National Parks often require Special Use Permits to ensure the protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as to minimize conflicts between park visitors and other park users.

A Special Use Permit may be required for activities such as:

  • Commercial Filming & Photography (short form)
  • Public and private gatherings
  • Demonstrations & Protests
  • Fishing
  • Wedding at the park

For most Special Use Permits at the park, at least one month's notice and an application are required. No Special Use Permit will be considered more than one year in advance. The base application fee for a Special Use Permit is $100.00 unless stated otherwise and is non-refundable. Additional fees for monitoring, administrative costs, and restoration may apply.

If you are not familiar with Pecos National Historical Park, 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.

WHO MAY APPLY

Any individual, group, society, or organization may apply for a Special Use Permit. The applicant for the permit must assume full responsibility and liability for the Special Park Use.

Permitting Process

  1. Application: To apply for a permit, all Special Use Permit requests must go through the Special Park Use Coordinator. It is recommended you contact them well in advance by email or phone at (505) 757-7235. They will then be able to provide the forms and discuss how the park can assist you.
  2. Allow a minimum of four 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, permit completion may take longer than four weeks.
  3. A $100.00 non-refundable application fee must be received by check or money order before the permit can be issued.
  4. 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.
  5. Submission of the application form and fee payment DOES NOT imply permission for any Special Park Use or event.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

For additional information, contact the Chief Ranger at (505) 757-7235 or peco_chief_ranger@nps.gov.

Filming Permits

Filming permits are issued on an individual basis based on the size of the project (movie, commercial, etc.), how much staffing is needed for supervision, and how much time will be involved. Additional fees may be required depending on the situation.

Contact the Chief Ranger at (505) 757-7235 or peco_chief_ranger@nps.gov for more information about filming and Special Use Permits at Pecos National Historical Park.

Commercial Use Authorization

Commercial Use Authorization
Any individual or business leading commercial tours or other commercial enterprises within Pecos National Historical Park boundaries needs to first have a Commercial Use Authorization.

Commercial use as defined by the National Park Service: Commercial services include any or all goods, activities, services, agreements or anything offered to park visitors and/or the general public for recreational purposes which use park resources, (and) is undertaken for or results in compensation, monitory gain, benefit or profit to an individual, organization, or corporation, whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under local, state or federal laws.

For additional information on Commercial Use Authorization, contact the Chief Ranger at peco_chief_ranger@nps.gov or (505) 757-7235.

Application for Special Use Permits

All Special Use Permit requests must go through the Chief Ranger. It is recommended you contact them well in advance by email or phone at (505) 757-7235. They will then be able to provide the forms and discuss how the park can assist you. For a Commercial Use Authorization, please contact the office of the Chief Ranger directly.

Special Use Permit

This forms (click on above links) may be printed out, completed, and mailed to the park. Currently, they are not available to fill out online.

Send to:
Chief Ranger
Pecos National Historical Park
PO Box 418
Pecos, NM 87552

Last updated: October 30, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Pecos National Historical Park
P.O. Box 418

Pecos, NM 87552

Phone:

505 757-7241

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