Special Use Permits
A special park use is 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 National Park Service (NPS) 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 NPS; and
- Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.
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Examples include:
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| Ash Scattering |
Bike Rides (group organized) |
| Church Service |
Demonstration/First Amendment |
| Freedom of Speech Act |
Political Event |
| Public Assemblies |
Weddings or Ceremonies |
For more information regarding special use permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call (559) 565-4235 or e-mail the parks with the subject line "Attn: Special Use Permits."
Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance, preferably two-to-three months before the event, for consideration and processing.
Special Permit Applications and Guidelines
General Special Use Permit Application
Ash-Scattering Guidelines
Scattering cremated human remains ("cremains") in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks should be a small private activity, held away from high-visitor-use areas. A permit is not required, but all park regulations must be followed as outlined in the attachment.
Weddings In The Parks
General Wedding Permit Information
Wedding Locations
Wedding Permit Application
Demonstrations (also referred to as First Amendment Permits)
Demonstrations include picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.
Demonstrations involving 25 people or less may be held without a permit within designated areas, provided that:
- The group is not merely an extension of another group already using the park for a demonstration or First Amendment activity.
- The group will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities.
- Hand-carried signs may be used but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.
- While it is not mandatory, the organizer is requested to provide reasonable notice of the proposed event to the park superintendent, including whether or not there is any reason to believe there may be an attempt to disrupt, protest, or prevent the activity.
Demonstration / First Amendment Permit Application
Demonstration / First Amendment Location Maps
