Permits & Reservations

Permits

A Special Use Permit is required for any activity that provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the park or the public at large. Many of the events that require permits also require some degree of oversight from National Park Service staff.

For more information regarding special use at Stonewall National Monument, please e-mail us.

Permit Application Instructions and Requirements

Required safety form to go with Permit application

Application for Special Use Permit

First Amendment Activities

We encourage citizens to exercise rights guaranteed by the Constitution. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect the public and park resources. Therefore, such First Amendment activities involving more than 25 participants require special use permits and National Park Service staff may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted.
Some examples are:

• distribution and/or sale of printed matter
• religious services
• public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
• collecting signatures for petitions

The Stonewall National Monument “First Amendment Rights Area" is located at the eastern most end of Christopher Park, where Grove Street and Christopher Street meet. No more than 25 participants will be permitted at a time.

View and print special park use application instructions

View and print special park use application for 1st Amendment activities

Filming and Photography

Low-Impact Filming

“Low-impact filming’ is defined as outdoor filming activities in areas open to the public, except areas managed as wilderness, involving five people or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras. Those participating in low-impact filming activities do not need a permit and are not required to contact the park in advance. If low-impact filmers have questions about areas where they want to film, they should contact the park directly.

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, news and other staff associated with filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors, including park hours and closed areas, still apply to filming activities even if a permit is not required. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Non-Low-Impact Filming

Filming activities that do not meet the description of low-impact filming require at least ten days advance notice to the National Park Service by contacting the park directly in writing. The park’s superintendent will determine whether the filming activities will require a special use permit for filming. Based on the information provided, a permit may be required to:

• maintain public health and safety;

• protect environmental or scenic values;

• protect natural or cultural resources;

• allow for equitable allocation or use of facilities; or

• avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

Examples of requests that may require a permit include, but are not limited to: entering a sensitive resource area, filming in areas that require tickets to enter, or filming in visitor centers, campgrounds, or other visitor areas. The decision to require a permit rests with the park superintendent based on potential impacts to park resources or the visitor experience.

Still Photography: When is a permit needed?

Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity

View and print filming and photography permit (short form)
View and print filming and photography permit (long form)

Application Process

To apply for a Permit, complete the form, and send it with a non-refundable application fee of $50 to:

Stonewall National Monument
National Park Service
Attention: Business Management Program
26 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005

Please make check or money order payable to the "National Park Service". Note that this is only an application form. A permit form will be sent to you as soon as we approve your proposed activity. No Special Use Permit is valid until signed by the Superintendent or other authorized federal official. Please be advised that additional fees maybe assessed, depending upon the nature of the activity.

School Group Reservations

Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more, maximum group size is 20 persons. Please call [phone] and speak with a ranger to confirm a group tour reservation. A two-week advance notice is necessary. Reservations must be made directly by phone or e-mail. Voicemail messages will not be accepted to reserve a tour. Reservations must be confirmed by a ranger via phone or e-mail to be valid.