Special Park Use Permits

What types of activities require a special park use permit?

Special Events: A special use permit is required of activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large, and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Some examples of special events that require permits are:

• Concerts
• Festivals
• Public spectator attractions
• Sporting events
• Ceremonies: weddings, baptisms, memorial services, etc.
• Private gatherings, involving 25 or more people, such as company picnics, etc.
• Cultural programs
• Guided hikes/walks

Who do I contact about a Special Park Use Permit?

We recommend that you communicate with the Special Park Uses Coordinator before filling out an application, to ascertain whether or not you will need a special use permit for your activity. Phone: [phone] or email: [e-mail].

How do I apply for a Special Park Use Permit?

Fill out an application. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of an event to allow time for processing. A non-refundable processing fee of $150.00 is required with each application.

Where can I get an application?

Both the visitor center and the administration office at park headquarters keep paper copies of the application form.

The application is available for download here: Special Use Permit Application.

What conditions will I need to meet?

Each special use permit issued is based upon general conditions that protect visitor access, safety, and park values and resources. Other permit conditions may be imposed depending upon the proposed activity and the park site on which it is held. Most events will require a certificate of insurance to ensure liability coverage for operations, personal injury, property damage and loss, and other necessary categories. For events with potential participant impact, permittees must post a performance bond. The bond is refundable unless the deposit must be used, in whole or in part, for site cleanup, trash removal, property damage or because the permittee fails to comply with permit conditions. A tax ID or Social Security number is required from each person or organization doing business with the federal government.

How are special events scheduled?

An annual calendar is maintained of all special events held in the park. Requests for event dates are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis up to one year in advance. To avoid potential conflicts with the general public, most events of significant size should be scheduled outside our busy visitor season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. We will not issue additional permits for park sites that are already affected by a scheduled event. An event is not placed on our calendar until a completed application form, accompanied by the $150 application fee, is received and reviewed at the park.

What will my permit eventually cost?

The National Park Service is required to recover all costs involved in allowing special park uses. Speak with the Special Park Uses Coordinator for an estimate of the cost of the permit.

How long will it take for my permit to be approved or denied?

The average permit takes about four weeks to process. Permits for large, high-impact events may take more time to evaluate.

Contact

Special Park Uses Coordinator
Phone:[phone]
Email: [e-mail]

 

Special Use Permits (SUP)

Within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, you can find many places that can be ideal for a variety of special activities. Most special events and activities held within the park require a Special Use Permit. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has the authority and responsibility to evaluate applicant requests and to permit, manage, and/or deny all special uses within the park. Therefore, before any permit will be granted, consideration will be given to potential park resource impacts, as well as impacts will not impair park values, visitor use, access to park sites, or park administration.

The goal of the park in issuing a permit is to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural or cultural resources, allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities, or avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

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.

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 purpose for which the park was established and the mission of the National Park Service.
• Unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park.
• Interfere with visitor use, access, and programs.
• Interfere with park management or administration or other public facilities.
• Present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.

Further, the proposed activity must meet the following additional criteria to be considered for a permit:

• Is not prohibited by law or regulation.
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service (NPS).
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.
• Is not a long term activity.

Please visit the tabs below to determine what kind of permit you might need and the process of applying for a Special Use Permit. You can also contact the Park Special Uses Coordinator by emailing [e-mail] or call [phone] for more information.

 

Activities That May Require a Special Use Permit

Filming and Photography

Visit our Filming and Photography page for information on film and photography permits

Weddings and Ceremonies

Weddings and ceremonies require a Special Use Permit in order to be conducted at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Please read the information under “Before Applying” and “Applying for a Permit” below and follow the instructions for completing an application:

• Weddings are subject to monitoring fees, as described below, depending on group size. 
• Group size may be restricted in requested locations for the protection of park resources and visitor experience. 
• Wedding photographers do not require a separate permit. Portrait photography (including wedding, engagement, high school senior, and family photos) does not require a SUP. 

Ceremonies include weddings, babtisms, memorial services, and more. Please reach out to [e-mail] or [phone] if you are unsure if your activity falls into this category. 

First Amendment Activities

Visit our First Amendment Activities page for more information on First Amendment permits. 

Commercial Vehicle Use

The term “Commercial vehicle” as used in this section shall include, but not be limited to trucks, station wagons, pickups, passenger cars or other vehicles when used in transporting movable property for a fee or profit, either as a direct charge to another person, or otherwise, or used as an incident to providing services to another person, or used in connection with any business.

The use of government roads within park areas by commercial vehicles, when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park area, is prohibited, except that in emergencies the Superintendent may grant permission to use park roads.

Special Events and Large Groups

Many special events or large groups require a Special Use Permit in order to be conducted within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. 

Examples of activities may include, but are not limited to: cultural programs, workshops, concerts, sporting events, guided hikes, public spectator attractions, and privite gatherings involving 25 or more people. These special events may be subject to monitoring fees and insurance requirements, as described below. Group size may be restricted in requested locations for the protection of park resources and visitor experience.

Please read the information under “Before Applying” and “Applying for a Permit” below and follow the instructions for completing an application.

 

Before Applying

How far in Advance to apply for a permit?

A complete application is required 8 weeks in advance of your requested dates in order to process a permit. 

An application will not be considered complete without dates, times, locations, and equipment. We encouraged to attach, maps, diagrams, script pages, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shot list, etc. with your application to assist park staff in evaluating your request.

If your application is missing these details, or if they change during the application process, a new application must be submitted. The 8 week window may restart when this happens.

All permits excluding First Amendment Activity Permits will be approved or denied within 10 days of submitting the permit. First Amendment Activity Permits will be approved or denied within 2 days. 

 

Prohibited Activities

When conducting Special Use Activities in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area with a permit, you are subject to all the laws and regulations that apply inside the park.

Please read all regulations carefully as your permit application may be denied if it contains any of the activities below.

The following activities are not permitted:

• Use of drones or other unmanned aircraft.
• Nudity in public areas.
• Smoking outside of designated smoking locations. 
• Loud noises (exceeding 60 decibels at 50 feet in distance).
• Use of public address systems and sound amplification equipment unless otherwise specified in your permit.
• Driving any vehicle (including motorcycles and bicycles) off designated paved or dirt roads.
• Driving any off-road vehicle on a park road (including, but not limited to, OHV’s, ATV’s, dirt bikes, golf cards, Rhino or Polaris multiple passenger vehicles).
• Operating a motor vehicle in a manner that causes unreasonable damage to the surface of a park road or route.
• Operating a vehicle so slowly as to interfere with the normal flow of traffic is prohibited.
• Stunt or high-speed driving.
• Standing in a roadway as part of a film or photography shoot unless otherwise specified in your permit with approved traffic control.
• Removing, moving, or obscuring park road signs, speed limit signs, or wayside signs.
• Ground disturbance (including digging or driving posts and installing temporary signs or structures).
• Attaching props, equipment, signs, or banners to NPS facilities, structures, rocks, or vegetation.
• Collecting, moving, damaging, or otherwise disturbing any animal, plant, rock or any other natural, historical, or archeological resource.
• Cutting or removal of branches or any vegetation.
• Feeding, touching, harassing, frightening, hunting, trapping, or disturbing wildlife.
• Viewing wildlife with artificial light (including infrared and black lights).
• Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into the park’s ecosystem.
• Using a mineral or metal detector.
• Releasing Mylar or helium balloons, doves, butterflies, flower petals, or other living objects.
• Filming or photographing park employees unless otherwise specified in your permit.
• Brandishing or discharging a firearm, real or prop, unless use of a firearm prop has been specifically authorized in your permit.
• Unduly interfering or conflicting with visitors’ normal use and enjoyment of the park, including blocking visitor access to an area.

You must also comply with the following:

• Fire safety regulations and temporary closures resulting from fire conditions.
• Speed limits and traffic laws.
• Leave No Trace principles and ethics.
• Regulations for pets in the park including leash requirements and location restrictions. 
• Park policies and principles related to ethical and responsible treatment of culturally sensitive sites and resources.

Monitor Requirements

Many permits require full-time or intermittent monitoring for the protection of resources and visitor experience. This will be determined by the Special Park Uses Coordinator based on your application.

If monitors are required, your permit will only be issued subject to availability of monitors on the dates and at the locations requested.

See below for fees associated with monitoring.

 

Applying for a Permit

Step 1: Application

1. Download NPS Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permit and fill out completely.

• A complete application is required at least 8 weeks in advance of your requested dates in order to process a permit. 
• An application will not be considered complete without dates, times, locations, and equipment. If your application is missing these details, or if they change during the application process, a new application must be submitted. The 8 week window may restart when this happens.

2. Email [e-mail] the complete permit application as a single PDF along with any nessecary attachments (maps, diagrams, script pages, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shot list, etc).

Step 2: Application Fee

1. After the Special Use Coordinator receives your application via email, we will reply with information for payment of the application fee. This is the fee to process your application and is non-refundable, even if a permit is not issued or you choose to cancel your application. This application fee must be paid within five (5) business days in order to move forward with the permit process.

• First amendment – no application fee
• All other activities – $150 application fee

2. After the Special Use Coordinator receives your payment, we will review your application materials and determine if a permit can be issued.

Step 3: Insurance

After reviewing your application, we will send you information on insurance requirements for your specific request. However, generally, the following is true:

• First amendment permits – no insurance required.
• Wedding permits – may require insurance.
• Photography, filming, sporting event, special event, large group – most require the following:

1. A Certificate of General Liability Insurance (COI) in the amount of $1,000,000 listing the ‘United States of America’ as additional insured. The COI must be in English and in US funds.

If your insurance company requires an address for ‘United States of America’, they can list the additional insured as:

United States of America Whiskeytown National Recreation Area PO Box 188 Whiskeytown, CA 96095

Step 4: Cost of Recovery Payment

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the National Park Service may recover all costs of providing necessary services associated with special use permits (54 U.S. Code § 103104). This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit but an estimate will be provided to you beforehand and will be included in your signed permit.

Prior to issuing the permit, the Special Use Permit Coordinator will send information on paying the remaining costs, if applicable.

The following may apply:

1. Hourly fee: approximately $50/hour. The exact hourly fee is based on the specific employee’s salary and may be charged if any of the following activities are required for your permit:

• Monitoring: Many permits require full-time or intermittent monitoring for the protection of resources and visitor experience, and to ensure full compliance with all conditions of the permit. The level and type of monitoring will be determined by the Special Use Coordinator based on your application. Generally, one monitor is required for every 8 people involved with the project or if there is a public use limitation. If monitors are required, your permit will only be issued subject to availability of monitors on the dates and at the locations requested.
• Scouting: If a permittee requests a scouting trip with or by the Special Park Uses Coordinator, staff time will be assessed.
• Extended administrative time: Any activity that is particularly complex is subject to the hourly fee. This fee covers additional administrative time needed beyond the maximum two hours covered by the $50.00 application. This rate does not preclude any of the other fees and is applied per hour/per staff member.

Step 5: Issuing the Permit

If your activity is approved, and all insurance and cost of recovery payments are paid, etc., a permit containing applicable terms and conditions will be sent you. The permit must be signed by the responsible person and returned to the park for final signature by the Park Superintendent. A fully executed permit containing both signatures is required before the permitted activity may begin.

Please have a hard copy or downloaded digital copy of the entire document with you while you are in the park. It is your responsibility to have read and follow all of the conditions listed in your permit.

 

If there is no contact from an applicant for 30 days after the application is submitted, the file will be closed. Any future contact with that applicant will require initiating the process from the beginning.