Disclaimer
All Special Use Permits (SUPs) and Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) need to be submitted 45 days in advance of the scheduled event for processing.
Special Park Uses
The rugged beauty of the Badlands is a spectacular backdrop for filming, organized activities, or wedding ceremonies. A special park use is a short-term activity, like those mentioned, that occurs in a National Park Service area and:
- 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
- Is not prohibited by law or regulation
- Is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the National Park Service
Special park uses, if approved, require the issuance of Special Use Permits and payment of permit fees before the activity can be held in the park. Special Use Permits must be acquired for cultural programs, festivals, wedding ceremonies, some film and photography projects (see below), static displays, etc..
How To Apply
You may download a permit application online. There two types of permits, a short form and long form. The short form is used for small scale events, such as wedding photos. The long form permit should be submitted for larger events.
The completed application must be submitted with $100.00. The $100.00 is a non-refundable application and administrative charge. This fee should be in the form of cash (though not by mail), certified check, or credit card information. Other administrative fees (see below) may also apply.
To apply for a Special Use Permit, print and complete the form listed above, attach any required fees, and mail it to the address specified on the form. For further information about obtaining a Special Use Permit or determining if your activity needs a permit, please contact the park at 605-433-5361 and ask for the Fee Program Manager.
Filming, Still Photography, and Aduio Recording in Parks
- In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
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Occurs in areas open to the public;
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Uses hand-carried equipment only;
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Does not require exclusive use of a site;
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Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
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Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
- Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
- All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
- When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
- Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
- Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
Filming that Requires Special Use Permit
Filming and still photography in the park that do not meet the criteria listed above will require a special use permit. There are two types of permit applications, a long form and short form. Short forms are suitable for small scale events where the long form is required for large scale events.
Fee structures are listed below.
- 1-2 people (camera and tripod only): $0/day
- 1-10 people: $150/day
- 11-30 people: $250/day
- 31-49 people: $500/day
- 50+ people: $750/day
- 1-10 people: $50/day
- 11-30 people: $150/day
- 30+ people: $250/day
Commercial Use Authorizations
What is a CUA?
A commercial use authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. The National Park Service (NPS) issues CUAs to manage a wide-range of commercial visitor services in addition to road-based commercial tours.
Federal law mandates the NPS issue CUAs only for commercial activities and visitor services that:
- are determined to be an appropriate use of the park,
- will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and
- are consistent with the park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
Why does NPS require CUAs?
The requirement is in 36 CFR 5.3 - It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Additionally, Public Law 105-391 Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management.
Do I need a CUA?
You may not conduct commercial activities in a park unit without a valid CUA!
A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
- take place at least in part on lands managed by the National Park Service,
- use park resources, and
- result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
How to Apply:
Download the application and follow the instructions on the form. Submit the completed application to the email or physical address on the form.
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