Commercial Filming and Still Photography

The policy of National Park Service (NPS) is to allow commercial filming and photography when it is consistent with the protection and public enjoyment of park resources. Commercial filming and still photography activities may not harm natural, cultural, wilderness, or recreational resources and cannot conflict with the public's normal use and enjoyment of the park.

Commercial Filming

On August 23, 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a decision reversing the order of the District Court. Price v. Garland 45 f.4th 1059 (D.C. Cir 2022). This decision became effective October 28, 2022, with the issuance of the Court of Appeals Mandate.

As a result, the statute and regulations that governed commercial filming before the Price decision are again in effect.

Those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the preserve directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Do I need a permit to film?

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, and other staff associated with commercial filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors still apply to filming activities even if no permit is needed for their activity. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips. The use of drones for any reason is prohibited in all areas of National Park Service lands (as per 36 CFR 13.5).

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity.

Still photographers require a permit only when:

• the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
• 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
• use of large or unusual equipment, even for non-commercial purposes if activities warrant oversight by preserve staff; or
• some wedding portrait photography (all other portrait photography requires a Commercial Use Authorization); or
• the preserve would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

Deadlines for permits

To help protect park resources and to assist still photography applicants as comprehensively as possible, permit deadlines have been established. Please note that all permit fees need to be paid and all initial paperwork completed before the permit will be considered. It is highly recommended to start the permitting process early as practical.

Permits and associated fees must be submitted at least 60 days in advance.

Bering Land Bridge Still Photography Permit (Form 10-931)
Email this completed form to our Permit Coordinatior.

Still Photography Workshops & Tours

• A commercial use authorization is required for photography workshops, tours, or portrait photographers not affiliated with a permitted wedding.

Exemptions

The following cases do not require a commercial photography permit:

• Visitors taking pictures intended for their personal use and enjoyment. Special requests or use of large or unusual equipment may require permitting even if it is for personal use.

• Credentialed news organizations documenting an event that cannot be covered at any other time or location. Please contact the preserve for more information.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect:

1. A non-refundable $200 cost recovery charge. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
2. A location fee In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:

Commercial Filming

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
• 1–10 people - $150/day
• 11–30 people - $250/day
• 31–49 people - $500/day
• Over 50 people - $750/day

Still Photography

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged.

Fees
Payments are accepted in the form money order or paper check. Payments can be through the mail.

Checks or money orders are made payable to National Park Service and are accepted through the mail or in person.

• Indicate the name of your production company.

• Mail your payment to:

Bering Land Bridge NP – NPS
Attn: Administrative Officer
PO Box 220 Nome, AK 99762

Restrictions

Drone Use: Launching, landing, or operating of drones (i.e., unmanned aircraft) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

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Film and Photography in Wilderness

Ninety-five percent of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is eligible for Wilderness designation. Commercial activities that take place in eligible Wilderness are thoroughly vetted to assure that Wilderness character and values are protected. It is highly recommended you educate yourself about Wilderness character and values as commercial activities occurring in the preserve’s eligible Wilderness are required to show that they are appropriate and necessary for the administration of the Wilderness.

We recommend that, before you consider the Bering Land Bridge eligible Wilderness as a possible location for your film project, you review "What is Wilderness?" as well as taking the "Wilderness Act of 1964" course offered through proValens learning, before submitting your application and non-refundable application fee (if applicable).