Permits

Commercial film crew at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

NPS / Tom Engberg

Special Park Uses

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the information below.

• A special park use is defined as 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.

• Read all conditions, guidelines and restrictions.
• Your permit will be created and returned for your signature.
• When received with your signature, your permit will be approved and returned to you.
• For more information, applications and forms contact the Permit Coordinator at 937-352-6757 or e-mail us.

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 within Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument are encouraged to email us directly for more information about filming and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Still photography requires 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. The park would incur additional administrative costs to provide on-site management and oversight to protect park resources and minimize visitor use conflicts.

For more information please contact the Permit Coordinator at 937-352-6757 or e-mail us.