First Amendment (FA)

First Amendment Activities/Demonstrations in Grand Teton National Park (36 CFR § 2.51)

The term “demonstrations” includes demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

Grand Teton National Park offers 4 designated locations where individuals or groups may exercise their First Amendment (FA) rights through demonstrations. Each FA location will only accommodate one group at a time. A non-fee permit is required for groups over 25 people, to reserve a FA location or if the National Park Service deems further management of the activity is necessary to protect park resources or visitors.

The sale or distribution of non-commercial printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items without asking for or demanding payment or donation, is allowed within park areas if it occurs in designated areas.

Who Needs a Permit?

Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park areas, provided that:

• The location can accommodate the group size (see maps and details below). If a different location is requested because of activity or group size, a permit is required;
• The group is not an extension of another group already demonstrating in another area of the park;
• They will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities; site use is granted on a first come-first serve basis with preference given to the permit holder;
• Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.

If you do not meet the criteria that would require a permit, you are welcome to demonstrate in a designated location. Visit the nearest Ranger Station or Visitor Center to obtain an informative First Amendment sandwich board. Contact the Special Park Use Permits Coordinator if you have questions.

Designated First Amendment Locations

The following locations are predetermined by the National Park Service for First Amendment activities provided the location can accommodate the requested group size. FA participants may not obstruct traffic or approach visitors; all participant vehicles must be legally parked.

_{* - Maximum number of people allowed in designated location. Group size over 25 people will require a permit.}

• Flagg Ranch Information Station: the area that is just north of the Contact Station.
• Colter Bay: the area near the southeast corner of the park visitor center, adjacent to the sidewalk and roadway.
• Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center: the southeast side of the cement walkway intersection where the primary walkway turns right to enter the courtyard.
• Jenny Lake: between the southwest side of the Jenny Lake Store and the southeast side of the Crandall Studio.

 

 

Zoom in to each site to see specific location and boundaries.

 

How to Apply

The National Park Service is mindful of the responsibility to protect the rights of all visitors, and to alert visitors to provide for the safety of all persons practicing their First Amendment rights. A decision on whether a permit will be approved or denied will be made within ten business days.

To Apply

Email the completed application to [e-mail].

Contact Us

For further information, please call 307-739-3616 or e-mail us.