Film & Photography Permits

NPS/Josh Spice

UPDATE 10/31/22:

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 Kobuk Valley 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.

Lands of the United States were set aside by Congress, Executive Order, or otherwise acquired in order to conserve and protect areas of untold beauty and grandeur, historical importance, and uniqueness for future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive photo apparatus. It was the sharing of these images that led to the designation of these areas as national parks and monuments. Visitors to national parks today continue to memorialize their visits through videos and photographs.

 

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in Kobuk Valley is prohibited.

Department of the Interior Secretary's Order 3379 mandates a cessation of all non-emergency unmanned aircraft. This order supercedes any existing regulations as of January 29, 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Unmanned Aircraft defined: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about unmanned aircraft in the national parks.

 

Click the map to view larger

Filming in Wilderness Areas

Much of Kobuk Valley National Park is Congressionally-designated as wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. In addition, many lands that are not currently in designated wilderness are eligible for wilderness designation in the future (see map). These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations. Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats, and helicopter landings.

Special use Permits for filming are required for all filming activities in wilderness areas, except casual filming by visitors, no matter the group size or equipment used.

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
• model: a person or object that serves as the subject for filming or still photography for the purposes of promoting sales or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products.
• a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

Still Photography Workshops & Tours

• A commercial use authorization is required for photography workshops and tours.

Exemptions

The following cases do not require a photography permit:

• Visitors filming or taking pictures intended for their personal use and enjoyment.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect:

1. A non-refundable $100 cost recovery charge for still photography activities only. 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. Effective May 15, 2006, the Department of the Interior required the National Park Service to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule for still photography and audio recordings:

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

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.

How to Apply

1. Please email the park for a Special Use Permit application.

2. A non-refundable application and administrative fee of $100 is required. Payment may be made in the form of a cashier’s check or money order payable to “National Park Service” and mailed to:

National Park Service
PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

The application packet must include:

• Certificate of General Liability insurance issued by an insurance company operating in the United States
• Detailed production schedule and proposed locations
• Detailed cast & crew list including name and role
• Detailed equipment list including model of equipment

Application Deadlines

For simple permit requests, applications must be received at least two weeks prior to proposed start date.
For more complex requests, applications must be received six weeks in advance.

Insurance & Performance Bond Requirement

Proof of insurance may be required and documentation must carry a commercial liability (minimum of $1 million) issued by a U.S. company. Insurance certificate must identify the production company by name and business address. If permittee uses a different name than listed on insurance policy, the relationship between insured company and permittee's company must be identified. The United States of America will be named "additional insured" on the insurance certificate. The address should also include the following: National Park Service, PO Box 1029, Kotzebue, AK 99752.

For still photography, the minimum generally acceptable amount of liability insurance is $1 million each occurrence. Smaller, low-risk projects may be eligible for a reduction to $500,000. Contact our office for details. The certificate should be generated by the insurance company. We will accept a faxed copy of the certificate until your insurance company can mail us the original.

Certain activities may trigger the need for the permittee to post a refundable damage bond. The amount of the bond will be equivalent to the estimated cost to the NPS for cleanup, repair or rehabilitation of resources or facilities that could potentially be impacted by the permit activities. At the conclusion of the permit, the bond will be returned to the permittee after the costs of cleanup, repair, or rehabilitation are deducted.

For More Information

Permit Coordinator
National Park Service
PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752
907-442-3890
Email us.

 

Looking for a different kind of use permit? See the options below.

• Research Permits
• Special Use Permits

  1. Other Special Use Permits - a catch-all category including but not limited to activities such as special assemblies, athletic events or races, temporary access requests, first amendment activities, groups with 12 or more participants, etc.