Special Use Permits

Overview

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material, other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the following definitions and examples to determine if your use might be included.

It is the policy of the National Park Service (NPS) to allow special uses that are not in conflict with law or policy; will not result in derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established; do not present a threat to public safety or property and do not unduly interfere with normal park operations, resource protection, or visitor use.

The park has the authority and responsibility to evaluate applicant requests, permit, manage, and/or deny all special uses within the park. Therefore, before any permit will be granted, consideration will be given to potential park resource impacts, as well as impacts to visitor use, access to park sites, or park administration. There are cost recovery fees associated with the administration and management of special use permits for costs incurred by the park. Special park use guidelines state that “it is the policy of the NPS to charge permit fees for special uses. Permit fees should reflect the fair market value of a benefit provided the permittee. The fair market value of a special use is the value of the lands or facilities used and the NPS cost incurred in managing, facilitating, or supporting the use.”

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.

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.

Special Use Permits

How To Apply

You may download a permit application online. There two types of permits, a short form and long form. The short form (PDF, 650 KB) is used for small scale events, such as wedding photos. The long form (PDF, 750 KB) permit should be submitted for larger events. Badlands National Park helps administer the Special Use Permits for Minute Man Missile National Historic Site.

The completed application must be submitted to [e-mail]. A follow-up email will provide directions towards submitting a $100.00 non-refundable application and administrative charge online. This fee is only submitted online. 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 Audio 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:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;

• Uses hand-carried equipment only;

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

• 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 (PDF, 650 KB) are suitable for small scale events where the long form (PDF, 750 KB) is required for large scale events.