First Amendment

First Amendment Activities/Demonstrations in Scotts Bluff National Monument (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.

Scotts Bluff National Monument offers 3 designated locations where individuals or groups may exercise their First Amendment rights through demonstrations.

A non-fee permit is required for groups over 25 people 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 First Amendment areas.

Who Needs a Permit?

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

• The group must not merely be an extension of another group availing itself of the 25 person maximum.
• The activity must not unreasonably interfere with other demonstrations, special events or NPS program activities.
• The activities may include the use of hand-carried signs, but not stages, platforms or structures. In those situations the NPS will continue to require a permit.
• If two or more groups taking advantage of the small group exception seek the same designated area at the same time, and the area cannot reasonably accommodate both groups, the park will, whenever possible, direct the later arriving group to relocate to another nearby available designated area.
• Groups of larger than 25 will require a permit and be designated the amphitheater for conducting a 1^st Amendment Right.

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. First Amendment participants may not obstruct traffic or approach visitors; all participant vehicles must be legally parked.

• The grassy area between the east side of the visitor center and the bus parking area
• The amphitheater behind the visitor center
• The leach field northeast of the monument visitor center