What types of activities require a special park use permit?Special Events: A special use permit is required of activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large, and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Some examples of special events that require permits are:
Who do I contact about a Special Park Use Permit?We recommend that you communicate with the Special Park Uses Coordinator before filling out an application, to ascertain whether or not you will need a special use permit for your activity. Phone: (530)242-3412 or email: WHIS_permits@nps.gov. How do I apply for a Special Park Use Permit?Fill out an application. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of an event to allow time for processing. A non-refundable processing fee of $150.00 is required with each application. Where can I get an application?Both the visitor center and the administration office at park headquarters keep paper copies of the application form. What conditions will I need to meet?Each special use permit issued is based upon general conditions that protect visitor access, safety, and park values and resources. Other permit conditions may be imposed depending upon the proposed activity and the park site on which it is held. Most events will require a certificate of insurance to ensure liability coverage for operations, personal injury, property damage and loss, and other necessary categories. For events with potential participant impact, permittees must post a performance bond. The bond is refundable unless the deposit must be used, in whole or in part, for site cleanup, trash removal, property damage or because the permittee fails to comply with permit conditions. A tax ID or Social Security number is required from each person or organization doing business with the federal government. How are special events scheduled?An annual calendar is maintained of all special events held in the park. Requests for event dates are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis up to one year in advance. To avoid potential conflicts with the general public, most events of significant size should be scheduled outside our busy visitor season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. We will not issue additional permits for park sites that are already affected by a scheduled event. An event is not placed on our calendar until a completed application form, accompanied by the $150 application fee, is received and reviewed at the park. What will my permit eventually cost?The National Park Service is required to recover all costs involved in allowing special park uses. Speak with the Special Park Uses Coordinator for an estimate of the cost of the permit. The average permit takes about four weeks to process. Permits for large, high-impact events may take more time to evaluate. ContactSpecial Park Uses Coordinator Special Use Permits (SUP)Within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, you can find many places that can be ideal for a variety of special activities. Most special events and activities held within the park require a Special Use Permit. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has the authority and responsibility to evaluate applicant requests and to 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 will not impair park values, visitor use, access to park sites, or park administration. A special park use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area and that:
The National Park Service may permit a special park use if the proposed activity will not:
Further, the proposed activity must meet the following additional criteria to be considered for a permit:
Please visit the tabs below to determine what kind of permit you might need and the process of applying for a Special Use Permit. You can also contact the Park Special Uses Coordinator by emailing WHIS_permits@nps.gov or call (530) 246-1225 for more information. Activities That May Require a Special Use Permit Visit our Filming and Photography page for information on film and photography permits
Weddings and ceremonies require a Special Use Permit in order to be conducted at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Please read the information under “Before Applying” and “Applying for a Permit” below and follow the instructions for completing an application:
Ceremonies include weddings, babtisms, memorial services, and more. Please reach out to WHIS_permits@nps.gov or (530) 246-1225 if you are unsure if your activity falls into this category. Visit our First Amendment Activities page for more information on First Amendment permits.
The term “Commercial vehicle” as used in this section shall include, but not be limited to trucks, station wagons, pickups, passenger cars or other vehicles when used in transporting movable property for a fee or profit, either as a direct charge to another person, or otherwise, or used as an incident to providing services to another person, or used in connection with any business.
The use of government roads within park areas by commercial vehicles, when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park area, is prohibited, except that in emergencies the Superintendent may grant permission to use park roads. Many special events or large groups require a Special Use Permit in order to be conducted within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Examples of activities may include, but are not limited to: cultural programs, workshops, concerts, sporting events, guided hikes, public spectator attractions, and privite gatherings involving 25 or more people. These special events may be subject to monitoring fees and insurance requirements, as described below. Group size may be restricted in requested locations for the protection of park resources and visitor experience. Please read the information under “Before Applying” and “Applying for a Permit” below and follow the instructions for completing an application. Before ApplyingA complete application is required 8 weeks in advance of your requested dates in order to process a permit. An application will not be considered complete without dates, times, locations, and equipment. We encouraged to attach, maps, diagrams, script pages, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shot list, etc. with your application to assist park staff in evaluating your request. When conducting Special Use Activities in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area with a permit, you are subject to all the laws and regulations that apply inside the park. Please read all regulations carefully as your permit application may be denied if it contains any of the activities below. The following activities are not permitted:
You must also comply with the following:
Many permits require full-time or intermittent monitoring for the protection of resources and visitor experience. This will be determined by the Special Park Uses Coordinator based on your application. If monitors are required, your permit will only be issued subject to availability of monitors on the dates and at the locations requested. See below for fees associated with monitoring. Applying for a Permit1. Download NPS Form 10-930 Application for Special Use Permit and fill out completely.
2. Email WHIS_permits@nps.gov the complete permit application as a single PDF along with any nessecary attachments (maps, diagrams, script pages, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shot list, etc). 1. After the Special Use Coordinator receives your application via email, we will reply with information for payment of the application fee. This is the fee to process your application and is non-refundable, even if a permit is not issued or you choose to cancel your application. This application fee must be paid within five (5) business days in order to move forward with the permit process.
2. After the Special Use Coordinator receives your payment, we will review your application materials and determine if a permit can be issued. After reviewing your application, we will send you information on insurance requirements for your specific request. However, generally, the following is true:
1. A Certificate of General Liability Insurance (COI) in the amount of $1,000,000 listing the ‘United States of America’ as additional insured. The COI must be in English and in US funds. If your insurance company requires an address for ‘United States of America’, they can list the additional insured as: United States of America Whiskeytown National Recreation Area PO Box 188 Whiskeytown, CA 96095 Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the National Park Service may recover all costs of providing necessary services associated with special use permits (54 U.S. Code § 103104). This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit but an estimate will be provided to you beforehand and will be included in your signed permit. Prior to issuing the permit, the Special Use Permit Coordinator will send information on paying the remaining costs, if applicable. The following may apply: 1. Hourly fee: approximately $50/hour. The exact hourly fee is based on the specific employee’s salary and may be charged if any of the following activities are required for your permit:
If your activity is approved, and all insurance and cost of recovery payments are paid, etc., a permit containing applicable terms and conditions will be sent you. The permit must be signed by the responsible person and returned to the park for final signature by the Park Superintendent. A fully executed permit containing both signatures is required before the permitted activity may begin. Please have a hard copy or downloaded digital copy of the entire document with you while you are in the park. It is your responsibility to have read and follow all of the conditions listed in your permit. If there is no contact from an applicant for 30 days after the application is submitted, the file will be closed. Any future contact with that applicant will require initiating the process from the beginning. |
Last updated: January 10, 2025