Special Use PermitsThe National Park Service may require a special use permit for certain activities to occur on park property. These include organized gatherings like weddings or church services, public assemblies and demonstrations, special events and some commercial activities. A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:
Please note that while a special park use may meet the above criteria, not all activities are approved based on park specific resources, visitation, and potential impact. Who needs a permit?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. Women's Rights National Historical Park hs three 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. See the Superintendent's Compendium for maps of these locations.
If you do not meet the criteria that would require a permit, you are welcome to demonstrate in a designated location. Special events or assemblies (including weddings) may be permitted in certain areas of Women's Rights NHP depending on location, group size, and the time of year or day.
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 the park if it occurs in designated areas. See the Superintendent's Compendium for maps of these locations.
Still photographers require a permit when the activity:
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress 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 still photography fee schedule:
All commercial filming that occurs in national parks requires a permit.
"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge for commercial filming permits. 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. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress 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 commercial filming fee schedule:
The National Park Service requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks, usually in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization.
What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)? Public Law 105-391, Section 418, which was signed in 1998, provides for the issuance of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide suitable commercial services for park area visitors. Commercial activities are generally prohibited in National Parks unless authorized by a CUA or concessions contract. How do I get a permit?Permit applications must be submitted to the Special Use Permit Coordinator a minimum of three weeks prior to the expected event date. Please download the Special Use Permit Application (PDF) and e-mail the completed form to donald_stanko@nps.gov. |
Last updated: June 14, 2024