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Film Permits: When Do I Need a Permit
Still Photography
National Forest visitors and professional or amateur photographers do not need a permit to take still photographs unless the still photography will:
- Use models, sets or props that are not part of the site’s natural or cultural resource or administrative facilities.
- Take place where members of the public are not generally allowed. (An example would be an area closed to the public to protect winter range for wildlife.)
- Take place at a location where additional administrative costs are likely. (An example would be sites that are so popular with photographers the Forest Service is required to regulate use.)
A special use permit is not required for still photography when that activity involves breaking news. Examples of breaking news are:
- A plane crash in the forest
- A wildland fire
- A search and rescue
Commercial Filming
A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities on National Forest System lands. A special use permit is not required for broadcasting breaking news.
Commercial filming is defined as the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound recording, other moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest System lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale, or the use of actors, models, sets or props, but not activities associated with broadcasts for news programs. For purposes of this definition, creation of a product for sale includes but is not limited to a film, videotape, television broadcast or documentary of historic events, wildlife, natural events, features, subjects or participants in a sporting or recreation event and so forth, when created for the purpose of generating income.
Commercial or still photography will NOT be permitted if the Forest Service determines that any of the following criteria apply:
- There is a likelihood of resource damage that cannot be mitigated.
- There would be an unreasonable disruption of the public’s use and enjoyment of the site (beyond short term interruption)
- The activity poses health or safety risks to the public that cannot be mitigated.