Special events are activities, such as sporting events, spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, large group camps or rendezvous, which fall under the category of privileges. Special events differ from public assemblies and public meetings in that the latter activities are rights protected by the First Amendment.
The authority for the management of special events in a national park can be found in Title 16, U.S. Code and Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, 2.50.
National Park Service Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Order 53 Special Park Uses provide policy guidance for management of special event activities.
The following guidelines are established by the National Park Service Management Policies 2006 as they relate to special event activities within this unit of the National Park Service.
Special-use/Event Permits
A special park use is 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 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;
- Is not managed under a concession contract.
Special use permits for special events will not be issued if, in the Superintendent’s opinion, the special event will:
- Cause injury or damage to park resources.
- Be contrary to the purposes for which the park was established, or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural or cultural locations within the park.
- Unreasonably interfere with the interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with administrative activities.
- Substantially impair the operation of public facilities or services of NPS concessioner or contractors.
- Present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.
- Result in significant conflict with other existing uses.
Fees
Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee must accompany each application. This fee is based on an average time it takes to provide initial contact and consultation with permittees and initial review of a standard application or project.
- Special Events: $100
Administrative Fees
Once a request is approved, this fee covers the costs associated with issuing a standard permit. This fee includes, but is not limited to, the average time it takes for processing fees, permit development, consultations with the permittee, managerial consultations and billing.
- Special Events - $180
The administrative fee contains a minimum two-hour monitoring charge. If additional monitoring is required, a charge of $50 per hour/per employee will be assessed.
Total application fee for special events: $280.
How to Apply
Complete Form 10-930 [836k Word document] and mail it (along with credit card information in the application, or a check or money order made out to National Park Service) to:
Special Park Use Coordinator
Southeast Utah Group
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, Utah 84532
We handle applications in the order they are received. We can process standard requests in 10 business days. We require a minimum of four weeks to process requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, and coordination with other NPS divisions or visitor activities. Projects that need additional environmental compliance also require a minimum of four weeks to process.
The Chief Ranger's Office issues special event permits by authority of the park superintendent.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator at (435) 719-2121 or via email.