Photography and Filming

A permit is required for the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound-recording, or any other type of moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest System (NFS) 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. This does not include broadcasting breaking news.

Commercial Filming

A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities on NFS 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 NFS 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.

Still Photography

National Forest visitors and professional or amateur photographers are required to have a permit to take still photographs if the still photography will involve any of the following:

• 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 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.

Permit Applications

Permits are issued by the Supervisor's office in consultation with the district in which the activity will take place on National Forest System lands. You will need to:

• Provide a detailed description of your planned filming activity. You can use the Photography and Filming Request to describe your proposed use of NFS lands.
• Provide a map showing specific filming locations.
• Liability insurance naming the U.S. Government as “additional insured.”  We will determine the appropriate amount of coverage.
• Depending on the location and type of production, we may impose additional requirements such as bonding.

At a minimum, plan to submit your proposal at least 60 days before you want to start filming. Complex filming proposals may require more time. This depends on the level of analysis we determine needs to be completed before a permit can be issued.
 

Checklist for Filming Request Form

1. Submit a completed film request application to the district you would like the activity to occur.
2. Contact the Forest Service office in the area where you wish to have your activity. This contact will determine whether your activity meets the following pre-application screening requirements applicable to all special uses:
3. The proposed use is consistent with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, orders, and policies that apply to national forests and grasslands;
4. The proposed use is consistent or can be made consistent with the Forest Plan that established standards and guidelines for management of the land where the activity will take place;
5. The proposed use will not create a serious and substantial risk to public health or safety;
6. The proposed use will not create an exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy;
7. The proposed use will not unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative use by the Forest Service, other authorized existing uses, or uses of adjacent non-NFS lands;
8. The proponent must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior or existing special-use authorization;
9. The proposed use does not involve gambling or providing of sexually-oriented commercial services, even if permitted under state law;
10. The proposed use does not involve military or paramilitary training or exercises, unless such training is federally funded;
11. The proposed use does not involve disposal of solid waste or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances.

If you meet the initial screening requirements, the Forest Service administrator will provide guidance on what information will be required to complete your proposal.

If your proposed event does not meet the screening requirements you will be notified that the proposal, as submitted, is denied.

A proposal that passes the initial screening proceeds to second level screening. Your proposal will be accepted as an application if it meets all of the following:

1. The proposed use would be consistent or compatible with the purposes for which the lands are managed; and
2. The proposed use would be in the public interest; and
3. The proponent is qualified; and
4. The proponent can demonstrate technical or financial capability to undertake the use and fully comply with the terms and conditions of the permit; and
5. There is someone authorized by the proponent to sign a permit or there is someone willing to accept the responsibility of the terms and conditions of the permit. Upon satisfactory passing of this screen the Forest Service will process your request.
6. The proposed activity must not cause unacceptable resource damage.
7. The proposed activity must not unreasonable disrupt the public's use and enjoyment of the site where the activity would occur.

Photography and Filming Fees

The land use rent is based upon the following criteria:

The number of days the filming/photography activity or similar project takes place on NFS lands.

The size of the film crew present on federal land

The Forest Service shall also collect any costs incurred as a result of the filming/photography activities, including but not limited to administrative and personnel costs. These costs are in addition to the land use rent.