Permits and Reservations

Special Use Permits

A Special Use Permit is required for activities that:

• Provide 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 and regulation;
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the Service; and
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease

The following activities at Wright Brothers National Memorial may require a Special Use Permit

Sports or Other Events 45 Days Prior

Military ceremonies require a permit but the application fee is waived.

Permit Application Steps:

• Complete the Sporting Events/Special Events application
• Pay a non-refundable fee of $200 using Pay.gov. You can pay using check, debit, or charge card.
• E mail signed application and receipt of required payment to [e-mail]

The non-refundable $200 application fee covers the cost of administering the permit request and is non-refundable. Additional fees for costs incurred by the National Park Service, such as event monitoring, may apply.
You will receive a response regarding your application within two weeks of receipt.

Commercial Filming

What is Commercial Filming?

"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.

Does filming by small groups require a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews and personnel that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.  

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

If I’m a social media influencer, do I need a permit?  

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.   

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

Does Non-Commercial Filming require a permit?

Non-commercial filming may require a permit if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors engaging in casual filming for personal enjoyment.

Will I need to provide proof of insurance?

You will be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States of America as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity.

What fees will I have to pay?

Federal law requires the NPS to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee of $250 and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the NPS in processing your request, Location Fees, and $55 per hour per ranger for monitoring your permit.  The application fee must be submitted with your application. 

Permit Application Steps: At Least 30 Days prior to requested filming dates

• Complete the Commercial Filming application
  • Short Form Commercial Filming Application
  • Long Form Commercial Filming Application
• E mail signed application to e-mail us
• If your proposed filming meets the criteria above we will send you an electronic bill to your e mail address to pay the required $250 application fee along with the appropriate location fee

The $250 application fee covers the cost of administering the permit request and is non-refundable. Additional fees for costs incurred by the National Park Service, such as event monitoring, will apply.
You will receive a response regarding your application within two weeks of receipt.

In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: 

Commercial Filming/Videography Location Fee

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day 

• 1–10 people - $150/day 

• 11–30 people - $250/day 

• 31–49 people - $500/day 

• Over 50 people - $750/day

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes a $250 application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and $55 per hour per ranger for monitoring 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 location 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 location fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Permit Application Steps: At Least 45 Days prior to requested filming dates.

• Complete the Still Photography application.
  • Long Form Still Photography Permit Application
  • Short Form Still Photography Permit Application
• E mail signed application to e-mail us
• If your proposed filming meets the criteria above we will send you an electronic bill to your e mail address to pay the required $250 application fee along with the appropriate location fee

The $250 application fee covers the cost of administering the permit request and is non-refundable. Additional fees for costs incurred by the National Park Service, such as event monitoring, will apply.
You will receive a response regarding your application within two weeks of receipt.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. Please visit our Commercial Use Authorizations Page for more information.

 

First Amendment

Examples of First Amendment activities:

• Religious services
• Political speeches
• Press conferences
• Voter registration
• Public demonstration, picketing, assembly or rally expressing opinions and views
• Complete the Permit Application if you answer YES to any of the above criteria

A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:

• Groups larger than 25 participants
• Utilizes significant equipment including generators, platforms, tents, etc.
• Would like a guarantee of priority use of a specific location

• Is requesting an area not otherwise open to the public

A group of 25 people or fewer is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if you do not meet the criteria above, but you may choose to obtain a permit to prevent another group from reserving your requested area.

The National Park Service has designated two First Amendment Assembly Areas within Wright Brothers National Memorial as indicated on the map. Maps of these areas can be found in the Superintendent’s Compendium,https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. Alternative locations may be requested and will be accommodated as feasible.

If your activity meets the criteria above or you wish to obtain a permit for your First Amendment activity, complete the First Amendment application and e-mail it to [e-mail]. We request that applications are submitted no later than 15 days prior to the activity to allow time for processing. No application fee is required for First Amendment activities.

Scatter Ashes

A permit is required for scattering of human ashes from cremation and is allowed at Wright Brothers National Memorial pursuant to the following terms and conditions:
 

•  Ashes must be fully refined with no detectable remains and shall not be distinguishable to the general public. Scattering must result in complete dispersal of ashes. Cremains may not be piled in one location or buried.
• Scattering of human remains is prohibited in the following areas:
  • Within 100 yards of buildings, structures, picnic areas, roads, water sources, or closed areas
• No rocks, vegetation or other natural resources will be moved, stacked, cut, or disturbed in any way.
• No monument, memorial, plaque, structure, urn, photo, or other commemorative item may be left within the boundaries of the park area. Do not bring any potted plants, dried flower arrangements or any plant with seeds as these may introduce non-native or invasive species.
• The permittee recognizes and is aware of the sensitivity of this activity and agrees to perform it in a discreet and private manner.
• The use of acoustical instruments and the use of a small, portable, battery operated blue tooth speaker is acceptable as long as they meet the standards listed in 36 CFR 2.12(a)(1) and do not interfere with the use of the area by other individuals. No public address systems are allowed.
• The permittee recognizes that the National Park Service (NPS) does not commit to treating the area as sacred or as a burial ground or cemetery. Park uses, operations, and programs will be continued without regard to the presence of the cremains.
• Permittee will be responsible for security and orderly behavior at the event.
• Access to the area must be kept open to the public and the memorialization cannot interfere with normal visitor activity in any manner. The park will not exclude nor allow you to exclude other park visitors from the site during the ceremony.

If your activity meets the criteria above and you wish to obtain a permit to scatter ashes, complete the application by following this link: application and e-mail it to e-mail us. We request that applications are submitted at least 15 days prior to the activity to allow time for processing. No application fee is required for scattering of ashes.

 

Questions and Additional Information

For questions or information about permits for other types of uses, or if you have any questions about the process or your permit, please contact our Special Park Uses Coordinator at 252-475-9034 or e mail us.