Clarification on Issuing Special Recreation Permits for Commercial Filming and Still Photography
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov
May 23, 2013
In Reply Refer To:
8370, 2920 (WO-250, WO-350) P
EMS TRANSMISSION 05/28/2013
Instruction Memorandum No. 2013-126
Expires: 09/30/2014
To: All Washington Office and Field Office Officials
Attn: State Recreation Leads
From: Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning
Subject: Clarification on Issuing Special Recreation Permits for Commercial Filming and Still Photography
Program Area: Recreation, Lands and Realty
Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides further clarification and narrowing of criteria to be used when deciding whether to issue a special recreation permit (SRP) for still photography activities under 43 CFR 2930 Subpart 2932.
Policy/Action: The following text replaces paragraph 2 of BLM Handbook H-2930-1 (2006), Recreation Permit Administration Handbook, Chapter 1. Special Recreation Permits, I. Types of Permits, F. Relationship with Other Permits, 1. Commercial Filming Permits Issued in Conjunction with an SRP, page 13.
An SRP is not required for still photography on public lands, if it takes place where members of the public are generally allowed, except when one or more of the following situations apply:
- It uses a model, set, or prop which is not a part of a site’s natural or cultural resources, or administrative facilities, as defined in the attachment.
- The photography takes place at a location where or when members of the public are generally not allowed.
- The agency would incur costs for providing on-site management or oversight to protect agency resources or minimize visitor use conflicts.
Timeframe: Effective immediately.
Budget Impact: Minimal.
Background: Public Law 106-206 creates an exemption from requiring a permit for some still photography activities which would otherwise be permitted under 43 CFR 2930 regulations.
Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: Bureau of Land Management Handbook H-2930-1, Recreation Permit Administration (Public) 2006. Chapter 1, I, F, 1, paragraph 2.
Coordination: Development of this IM was coordinated between the Division of Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250), and the Division of Lands, Realty and Cadastral Survey (WO-350).
Contact: If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact David Ballenger, Division of Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250) at dballeng@blm.gov, or 202-912-7642, or contact Vanessa Engle, Division of Lands, Realty, and Cadastral Survey (WO-350) at vengle@blm.gov, or 202-912-7339.
Signed by: Authenticated by:
Edwin L. Roberson Robert M. Williams
Assistant Director Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
Renewable Resources and Planning
3 Attachments
2 – Definitions Related to Commercial Filming and Still Photography (1 p)
3 – Questions and Answers for Still Photography (2 pp)