Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits

The National Park Service may require a special use permit for certain activities to occur in Kobuk Valley. These include organized gatherings like weddings or church services, public assemblies and demonstrations, special events, filming and some commercial activities like commercial travel or still photography. A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• Provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large

• Are not in conflict with law or policy

• Will not result in derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established

• Do not present a threat to public safety or property and do not unduly interfere with normal park operations, resource protection, or visitor use

• Are neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the National Park Service

Examples of events or activities requiring a Special Use Permit include but are not limited to the following: special assemblies, athletic events or races, temporary access requests, first amendment activities, groups with 12 or more participants, etc.

How to Apply

• General Special Use Permit Application - Long Form (PDF)

Please email the park for a Special Use Permit Application or call 907-442-3890 for assistance

Northwest Arctic Heritage Center (NAHC)

The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center (NAHC) serves as the primary visitor center and headquarters for Kobuk Valley National Park, Noatak National Preserve, and Cape Krusenstern National Monument. The facility is owned and operated by the National Park Service (NPS) and includes a multipurpose room. The multipurpose room provides a unique space in Kotzebue for community events and is available for rent under a special use permit.

Priority for use is given first to NPS sponsored events, then to outside events in support of the agency’s mission. Other appropriate uses are those by federal, state, and local governments, Native/tribal governments, education organizations, and local non-profit community organizations. Any event that takes place must not interfere with normal NPS business and education operations.

Multipurpose Room Description

• Meeting room for 50-75 people. The maximum capacity is 75, but we suggest no more than 50. The table and chair arrangement may reduce capacity.

• Public address (PA) system: two wired microphones with tabletop and floor stands.

• Conference phone.

• Digital projector and screen. Please note that the connection to the projector is through a HDMI. We do not provide any adapters.

• Internet. Public WiFi is also available in the building, but please note that access and speed may be affected by other visitors using the same service.

• Full kitchen is available for food-based workshop or to host snacks or meals during use of facility. Please clearly describe use of kitchen on the application and in communication with park staff.

To apply:

The NPS charges a flat fee of $150.00 to rent the NAHC Multipurpose Room, which inlcudes an application/processing fee. All fees will be collected at the conclusion of the event.

To apply for use of the multipurpose room:

• Applicants should review the NAHC use policy
• Complete WEAR_NPS 10-930s Application for SUP - Short Form.

Completed applications should include a signature and date, as well as accurate contact information. Applications can be mailed to e-mail us.

For More Information

Permit Coordinator
National Park Service
PO Box 1029, Kotzebue, AK 99752
907-442-3890
Email us.