First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Therefore, the NPS may regulate the time, place, and manner in which all First Amendment activities are conducted. A permit is required for activities involving groups of more than 25 participants.

Permit Application Process

First Amendment activities in groups of more than 25, such as demonstrations and distribution of printed materials, require a permit. The permit application is separate from the general Special Park Use application and specific to First Amendment activities.

For a First Amendment activites permit, fill out the SUP First Amendment application and mail the original application to:

Fee Manager
Lassen Volcanic National Park
P.O. Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

There is no application fee for First Amendment activities.

For permit information or questions, please contact the fee manager by email or by phone at 530-595-6120.

Policy

per 36 CFR § 2.51 and 2.52; Lassen Volcanic National Park Superintendent's Compendium

Lassen Volcanic National Park will:

• provide adequate locations and means by which citizens may gather and exercise their rights to peaceful assembly under the First Amendment.
• monitor First Amendment activities to ensure the safety of the visitor and resources, in a way that does not infringe upon the lawful exercise of First Amendment rights. Activities will be managed to reduce conflict between groups, and to ensure that the activity does not infringe upon the rights of other park visitors and to be free of harassment, while having full access to park areas.

Groups of 25 or fewer participants:

• Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit in designated park areas, provided that the requirements in §2.51(b) are met. The 25 person maximum for the small group permit exception may be reduced pursuant to §2.51(b)(3).
• Sale or distribution activity by 25 persons or fewer may be conducted without a permit in designated park areas, provided that the requirements in §2.52(b) are met. The 25 person maximum for the small group permit exception may be reduced for a designated available area, pursuant to §2.52(b)(3).

Designated First Amendment Activity Locations

• Manzanita Lake amphitheater (by permit only)

• Sidewalk leading from the Mineral Headquarters building visitor parking lot to the front of the headquarters building

• Visitor parking area adjacent to the Loomis Ranger Station

• Lassen Peak Trail parking lot

• South Summit Lake

• Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

• Near the Manzanita Lake camper store