Reservations and Special Use Permits

Reservations

Ranger-guided tours and interpretive talks are offered year-round. For large groups, such as tour groups or school groups, it is highly recommended to make reservations for tours/talks in advance. Call (719) 438-5916, from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, for reservations.

Special Park Use Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a unit of the National Park Service and provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause destruction of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose(s) for which the park was established. Permit consideration will be evaluated for potential resource damage and anticipated disruption of normal public use. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (NHS) issues permits for the following activities:

• Public and Private Gatherings or Ceremonies

• 1^st Amendment activities

• Filming and Photography

If applicants are not familiar with Sand Creek Massacre NHS, a preliminary visit is advisable. The location where the special park use is desired needs to be determined before a Special Use Permit is issued. There are restrictions in certain areas of the park, which could limit planned access and/or activities.

APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMITS

If an applicant wishes to request a special use of the park for a planned activity, they must complete the application for a Special Use Permit and send to the park, to the attention of the Special Use Permit Coordinator. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable, $97.00 cashier’s check or money order made out to "National Park Service." (see Permit Fees and Proof of Insurance)

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site commemorates an 1864 attack perpetuated by the United States upon peaceful bands of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the effects of which still resonate within those communities. The Park closely evaluates requests from those wishing to interpret this story through various media. To that end, we recommend being as detailed as possible when completing the application. Feel free to add a supplemental information page(s) to the application if you need additional space to answer the requested information.

PUBLIC and PRIVATE GATHERINGS or PROGRAMS and EVENTS

Any organized gathering of a group of people within the park may require a Special Use Permit. These gatherings or events could include, but are not limited to:

• Stationary events at a single location for over 30 participants, such as picnics, family reunions, special programs

Special Use Permit Application 10-930

FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY APPLICATIONS

Applications for filming and photography for both filming and still photography must be submitted in advance. Submit completed applications to the Special Park Use Coordinator, Sand Creek Massacre NHS. Allow a minimum of 4 weeks for evaluation by the park staff. All efforts will be made to expedite the permitting process.

Special Use Permit Application 10-932

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.

First Amendment activities with less than 25 participants who utilize designated areas do not require a permit (per 36 CFR 2.51), unless the group uses amplified sound. Hand carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used without a permit. All First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require special use permits, and the park may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted.

Special Use Permit Application 10-934

PERMIT FEES and PROOF OF INSURANCE

WHAT FEES WILL I HAVE TO PAY?

The National Park Service (NPS) will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for filming and still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the NPS in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of 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 fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule:

FILMING ACTIVITIES

• 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

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

Permits issued for filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, and you may be required to obtain insurance naming the United States as additionally insured.

ARE THERE OTHER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS?

You will be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.