Permits : wilderness/backcountry or special use?

[Gary M]

Permits : wilderness/backcountry or special use?

 

The recent “discussions” concerning ethics and rules got me curious as to the acceptability of my possible actions within the framework of Park regulations.  A little investigation
found this helpful and informative document:

 

Compendium of Designations, Closures, Requests,

Requirements and Other Restrictions imposed

under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent        October 7, 2009

 

 

 

The next two sections held information that I found, well, interesting…

I’ve underlined the sections of importance.

 

II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a special use permit or filming permit is required from the superintendent:

 

• §1.5(d) Entering closed areas.

 

• §2.5(a) Specimen collection.

 

• §2.10(a) The following camping activities:

 

• Operation of vessels used as living quarters for more than 14 days.

 

• Wilderness/backcountry camping other than in designated campsites.

 

 

• Wilderness/backcountry. A wilderness/backcountry permit is required for camping at the designated sites listed below. Permits must be displayed on tent or at campsite
when campers are not present.

 

A permit is NOT required when camping/sleeping aboard boats that are anchored out of sight of chickees and ¼ mile from occupied beach or ground sites.

 

 

So… I know how I interpret the above, but I’m gonna ask anyway.  Does this mean that if I camp somewhere in the Park, that is not designated
as a campsite (and I follow all other rules) I must get a special use permit?

 

If so, how does one get such a permit?  How hard / time consuming is it?  And must I get one for
every time I want to go camping?

 

Does everyone else do this? 

[Keith W]

I've always slept in my boat when I was out overnight away from designated campsites. Permits cost $100 and, from what I understand, can take a couple of weeks to get after you apply. Info and an application can be found here:

http://www.nps.gov/ever/parkmgmt/specialuse.htm