Los Padres National Forest

How the Forest Service manages filming and photography authorizations changed with the passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act). The law defines when a permit is needed based on group size and the effect on resources rather than the commercial intent of the project.

Filming, photography, and audio recording do not require a permit when they are incidental to, or documenting, an activity that is otherwise allowed on National Forest System land, so long as no resource damage is likely to occur. No permit is required for filming, photography, and audio recording involving five or fewer individuals when the activity occurs in areas open to the public, uses hand-carried equipment only, does not require exclusive use of a site, does not adversely impact forest resources, values, or other visitors, and is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the Forest Service.

A free De Minimis Use authorization may be issued for filming activities involving six to eight individuals, provided all of the conditions above are met. A Special Use Permit is generally required when filming or photography involves nine or more individuals (including cast and crew), or may impact National Forest System lands, resources, or programs; land use fees and cost recovery likely apply in those cases.

If you believe your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, contact the Los Padres Forest Headquarters Office before you conduct your activity.