Grant Collier wrote:This does sound outrageous, but I think the writer of the article is misinformed and/or being intentionally inflammatory. In the request for comments on the NF web site, it says that this precludes noncommercial still photography. And it sounds like this directive has been in place for a while on an interim basis but is expiring and they are trying to make it permanent.
If you look at that directive at
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 109390.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; you can find the the forest service's definition of a "still photography" is:
f. Still Photography. The use of photographic equipment to capture still images on
film, digital format, and other similar technologies on National Forest System lands
that:
(1) Takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed
or where additional administrative costs are likely, or
(2) Uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the site’s natural or cultural
resources or administrative facilities.
Then, farther down it says:
A special use permit:
1. Is required for all still photography (sec. 45.5) activities on National Forest System
(NFS) lands that involve the use of models, sets, or props that are not a part of the natural
or cultural resources or administrative facilities of the site where the activity is taking
place.
2. May be required for still photography activities not involving models, sets, or props
when the Forest Service incurs additional administrative costs as a direct result of the still
photography activity or when the still photography activity takes place at a location
where members of the public generally are not allowed.
So, this wouldn't include nature photography.
That being said, I tell people I'm an amateur photographer, as some rangers don't fully understand the rules and it's easier than trying to clarify things with them. If they don't believe I'm an amateur, I just show them my photos and then they're convinced!