[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 36, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 36CFR2.51]

[Page 29-30]
 
              TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
      CHAPTER I--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 
PART 2_RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 2.51  Public assemblies, meetings.

    (a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades 
and other public expressions of views are allowed within park areas, 
provided a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent.
    (b) An application for such a permit shall set forth the name of the 
applicant; the date, time, duration, nature and place of the proposed 
event; an estimate of the number of persons expected to attend; a 
statement of equipment and facilities to be used and any other 
information required by the permit application form.
    (c) The superintendent shall, without unreasonable delay, issue a 
permit on proper application unless:
    (1) A prior application for a permit for the same time and place has 
been made that has been or will be granted and the activities authorized 
by that permit do not reasonably allow multiple occupancy of that 
particular area; or
    (2) It reasonably appears that the event will present a clear and 
present danger to the public health or safety; or
    (3) The event is of such nature or duration that it cannot 
reasonably be accommodated in the particular location applied for, 
considering such things as damage to park resources or facilities, 
impairment of a protected area's atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, 
interference with program activities, or impairment of public use 
facilities.
    (d) If a permit is denied, the applicant shall be so informed in 
writing, with the reason(s) for the denial set forth.
    (e) The superintendent shall designate on a map, that shall be 
available in the office of the superintendent, the locations available 
for public assemblies. Locations may be designated as not available only 
if such activities would:
    (1) Cause injury or damage to park resources; or
    (2) Unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity 
maintained in wilderness, natural, historic or commemorative zones; or
    (3) Unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or 
other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the 
National Park Service; or
    (4) Substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or 
services of National Park Service concessioners or contractors; or
    (5) Present a clear and present danger to the public health and 
safety.
    (f) The permit may contain such conditions as are reasonably 
consistent with protection and use of the park area for the purposes for 
which it is established. It may also contain reasonable limitations on 
the equipment used and the time and area within which the event is 
allowed.
    (g) No permit shall be issued for a period in excess of 7 days, 
provided that permits may be extended for like periods, upon a new 
application, unless another applicant has requested use of the same 
location and multiple occupancy of that location is not reasonably 
possible.
    (h) It is prohibited for persons engaged in activities covered under 
this

[[Page 30]]

section to obstruct or impede pedestrians or vehicles, or harass park 
visitors with physical contact.
    (i) A permit may be revoked under any of those conditions, as listed 
in paragraph (c) of this section, that constitute grounds for denial of 
a permit, or for violation of the terms and conditions of the permit. 
Such a revocation shall be made in writing, with the reason(s) for 
revocation clearly set forth, except under emergency circumstances, when 
an immediate verbal revocation or suspension may be made to be followed 
by written confirmation within 72 hours.
    (j) Violation of the terms and conditions of a permit issued in 
accordance with this section may result in the suspension or revocation 
of the permit.