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Research and Special Activity Permits, and Commercial License Agreements
Every year, multiple special events, activities, and research projects take place on land overseen by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. To ensure that these events, activities, and projects are regulated and do not damage the land or disrupt broader public access to these spaces, the Bureau issues permits and licenses.
Do I need a license or permit for my activity?
You need a permit or license if your activity exceeds the scope of the normal recreational practices that take place in Maine State Parks or on Public Reserved Lands. This includes but is not limited to activities that are commercial in nature, that alter anything on or remove anything from Bureau-owned land, or that may disturb or impede other guests.
Examples of prior activities that have required licenses or permits include:
- Weddings at Mount Battie
- Rock climbing classes at Camden Hills State Park
- Research on rare plant species in the Bigelows
- Commercial filming at Jewell Island
- Commercial photoshoots at Two Lights State Park
- Use of drones
- Photography classes at Quoddy Head State Park
- Courtesy boat inspections at Lily Bay State Park
- Town festivals at Mount Blue State Park and Reid State Park
- Mountain bike race on Little Moose Mountain in Greenville
- Seed collection on Mahoosuc, Deboullie, and Gero Island Public Reserved Lands
If you are unsure whether your activity requires special permission, please get in touch with us! We will help you determine whether permitting is necessary and, if so, the specific documentation that will be required.
Please note that activities may not be permissible if they include significant land disturbance, adversely impact other visitors, or otherwise stand in contrast to the statutory purposes of State Parks or Public Reserved Lands.
How do I apply for a permit or license?
There are several ways to apply. If you know you will be visiting a state park that has staff, you can speak with the park manager to discuss your activity. Alternatively, you can contact Casey.Smedberg@maine.gov. If contacting Casey, please fill out this form and attach it to your email.
If you are unsure whether your activity would take place on land overseen by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, please consult the Maine Conserved Lands map.
If you need assistance determining the region in which your activity would take place, please visit the Bureau's Contact Us page.
How long will it take for me to get my permit or license?
Permits and licenses must be drafted, reviewed, and processed. This can take several weeks, depending on the level of review needed for the activity.
- Permits for activities on Public Lands may need to be reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure that no disruption is caused to the plants or animals present in the area.
- Commercial License Agreements and Special Activity Permits are reviewed by multiple members of the Bureau with different areas of expertise.
Please contact the Bureau at least two weeks before the proposed start date of your activity. Requests made with short notice (less than a month) may not be able to be accommodated, especially if the activity is commercial in nature.
What fees are involved?
A fee is assessed for commercial activities. Fees depend on the nature of the activity, including number of people involved, length of the activity, and commercial structure of the activity.
A fee of $250 is always required for the use of a drone. Drones are prohibited on surf beaches from April 1st – September 30th. A copy of the Drone Pilots FAA License is required for approved drone requests.
What else do I need to know?
For most licenses or permits, you will be asked to provide a certificate of insurance that shows you have insurance meeting the standards required by your permit or license. The State of Maine must be listed as an Additional Insured under the policy, using the following address: “Bureau of Parks and Lands, 18 Elkins Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.”