WASHINGTON — Small groups wishing to gather at national parks no longer need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service, it was announced Thursday.
Organizers of larger demonstrations, concerts or religious ceremonies expected to draw more than a few dozen people must still apply for use of government space.
The change, which took effect Thursday, “allows for the spontaneity of First Amendment activities, preserving citizens’ rights to free speech while allowing the National Park Service to protect the resources entrusted to our care,” Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis said.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled Aug. 6 that the Park Service’s regulation forcing individuals or small groups to obtain a permit for First Amendment-protected activities was unconstitutional. But the court upheld the agency’s policy of setting aside designated park areas for larger demonstrations and the sale of printed material after applicants obtained a permit.
The Justice Department declined to appeal the ruling.
The case was brought by Michael Boardley, who was distributing religious materials at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota in 2007 before a ranger stopped him because he lacked a permit. His attempts to obtain a permit failed, and he later sued.
