Conservation Department looking to eliminate permits, fees for photography at state parks

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Conservation Department looking to eliminate permits, fees for photography at state parks

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Conservation Department looking to eliminate permits, fees for photography at state parks

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation is thinking about getting rid of permits and fees for commercial photographers in state parks and conservation areas after hearing complaints from the public.

Since 2020, photographers and videographers have been required to purchase a permit to shoot in areas managed by the MDC if their activities result-directly or indirectly-in financial gain or profit. Previously, such activities were prohibited at state parks and the like.

The photography permit cost $100 per year, while the video permit carried a $500 fee per day.

The MDC says it received “considerable public feedback” that the permit costs and fees were too much for “hobby” photographers and videographers.

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This past December, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved the MDC’s proposal to eliminate the permits and fees. However, the regulation changes would still require Special Use Permits from the MDC under the following circumstances:

Access during closed hours or to portions of the area closed to public use;
Use of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) or drone;
Use of props, sets, or equipment that are more than a single person can carry; or
More than 10 people will be participating in the activity over the course of the day.

The public will be able to leave feedback online about these proposed changes from Feb. 2 to March 3 at mdc.mo.gov.

On March 14, the commission will hold a public meeting to give final consideration to the proposal. If approved, the new regulations would take effect July 1.

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