Forest Service clarifies proposal on news photos in wilderness, after First Amendment outcry
The U.S. Forest Service vowed Thursday that a proposed policy change will not interfere with news-gathering groups’ constitutional rights to take pictures on federal wilderness property, following a backlash from First Amendment supporters.
“The U.S. Forest Service remains committed to the First Amendment,” agency Chief Tom Tidwell said. “The directive pertains to commercial photography and filming only. If you’re there to gather news or take recreational photographs, no permit would be required.”
The rancor started after the agency posted a notice Sept. 4 in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the proposal. If approved, the proposal would permanently establish the same criteria for evaluating requests for commercial filming in wilderness areas as is used for requests in national forests and grasslands.