United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT El Centro Field Office 1661 S. 4th Street El Centro CA 92243 www.blm.gov/california

FILMING ON PUBLIC LANDS

Dear Filming Industry Customer:

Enclosed is information to assist you in obtaining a permit to film/photograph on public lands within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert Conservation Area, and more specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. The following pages provide information on:

1. POPULAR FILMING LOCATIONS AND OFFICE CONTACTS 2. FEES 3. PERMITTING PROCESS 4. FILMING STIPULATIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Five Field Offices in the California Desert District authorize filming on public lands within their jurisdiction. Each location is unique and is subject to different conditions.

Some offices have agreements with local film commissions, who act in a liaison capacity to expedite permitting. Permitting for most locations in the Ridgecrest Field Office is done through the Ridgecrest Film Commission. We encourage applicants to apply through local film commission offices when possible.

Call the Imperial County Film Commission at 1-800-FILM-HERE (345-6437) for goods and services available within the Imperial Valley.

The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is probably the most intensely used off-road vehicle recreation area in Southern California, heavily used on weekends and holidays throughout the cooler months. In order to minimize conflicts and associated liabilities in this area, we ask that you schedule your activities for weekdays only during the high use season (October 1st- April 15th).

**NO FILM PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED DURING THANKSGIVING WEEK.

Application processing time depends on the location and type of production. Before filming/photography permits can be approved, possible environmental impacts must be analyzed. You should allow a minimum of fourteen (14) business days for approval of permits with minimal impacts within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.

Approval of permits outside of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area or involving more than minimal impacts could take a minimum of 30-60 days. We will review proposed productions to determine the level of impact. Generally, if the filming/photography involves major set construction, explosives, significant pyrotechnics, or is in a sensitive area, processing cannot be expedited.

For both types of permits, your cooperation in providing the requested information (detailed Description of Proposed Activity, form enclosed) will not only be appreciated, but will greatly assist us in processing your application in a timely manner. If you have any questions, please contact Alexia Williams (760-337-4443) or Tristan Riddell (760-337-4436). POPULAR FILMING LOCATIONS OFFICE CONTACTS

El Centro Field Office 1661 So. 4th St. IMPERIAL SAND DUNES El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 337-4400 Fax: (760) 337-4490 Tristan Riddell (760) 337-4436 Alexia Williams (760) 337-4443

Ridgecrest Film Commission 643 N. China Lake Blvd. TRONA PINNACLES (Pre-conference required) Ridgecrest, CA 93555 CUDDEBACK DRY LAKE (800) 847-4830 KOEHN DRY LAKE Fax: (760) 375-9850 JAWBONE OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE AREA (OHV) Elizabeth Nalagan (760) 375-8202 DOVE SPRINGS OHV AREA Ridgecrest Field Office OLANCHA DUNES OHV AREA 300 S. Richmond Rd. SPANGLER HILLS OHV AREA Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 384-5400 Fax: (760) 384-5499 Elaine Hanson (760) 384-5457

Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office WIND PARKS 1201 Bird Center Drive PALEN SAND DUNES Palm Springs, CA 92262 PAINTED CANYON ROAD (760) 833-7100 BOX CANYON ROAD Fax: (760) 833-7199 Victoria Hernandez (760) 733-7115

JOHNSON VALLEY OHV AREA Barstow Field Office DUMONT DUNES OHV AREA 2601 Barstow Road SILURIAN DRY LAKE Barstow, CA 92311 SOGGY DRY LAKE (760) 252-6000 STODDARD VALLEY OHV AREA Fax: (760) 252-6098 EL MIRAGE COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AREA (760) 262-6015 (Week days only) Cecelia Franklin (760) 252-6037 Tim Hough (760) 252-6041

Needles Field Office 101 W. Spikes Road IVANPAH DRY LAKE Needles, CA 92363 AMBOY CRATER (760) 326-7000 BRISTOL DRY LAKE Fax: (760) 326-7099 CHEMEHUEVI WASH Bill Webster (760) 326-7006 Cost Reimbursement (Processing and Monitoring) Fees and Rental Fees must be paid before filming/photography is permitted on public land. Processing fees are non-refundable, but monitoring and rental fees will be refunded if the application is not approved.

PROCESSING AND MONITORING FEES vary depending on the estimated hours of BLM time required to process the application and to monitor filming and reclamation. In most cases, minimal impact filming/photography at popular locations requires payment of Category 1 fees. These fees are generally paid after coordination with the local BLM contact. The fees are based on the following schedule:

PROCESSING/MONITORING BLM WORK CATEGORY FEES* HOURS 2019 1 1 to 8 $ 128 2 8 to 24 $ 451 3 24 to 36 $ 850 4 36 to 50 $1,218 5 Not applicable to Film Permits 6 50+ Full reimbursement for actual costs

*Processing and Monitoring Fees may be assessed using separate categories.

RENTAL FEES vary by State and are generally established by statewide appraisals.

CALIFORNIA RENTAL SCHEDULE

Motion Pictures/Videos Commercial Still Photography 1 - 30 people $250/day 1 - 10 people $100/day 31 - 60 people $500/day 11 - 30 people $150/day Over 60 people $600/day Over 30 people $250/day

INSURANCE: The Permittee shall provide the BLM with a certificate of public liability insurance (COI), in the amount of $1,000,000.00, naming the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management as the Certificate Holder and as additionally insured. The COI must include specific coverage for the Permittee’s contractually assumed obligation to indemnify the U.S. for damage, loss, or injury resulting from actions taken or caused by the Permittee or participants in a permitted use.

BONDING: Permittees may be required to provide cash bonds to assure reclamation of sets or sensitive locations. THE PERMITTEE PROCESS

Contact the local BLM office (and/or Local Film Commission) before submitting an application. The permitting process and items needed may vary depending on the location chosen and the type of filming proposed.

For minimal impact permits in the popularly used locations, submit the following items to the appropriate office:

1. Signed land use application (Form 2920-1) (fill out and sign page one) and stipulations (attached). 2. A detailed description of the proposed activity (attached form). 3. Show the specific location requested using the enclosed map. 4. Certificate of Insurance naming the U.S.D.I. – BLM as the Certificate Holder and named as additionally insured in the additional remarks. 5. Cost recovery and rental fees (as discussed with the local BLM film permit coordinator).

Depending on the location, time and type of production, the BLM may impose additional requirements, such as bonding, reimbursement for costs, etc.

FAXED APPLICATIONS: Faxed applications are acceptable.

PAYMENT OF FEES: Fees may be paid by credit card over the phone or by check/money order made payable to U.S.D.I. - BLM. We accept all major forms of payment (Visa MasterCard, American Express and Discover).

Large productions and requests to film outside popular locations usually require an on-site pre- application meeting with BLM personnel and the processing time will usually take about 30-90 days. Contact the appropriate BLM office for details.

STUDENT FILMS: (VIDEO/FILM/STILL PHOTOGRAPHY) FEE FREE PERMIT

Requirements:

-provide letter on school letterhead stating the film is for a student project and the student is in good standing. -must be covered by school's liability insurance and provide a copy naming the BLM as the Certificate Holder and as additionally insured within the additional remarks. -must not be for commercial or profit -must provide a full description of proposal FILMING STIPULATIONS Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office

1) The Permittee shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, postings, or written requirements applicable to the area or operations covered by the permit. The Permittee shall ensure that all persons operating under the authorization have obtained all required Federal, State, and local licenses or registrations. The Permittee shall make every reasonable effort to ensure compliance with these requirements by all agents of the Permittee and by all clients, customers, participants, or spectators under the Permittees supervision. Reference BLM Handbook H-2930-1.

2) Issuance of this permit does not constitute exclusive use of the public lands by the Permittee. Other permits may be issued within this permit area at the discretion of the Authorized Officer (AO).

3) A copy of the permit and the stipulations shall be kept available on location at all times, for review for BLM personnel upon request. All persons (i.e., Permittees, contractors, sub- contractors) working at the site shall be familiar with the permit stipulations.

4) A project informational sign (provided by the BLM) will be placed in the right, front window of all the crew vehicles. This sign is to remain in the vehicles until the project is complete.

5) This authorization may be revoked by the AO for cause. The determination of what constitutes for cause will be decided solely by the AO. There will be no refund of monies remitted by the Permittee for authorizations that are revoked by the AO for cause. Examples of what may be considered for cause include, but are not limited to; any violation of permit stipulations, interfering with other lawful users, unnecessary surface disturbance, and failure to follow the direction of any BLM employee directing and/or coordinating on-the-ground activities associated with this authorization.

6) The Permittee shall provide the BLM with a certificate of public liability insurance (COI), in the amount of $1,000,000.00, naming the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management as the Certificate Holder and as additionally insured. The COI must include specific coverage for the Permittee’s contractually assumed obligation to indemnify the U.S. for damage, loss, or injury resulting from actions taken or caused by the Permittee or participants in a permitted use.

7) Filming operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to avoid creating safety hazards to other public lands visitors and users, and to the filming crews. The Permittee shall use whatever signs, flagging, help of individuals, or other appropriate safety devices for the safe conduct of the filming operation and the protection of other users and visitors before, during, and after filming activities. Props, equipment and vehicles that are left overnight at ongoing filming sites, must be accompanied by a guard and warning lights. 8) No person shall carry a weapon, including, but not limited to firearms and batons, during the performance of their duties or while acting in any way as an agent of the Permittee unless specifically authorized in writing by the AO. It is the Permittee's responsibility to ensure continued compliance with this stipulation.

9) No vegetation may be severed or removed unless specifically marked or otherwise designated by the authorized BLM officer.

10) Use and/or introduction of exotic plants must be specifically authorized in the permit.

11) The Permittee shall not harass wildlife on the site or access areas. To minimize disturbance, the area should be walked to determine wildlife presence.

12) Animals not endemic to the area shall be under the control of qualified animal handlers at all times. Animals shall not be allowed to feed on the natural vegetation. The Permittee is responsible for providing appropriate weed-free feed immediately upon request to use the animal in filming and throughout the duration the animal is on public lands. The Permittee is responsible for providing water for the animals. All animal waste shall be removed from the public lands on a daily basis. Transmission of diseases from domestic animals to wildlife will be avoided through appropriate action 9 vaccines, avoidance of contact, etc.

13) The Permittee shall provide sanitation facilities. Dumping of sewage and/or garbage on the ground is not permitted.

14) The Permittee shall keep the area clear of trash and debris. All trash, garbage, and debris generated by the filming operation shall be removed immediately and shall be disposed of in an approved manner. The BLM dumpsters shall not be used unless the Permittee arranges for pick- up and disposal of the trash through an approved sanitation vendor. Burning or burying of trash is not permitted.

15) The Permittee shall leave the area in a condition satisfactory to the AO of the BLM.

16) Helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft will not be used during the filming project unless specifically authorized in the permit. If use is authorized, the Permittee shall provide on-the- ground traffic control, as well as other precautionary measures deemed necessary by the authorized officer to ensure public safety. Fueling of aircraft on public lands will not be authorized. During the high use season, helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft will not be allowed after 5 p.m. within the Glamis or Buttercup Valley areas of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Nor will they be allowed on Fridays and through the weekend and holiday periods when high visitor use is expected.

17) Film companies planning to use drones must use a company that has been granted an exemption by the FAA; exempted companies are listed at this website: http://www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333/333_authorizations/ You may also use an operator that has acquired the FAA Part 107 Certification. Filming companies must provide the BLM with a copy of the exemption/certification paperwork before a film permit can be issued for drone use. 18) Vehicles and equipment shall be parked completely off of paved surfaces (including shoulders) including areas within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area such as Gecko Road, Grays Well Road, and Buttercup Road and turnaround.

19) If filming at Osborne Overlook within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, vehicles and equipment authorized by this permit must be parked in such a manner as to allow turnaround space for motor homes and to allow a traffic corridor along the north side of the parking surface.

20) Gross weight of vehicles driven upon paved and improved surface (including camp pads) within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area shall not exceed 30,000 lbs. (15 tons).

21) The Permittee shall not close roads or impede traffic flow unless specifically authorized in this permit.

22) Tracked vehicles shall not be operated on improved surfaces within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Any tracked vehicle authorized by this permit must be off-loaded directly onto the sand at an approved site.

23) The Permittee shall be responsible for obtaining any required State and/or County permits or licenses. This permit authorizes the use of public lands under the jurisdiction of the BLM only.

24) Sand/soil will not be moved or re-contoured by the permittee with any type of machinery unless specifically authorized.

25) The Permittee shall not remove (temporarily or otherwise) any signs or modify any existing improvements on these Public Lands unless specifically authorized in this permit.

26) Use of pyrotechnic devices must be specifically authorized in the permit. The permittee shall obtain additional appropriate permits from other agencies as necessary. Pyrotechnic activity shall not be conducted within 100 yards of any campground.

27) Within 180 days after completion of the filming operation, the permittee is required to provide the BLM office with copies of prints and/or video depicting the project, as authorized by this permit. This material will become the property of the BLM for use in developing a library to represent the types of filming activities that occur on the BLM public lands. Materials should be sent to:

Bureau of Land Management Film Permit/Realty 1661 South 4th Street El Centro, CA 92243 28) For movie projects; Acknowledgment through the film credits shall be given to: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, for the portion of the movie filmed on lands administered by the BLM.

The Permittee acknowledges, by signing below, that he/she knows, understands and accepts the terms and conditions under which this permit is issued.

X______Signature of Permittee

______Printed Name and Title

______Date Description ECFO Description of filming Activities of filming Activities

Applicant Name:

______

Phone Number:

______

Prepared By:

______

PROJECT NAME:______LOCATION:______FILMING DATES:______

This plan includes the Medical/Rescue/Fire plan for all normal public safety operations as well as emergencies that could be encountered during this event being held on Public Land. ***This plan may be distributed to Fire/Medical and Law Enforcement to ensure uniform response***

1 (January 2018) Description of filming PROJECT NAME:______Activities

Table of Contents

Event Overview...... 3

Film Schedule...... 5

Emergency Operations ...... 6

Other Emergencies ...... 6

Attachments (Event Staffing Plan, Monitoring Procedures, Maps) ...... 7

Memos / Additional Information ...... 7

2 (January 2018) Description of filming PROJECT NAME:______Activities

Filming Event Overview

 Applicant Name:______

 Company Name:______

 Applicant/Company Address:______

 Authorized Representatives and Contact Numbers:______

 Is this a student film? YES/NO o School Name: ______o Please attach a letter from the school stating you are a student in good standing and obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the school.

 Number of: Cast:______Crew:______

 Permission obtained from private land owners, other agencies, utility rights-of-way, and/or other individuals for use of non-public lands: Yes / No

 Props/Temporary Structures Describe any props or sets to be constructed (use additional sheets as needed). ______

 Animals Please list the type(s) and quantity of animals associated with your project. ______

 Vendors: ______

3 (January 2018) Description of filming PROJECT NAME:______Activities

 Sanitation Management Please list any portable restrooms, portable water storage, trash disposal services, etc., associated with your project. ______

 Helicopters o Type:______o Quantity:______

 Drones o Type:______o Quantity:______o Please attach the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documentation (I.e.: Section 333 Exemption or Part 107 Certification)

 Pyrotechnics Describe any pyrotechnics and how they will be used. ______

 Vehicles Please provide the quantity and type(s) of vehicles associated with your production. ______

 Night Filming Please describe any night filming and additional safety measures to be taken: ______

4 (January 2018) Description of filming PROJECT NAME:______Activities

Film Schedule

LIST FILMING SHOTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, INCLUDE START TIME AND ESTIMATED FINISH TIME FOR EACH DAY OF FILMING (INCLUDE STORY BOARD OR SHOT SCHEDULE IF APPLICABLE). USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED.

______

PLEASE LIST POTENTIAL HAZARDS: ______

5 (January 2018) Description of filming PROJECT NAME:______Activities

Emergency Operations (Large Filming Events and/or Pyrotechnics)

List all local public health and safety agencies notified of your event (i.e. hospitals, police, fire, etc.). ______

Describe level of on-site medical service necessary, duration, type of equipment required, and who will provide this service (include phone numbers). Your medical plan should demonstrate how you are capable of locating, rendering aid to, and safely evacuating any accident victim(s) associated with your permit ______

Describe level of fire and rescue service necessary, duration, type of equipment required, and who will provide this service (include phone numbers). ______

6 (January 2018) Description of filming PROJECT NAME:______Activities

Filming Transport Ambulance Services

All medical transport decisions will be made by the first responders on-scene. If it is determined that further care is required, the patient will either be transferred to the local ambulance company for transport or by air ambulance services.

Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency 911 Non-emergency 760-339-6311 or 1-800-452-2051 El Centro Regional Medical Center 760-339-7100

BLM – San Bernardino Dispatch 909-383-5651

Attachments

 Map(s)  Medical Response Plan (if applicable)  FAA Approved Plan of Activities and FAA drone certifications  Certificate of Insurance  Pyrotechnic Permit  Permission of Private Landowner(s)

Memos / Additional Information

I certify that the information provided in this application is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that I (we) am (are) required to comply with the requirements and stipulations on Form 2920-1, the operations plan, and any additional stipulations that are required by the Authorized Officer when the permit was issued. I further understand that the provisions of false information, or the failure to keep this form or any other permit updated, are grounds for probation, suspension or revocation of the permit.

______Applicant Signature Date

______Print Name

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