The U.S. Forest Service recently announced a proposal for new permit requirements for “media” who are taking photo or video footage in designated wilderness areas, although the first several announcements were a bit vague. Most of the public gathered that all media, as well as tourists, would be affected, but now the Forest Service has released a clarification that the rule will only affect commercial filming crews.

Before the clarification was presented, journalists and tourists responded with complaints about the new requirement infringing on their First Amendment rights, as the risk of being caught taking photo or video content was accompanied by a $1,000 fine. According to Reuters, the Forest Service said commercial permits typically range from about $30 per day for a three-person group, all the way to $800 per day for a large-scale production with a crew of at least 70. It also stated that the previously-reported permit amount of $1,500 for a commercial production was incorrect.

“If you’re there to gather news or take recreational photographs, no permit would be required,” Tidwell said in a statement. “We take your First Amendment rights very seriously.”

This requirement has been a temporary directive for the past four years, but only now would become a requirement if the new proposal is passed. The Forest Service initially allowed for comments from the public to be submitted for a specific time period but because of the confusion, it will be hosting another public comment period from November 3 through December 3.

Image courtesy of SahinDamar/iStock