SPECIAL EVENTS GUIDELINES

Conditions will be given to permitting special events at Corps lakes such as fishing tournaments, water carnivals, boat regattas, music festivals, dramatic presentations and other special recreation programs of interest to the general public.

PERMIT APPLICATIONS. The sponsoring organization must obtain a permit from a Black Warrior & Tombigbee Lakes Office in either Demopolis or Holt at least 30 days prior to the event date. The permit will describe the nature of the event, the starting and closing date, the location or area desired for the event, and any other pertinent information.

CONDITIONS OF THE PERMIT. In order to qualify for a special event permit, the event must contribute to the enjoyment of the public and comply with established land use classifications. The permittee must comply with the following requirements:

a. The United States Government will not be held responsible for damages to property or injuries to persons attending the event. The permittee will be responsible for taking all necessary precautions to provide for the health and safety requirements of participants and spectators.

b. No costs attributable to the event will be accrued to the Government.

c. The permit request must be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

d. Admission to view the event will be open to the general public. Participation to the event may be limited to members of the sponsoring group provided the group does not unlawfully discriminate against participation in the event on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age.

e. The private use of Government lands and waters will not preempt the general public’s use of the recreational facilities.

f. The right to charge is based on the permittee providing parking assistance, adequate policing for crowd supervision and control, and other services required for the health and welfare of the public. The sponsor must meet bonding, insurance, and other local requirements.

g. If event is held in a Corps of Engineers user fee managed area, a required user fee must be collected or the vehicle must possess a valid Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use Pass.

h. The permitted site will be fully restored to prior conditions by the permittee. A performance bond may be required to cover potential damages and maintenance costs. Twenty-four hours will be allowed in which to clear the permitted site after the event closes and/or ends.

i. The permittee will not nail, staple, or otherwise attach any event-connected signs to any structure, guard post, sign post, utility pole, or tree on Government property. If information or directional signs are needed for the event, the permittee will provide the sign posts and will remove same by 12:00 pm. on the day of the event.

j. The Park Manager may determine the number of days and number of hours per day the event may take place.

k. Collection of any funds in connection with the event must be approved by the Operations Project Manager. Collection of fees or sales revenue, by other than charitable or nonprofit organizations in excess of actual total costs, will be paid to the Corps for legal disposal unless surplus proceeds are used to benefit the lake. A collection cost analysis will be provided by the sponsor within 30 days following the event. The Government reserves the right to audit the sponsor’s records.

l. Concession permits may be granted to requesting organizations only in the absence of a licensed concessionaire at the permitted site or the concessionaire’s inability to supply the needs of the proposed activity.

m. Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited in public use areas that have beaches.

n. Permits for fishing tournaments must hold weigh-ins away from launching ramp.

o. All vehicles must be parked in designated parking spaces.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT GENERAL: The information contained herein is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C.552a) and as such cannot be divulged to authorized persons.

PURPOSE: To provide information necessary to contact the designated individual in order to evaluate whether or not a permit can be issued for the activity or event requested.

ROUTINE USES: Letter of permission or permits are issued to persons or organizations for short-term activities or events. The home telephone number is needed should the need arise to contact the applicant for additional event information or clarification. The information is destroyed in 2 years.

EFFECTS OF DISCLOSURE: Disclosure of information is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information may prevent the timely issuance of a letter of permission or permit.