A well-meaning law is making it nearly impossible for local educational summer camps to legally use county trails and open space.
This law was designed to limit commercial use, like for-profit filming. It requires a permit for large groups on open space.
But, when nonprofit summer camps like Keystone Science School are charging for campers, this falls under the definition of “commercial.” County open space officials say these groups are often denied a permit or, in some cases, taking hikers onto trails without one. This too is illegal.
At today’s county commissioner meeting, the board will consider updating this law for nonprofits and other education organizations, but with some limits:
- Permits will be valid for the current calendar year only, and groups must reapply each year.
- The permitting process will consider the overall capacity of the area, time and duration of use, use type, and impacts to visitor experiences, natural resources, and the trails.
- A maximum of 10 permits per year will be issued, each valid for 200 user days unless permitted otherwise.
- Groups will be limited to 15 people, with a maximum of two groups at one location per day.
- No fee is associated with a Special Use Permit.