Media Could Face New Rules, Fees for Filming in Wilderness

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing rules that restrict filming and photography by media organizations and others in more than 100 million acres of the nation's wilderness.

The rules would require a special use permit -- and agency approval of proposed projects -- as well as a fee of up to $1,500 for commercial filming and photography in federally designated wilderness areas.

Mickey H. Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association, says it's a clear violation of the First Amendment and raises concerns about press freedom.

Liz Close, the Forest Service's acting wilderness director, says the Wilderness Act of 1964 "prohibits commercial enterprise in wilderness."