The Forest Service has changed tune and opted not to charge members of the media $1,500 permitting fees to take photographs on federal lands after all.
The announcement came as lawmakers and media members alike raised an outcry about the proposed new policy, The Hill reported.
“Based on the feedback we’ve made so far, we’ll make changes to make sure this doesn’t apply to news gathering,” Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell told The Washington Post.
The original proposal called for anyone who wished to take photographs on federal lands — national forests, specifically — to first obtain a permit that could cost $1,500, The Hill reported. Violators could face a fine of $1,000.
The Forest Service proposal also allowed the federal agency to reject applications that didn’t meet with its standards. The rule was aimed at keeping the forests safe from commercialization, The Hill said.
But Congress and media alike raised red flags, so the Forest Service backed off the media provision.
“If you’re news media, it has no effect at all,” Mr. Tidwell told The Washington Post. At the same time, he also said photographers and videographers would have to obtain permits if they’re using props.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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