Any person or group, hereinafter referred to as the "applicant," desiring to make use of a portion of a state park for a special recreation event which will require special planning, facilities, staffing, or environmental protection measures, or the closure of the area to, or restriction of, established recreational uses, shall apply for a special recreation event permit. The director or designee may consult with the appropriate local government in reviewing the application and may issue a permit subject to conditions established by the agency. Such conditions may include but not be limited to the closure of the specified area to other recreational activities, including motor vehicle traffic, which are determined to have the potential to interfere with the event or which could risk the safety of the recreating public or the special event participants. However, no such permit may result in the unreasonable exclusion of recreationists from the remainder of the park. All events authorized under this permit shall be open to public participation and/or observation.

A special recreation event permit shall be issued only for recreational events where there is a reasonable expectation that a minimum of twenty persons will participate. The event must be oriented towards a recreational pursuit. Not more than three permits will be issued to a given applicant for a similar event at the same park during a one-year period.

Persons or organizations that desire to conduct a special recreation event in a state park shall submit a permit application obtainable at any state park and the basic permit application fee as published by state parks to the park where the event is proposed to take place.

If the agency determines it is necessary, the applicant must submit a completed environmental checklist along with the application. Upon request, the agency may assist the applicant in completing the environmental checklist and may request compensation in accordance with agency State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) rules, chapter 352-11 WAC.

Permit applications must be submitted at least sixty days in advance of the proposed event so that the information supplied in the application may be verified and so that the agency can notify and coordinate action with officials of other jurisdictions and agencies responsible for health, safety and welfare. The sixty-day time limit is also necessary to comply with SEPA review requirements to identify any potential environmental impacts and mitigation. This requirement for an application to be filed sixty days prior to an event may be waived in rare circumstances where arrangements can be made in a shorter time while still complying with all other requirements of this section.

Such application shall be submitted at least sixty days in advance of the proposed date of the event, to allow, where applicable, for necessary internal review and analysis, consultation with local governments, public notice, establishment of permit conditions, and required agency preparations and coordination. The director or designee shall approve or disapprove a permit application and establish the conditions for an approved application. The permittee must pay any fees published by state parks for the use of park lands or facilities. The director or designee shall determine the need for any fees necessary to cover costs incurred by the agency for additional staffing, equipment, facilities, or special services not normally provided by state parks, as well as the need for any bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance arising from any potential hazards associated with the conduct of the event. Any such fees, bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance shall be provided by the applicant prior to the issuance of the permit.

If additional unanticipated costs are incurred by the commission resulting from the event, the applicant shall reimburse the commission for such costs in a timely manner. If the additional costs are not paid, the director may recover such costs from the bond or damage deposits provided. Any funds remaining from the bond or damage deposit shall be returned to the applicant.