1. (a) The director of the respective department division, or their assignees, shall be authorized to review and approve volunteer applications that are within their respective jurisdiction of land administration and operations.
2. (b) The department authority shall review and make its decision on the volunteer application within 30 days.

3. (c) The department authority shall approve a volunteer application if the conditions set forth herein are met:

   1. (1) The application form is signed and complete;
   2. (2) The applicant has adequate knowledge, skillset, and experience to safely conduct the proposed volunteer activities or work;
   3. (3) The applicant has the time, materials, and resources to adequately complete the proposed volunteer activities or work;
   4. (4) There is a need for the proposed volunteer activities or work at the location identified in the application; and
   5. (4) The department can provide the necessary supervision or oversight for the proposed volunteer activities or work.

4. (d) Notwithstanding (c) above, the application shall be denied if one or more of the following circumstances are present:

   1. (1) The proposed use or activity violates deed restrictions or is inconsistent with department management purposes for the specific department lands, facilities, and resources, as determined by the department;
   2. (2) The location sought is not suitable because the proposed use or activity would materially impact the characteristics or functions of department lands, facilities, and resources;
   3. (3) The location sought is not suitable because department lands, facilities, and resources are reasonably likely to be harmed by the proposed use or volunteer activity;
   4. (4) The proposed volunteer activity or work is prohibited by federal or state law unrelated to the content of expressive activity;
   5. (5) The proposed volunteer activity or work violates state public health laws and rules or state personnel laws and rules;
   6. (6) The applicant or an individual within the group, or the proposed volunteer activity or work will pose a danger to public health, safety, and welfare;
   7. (7) The location sought is not suitable because the proposed volunteer activity or work are of such nature or duration that it cannot reasonably be accommodated in that location;
   8. (8) The proposed use or activity will delay, halt, impact, or prevent administrative use of an area by the department or other scheduled or existing uses;
   9. (9) The date and time requested have previously been allotted by special use permit, group reservation, or other contract or agreement;
   10. (10) Within the preceding 2 years, the applicant has been granted a volunteer agreement and did, on that prior occasion, knowingly violate a material term or condition of the agreement, or any law, ordinance, statute or regulation relating to use of the department lands, facilities, or resources; or
   11. (11) The proposed volunteer activity or work would unreasonably cause or contribute to the degradation of the visitor experience.
5. (e) If the department authority approves a volunteer application, the department authority shall provide written notification of acceptance to the applicant.
6. (f) If the department authority does not approve a volunteer application, the department authority shall notify the applicant in writing, citing the specific grounds contained within Ncr 753.02 for the denial.
7. (g) An applicant whose volunteer application is denied pursuant to Ncr 753.02, may appeal to the commissioner within 5 business days of receipt of the denial, citing all reasons the denial was inappropriate. Upon receipt of the appeal, the commissioner shall notify the applicant, in writing of the commissioner’s decision within 10 business days, citing any denial to the grounds contained within Ncr 753.02.

Source. #14312, eff 7-10-25, EXPIRES: 7-10-35