Events and Commercial Permits

Special Use Permits

Special activities involving large groups, educational activities, or film-making will require special use permits, which authorize or grant a privilege for use on National Forest lands with specific conditions for the use. The Forest Service grants these uses in a manner that protects natural resource values, public health, and safety and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management plans. The special use permits may be for a one-day event, such as a wedding or bicycle race, or for up to 40 years, such as a ski resort permit. No special use authorities provide for permanent use of National Forest System lands. The GMUG National Forest manages special uses consistent with the National Forest Service Direction, and that direction is found here.

Please contact the Ranger District Offices for further information about non-recreation special use permits and recreation special use permits.

Recreation Event Permit Process including Outfitter Guide

Group Use - an activity that involves a group of 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators.
Non-commercial Use - an activity where an entry or participation fee is not charged, and the primary purpose is not the sale of goods or services. Some examples of non-commercial group uses are weddings, church services, educational camping trips, hikes, graduations, and races. Non-commercial Use Group Application found here.
Short-term forest users, not exceeding one year (recreation districts, schools, and nonprofit entities) Examples include a request for a one-week hike on National Forest System land or a group requesting three-short-day trips over the course of the summer. Permits will be issued for the short duration of the trip and will not exceed one year. Capacity should not be adversely affected by these groups. All recreation event requests should be handled through this process. Refer to the timeline approach below.
Long-term forest users requesting a large number of service days or who use the National forest on a regular basis throughout the season may need to apply through a competitive process. It also assumed that these requests would pass the streamlining process as required in 36 Code of Federal Regulation 251.

Timeline - currently in place is as follows for existing outfitters or new applicants (based on the USFS, Region 2 Directions March 31, 2005):

Summer/Fall requests:

February 15th – new groups must submit proposed use, locations, itinerary and other necessary information to the Forest Service
March 15 – Groups that have operated in the past must submit proposed use, locations, itinerary and other necessary information to the Forest Service
April 30 – Forest Service notifies party of one of the following decisions:
- Request is accepted
- Request needs modification (for instance, change to a different trail or to different day)
- Request denied

Winter/Spring requests:

August 15 – New groups must submit proposed use, locations, itinerary and other necessary information to the Forest Service
September 15 – Recurring groups must submit proposed use, locations, itinerary and other necessary information to the Forest Service
October 30 – Forest Service notifies proponent whether proposal was
- Request is accepted
- Request needs modification (for instance, change to a different trail or to different day)
- Request is denied

Examples of special uses that support commercial uses:

Manufacturing
Timber processing
Mineral exploration
Filming for motion pictures or commercials, still photography- The Forest Service permits commercial filming and still photography on public lands. Like other commercial uses of National Forest lands and resources, commercial filming requires a special use permit issued by the District Ranger.
Frequently Asked Questions - Commercial filming and photography
Application and process for obtaining a commercial filming or still photography permit
Photography and Filming Request - Supplemental Application (Cost recovery fees)

Examples of special uses that support non-commercial recreation interests:

Boat dock and wharf
Campgrounds and picnic areas
Organization/private camps
Shelters
Outfitter and guide services
Resorts and marinas
Vendors and peddlers (mobile concessions)
Ski areas

Examples of special uses that support (non-commercial ) community and public information interests:

Group events (non-recreational purposes such as parades and demonstrations)
Native American Traditional Religious Activity
Religious meetings
Weddings
Public information & Signs (we try to avoid commercial advertising signs)
Markers & Monuments (historical markers, roadside markers, summit markers, etc)

In order to hold a non-commercial event or activity (including weddings) on the forest, you must submit the following forms for non-commercial special uses (word, pdf). These forms must be submitted to the Ranger District where the event will be held.