Bus and Van Tours

The Inyo National Forest receives many requests from tour companies making stops on the district each year. Most of these tour groups are organized by a travel agent and a language interpreter accompanies the group. The trips are unguided but are organized in advance to accommodate stops in town and to the local outdoor attractions where a paved road is present for access. These tours are considered commercial and therefore require a permit. 

Definitions

Commercial Outfitting and Guiding is a use that occurs on National Forest System lands "Where an entry or participation fee is charged, or where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service and, in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit." (36 CFR 251.51)

Guiding - Providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) for pecuniary remuneration or other gain to individuals or groups on National Forest System lands. The term "guide" includes the holder's employees and agents.

Outfitting - Renting on or delivering to National Forest System lands for pecuniary remuneration or other gain any saddle or pack animal, vehicle, boat, camping gear, or similar supplies or equipment. The term "outfitter" includes the holder's employees and agents.

The following locations are not authorized for Bus / Van Tours:

• Whitney Portal
• Wilderness trailheads

Temporary commercial event opportunities can be met in other locations outside of wilderness in order to uphold the wilderness characteristics of solitude.

Locations recommended for Bus / Van Tours:

• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center
• Mono Lake visitor Center
• Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center
• Mammoth Mountain Ski Area

Insurance

Minimum insurance requirement $500,000. The Insurance Policy must also meet all the following conditions:

1. They name the U.S. Government as additional insured.  Below is the appropriate address for the additionally insured documentation:

US Government
White Mountain Ranger Station
798 N. Main Street
Bishop, CA  93514
Attn: Permit Administrator

US Government
Mammoth Ranger Station
PO Box 148
Mammoth Lakes, CA  93546
Attn: Permit Administrator

1. They meet the minimum coverage requirements for the authorized activities shown in above or as required by state law or regulation.
2. They include an appropriate 30-day notification clause in case of cancellation or amendment of coverage. When premiums are paid in full prior to use, 10-day notification of cancellation for non-payment of premiums is acceptable.
3. The exclusions (if any) listed on the Certificate of Insurance do not include any of the activities/operations authorized by the permit.
4. Some insurance policies stipulate that coverage for legal defense costs and supplementary payments is limited, and any payment of legal defense costs or supplementary payments reduces the limits of remaining coverage. When holders' activities are covered by policies containing this stipulation, authorized officers shall require the holder to have liability coverage greater than the minimum shown in preceding direction. For example, if the required minimum shown is $300,000, and the policy has the legal defense cost stipulation, the authorized officer shall require $500,000 coverage. If the minimum shown is $500,000, the authorized officer shall require $1,000,000 coverage.

Fees

A fee of 3% of generated income (prorated based on the days spent on National Forest System Lands) is required.

You will be billed a minimum fee of $110 which is not refundable. The Fee Worksheet below will walk you through establishing your Estimated Fee. If your estimated fee is below $110 you will be billed $110.

Submit Application

Application Form (Please note this application is a generic form for permit requests. Indicate N/A on non/applicable information. Make sure to fill out sections 1-7 and include as much information as possible in section 7. At a minimum you should include dates of tour, how many people, locations you wish to go, planned activities.

Submit ALL proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations.

Advertising

Once you have received your permit you are required to put the following information on your website and brochures: Advertising Requirements

You are not authorized to advertise until you have applied for and notified of acceptance of your application for processing.  You must submit all advertising for review and approval prior to posting, printing or airing.  Please contact the associated office on the Inyo National Forest for more information as well as to apply for a permit.