Special Use Permits

What qualifies as a Recreation Event? A recreation event is any temporary event, such as race, run, ride, or tournament, which is organized using National Forest lands and facilities, and for which an entrance fee is required to participate. Event proponents may be for-profit or not-for-profit, individuals, or organizations. 

How do I apply for a Special Use permit? To begin the process, event proponents are responsible to complete and submit an application form and an operating plan to the special uses program. Additionally, event proponents are responsible for considering, organizing, and funding all aspects of the event including safety, communication, parking, signing, garbage clean-up and removal, restroom facilities, accommodating other public use, and any needed restoration on National Forest lands or facilities. Proponents are required to provide proof of liability insurance prior to the event approval. The insurance must name the U.S. Government as an additional insured. Any other language will be rejected and could affect approval of the event. 

What is the timeline for submitting my Recreation Event Application (with my proof of liability insurance) and Operating Plan? Please contact the special use program as early in the process as possible to ensure the application can be processed in time. Applications and operating plans for new events must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the event. Previously held events will need to submit these documents at least 60 days in advance and do have priority for the same date as the previous year’s event and location if there are new requests for the same date and location. Based on the type of proposed event, the U.S. Forest Service will determine the amount of liability insurance required. Proof of insurance will be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event. The proponent may be required to forward a copy of the entire insurance policy for review. 

Can I have vendors at my Recreation Event? Vendors may be approved at events, such as food services or merchandisers, under the event permit. Food service providers must also be licensed by the appropriate county. The sale of merchandise should be tied to the type of event being held (i.e. running shoes at a running event). Any proposed sale of alcohol must also be licensed by the state and all requirements of that license must be meet by the proponent.

What kind of fees will I have to pay for the Recreation Event permit? If the event is approved, the Forest Service will at least bill for the minimum fee prior to the event date. At this time, that amount is $115. Fees for the event are based on 5% of gross revenues for a single event or 3% of gross revenue for permits for multiple events in a single calendar year. The only revenue reductions allowed will be for the cost of awards and prizes. The reduction must be supported with documentation of purchase (e.g. receipts or invoices) or proof of cash pay-outs (e.g. copies of checks or list of names and amounts paid). Any approved vendors at the event will report gross income to the event permit holder for inclusion with the event income. 

A post use report must be submitted within 30 days of each event. This signed post use report will include: 

• Number of participants
• Number of spectators
• Gross income Cost of awards or prizes
• Any required documentation 

A reconciliation billing may be due based on adjusted income. 

Are there other forest restrictions and state requirements to uphold? Yes, there are some specific Forest restrictions and other state or local government agency requirements. 

Forest Restrictions: Due of resource concerns and conditions, existing recreation event load, and high public use, the Forest has imposed a number of restrictions on new recreation events. The list below is provides some examples of common resource concerns but is not an exhaustive list: 

• Events proposed on holidays and holiday weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Events that are proposed for high use areas may not be approved.
• Trail rides and races involving bikes and horses are discouraged between July and mid-September due to dry trail conditions. Events on roads may be acceptable. Events proposed on the Deschutes River Trail from Meadow Camp to Benham Falls will be discouraged due to high public use. The Upper Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Management Plan limits event numbers, including participants, promoters, and guests, to 150 people within the river corridor from Wickiup Dam north to the Forest boundary.
• The Newberry National Volcanic Monument Management Plan requires any proposed events to be in keeping within the purposes that the Monument was established.

Other Agency Requirements: If the event uses or crosses any county or state highway or other agency land or uses private property, any authorizations needed from these agencies, companies, or individuals must be obtained prior to Forest Service permit issuance. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local counties have adopted signing regulations for all temporary events where an event crosses a highway. The Deschutes National Forest has also adopted these requirements on all major forest roads. For more information, please review ODOT signing regulations. These regulations are enforced for the protection of motorists and event participants.

Forest-Wide Process Requirements 

• Applications for new events will be submitted no later than 90 days prior to the event. Previously held events must submit the application no later than 60 days prior to the event. Applications received outside these timelines will not be accepted. Applications will include a signed application form (FS-2700-3), an operating plan (standard form), and the Safety, Communications, and Medical Plan addendum to the operating plan.
• Applications will include a map of all trails, roads, and staging/use areas being requested. Route maps using GPS are preferred, if possible, to assist the review process. At a minimum, routes will be on high quality paper maps clearly showing the proposed course.
• Proof of liability insurance which names the U.S. Government as an additional insured is required to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event. The minimum coverage amount depends on the type of event.
• Events that require additional approval of other agencies (city, county, and/or state) must have preliminary approval from those agencies, prior to approval by the Forest Service. Events held on water and involving the use of watercraft will also require approval from the Oregon State Marine Board within the timelines required by that agency.
• For event parking in sites that require the Northwest Forest pass, the need for the pass on vehicles will not be waived. In winter, the state snow park pass is required at snow parks.
• For approved events using forest trails or developed sites, the promoter will be responsible to alert the public of the event, using social media, on-site signs, and other means, at least two weeks in advance of the event, including a map of the trails or location affected. Sites and trails will not be closed to public use.
• Previously held events will be given priority for established dates and locations.
• Promoters will need to plan for garbage collection and removal costs and supplying portable outhouses at a rate of one per 50 expected participants and spectators. Forest Service and/or concessionaire supplied garbage receptacles will not be used.
• Signing of routes will be with removable materials only. The use of spray paint will not be approved. All signs will be removed within two days of the event. 

Forest-Wide Guidelines 

• Keep participant numbers to 500 for running events or bike/horse rides on trails and 250 participants for bike/horse races on trails to limit impacts to public use and resource damage. Larger numbers may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Mountain bike events on horse trails and horse events on mountain bike trails are highly discouraged and will only be considered on a case-by-case basis if no other option is available. Additional notification, signing, and trail maintenance would be required.
• New proposals for winter events will be held on trails designated for the same use as the proposed event. In the case of dog sled races, use will be approved on snowmobile trails only. Winter fat bike races will be held on trails open to fat bikes only.
• New types of events will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to the need, location, timing, and possible impacts prior to acceptance of the application.
• Mountain bike event promoters will be encouraged to work with the local mountain bike organizations and trail associations for best route selection, monitoring, and trail maintenance and repair. Events involving horses will do the same with the state or local equestrian organizations.
• To limit impacts to public use and allow for event administration, no more than three events should be scheduled on a district on the same date. Allowing multiple events will be on a case-by-case basis. Events crossing district boundaries will be coordinated between the districts. Applicants should be prepared to adjust the date of the event should there be three events currently scheduled on a district.
• Multiple proposed events that overlap use areas on the same day will be discouraged unless mutual coordination can be shown between the promoters. Final approval is by the Forest Service on a case-by-case basis.
• Registration tables, starting and finish zones, and other temporary improvements will need to be located in a manner to limit impacts to public use of the site or trailhead.
• Parking space may be limited at sites and the promoter is responsible to manage parking and encourage carpooling. 

Forest-Wide Restrictions 

• New events will not be approved on holidays and holiday weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day due to increased public use. This includes weekends when the Fourth of July falls on a Monday or Friday.
• No new mountain bike or horse events on trails will be approved for the time period from July 15 to September 15 due to typical dry trail conditions. Previously held events in that time period will be encouraged to move to dates outside this time, if possible.
• New race proposals that involve the repeated use of the same trails, such as loop trails or out and back use of the same trail, will be discouraged to limit impacts to the trails and public use.
• No new events will be allowed that could cause significant displacement of public use at developed recreation sites.
• New proposed use on non-system trails will not be approved.
• Events will not be approved in designated Wilderness areas.
• New proposals that include use throughout the night will be considered on a case-by-case basis due to potential impacts to wildlife and/or nesting birds. 

Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District Specific Guidelines and Restrictions 

• New events that propose to use Phil’s Trailhead or core trails in the area will not be approved due to high public use. Limited pass-through trail use may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
• Use of the Wanoga trails system will be encouraged for mountain bike and running events.
• The number of participants allowed on the Deschutes River Trail is limited by the Wild and Scenic River Plan to a maximum of 100. Proposed events from Memorial Day to Labor Day will not be approved due to the high public use.
• Proposals for new events within or passing through the Newberry National Volcanic Monument will not be approved.
• New events will not be approved at Todd, Sparks, Devils and Hosmer Lakes due to high public use. No new events will be approved on Elk Lake between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Other lakes may be added to this list as needed.
• Proposed events on the trails system of the East Fort Rock OHV area will not be approved during summer months or when trails are determined to be too dry. Only one event per weekend will be approved to limit the impacts to public use and allow administration and monitoring of the event. A maximum limit of 350 participants per event has been previously established.
• Events held entirely within the permit area of Mt. Bachelor will be approved through Mt. Bachelor and authorized under the ski area permit. Income will be reported to Mt. Bachelor, LLC for payment of land use fees.
• Proposed use of the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station is discouraged due to limited parking. Any proposal to stage an event at this site should include bussing. Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Paved paths will remain open to public use. Events that could pose a hazard to other users may not be approved.
• The Bend Watershed is not open to events for the protection of the water supply.
• Pass through use of trails in the Rimrock Trailhead area may be approved, but the parking lot will not be approved for event use due to high public demand. 

Crescent Ranger District Specific Guidelines and Restrictions 

• Event(s) proposing use within the Oregon Cascade Recreation Area (OCRA) may not be authorized. Review is on a case-by-case basis.
• No new events on holiday weekends that are concentrated around an established recreation site, such as campgrounds, due to congestion.
• No new recreation event staging areas or event parking at Crescent Lake Day Use and Campground from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Consideration may be made for events that pass through the area if they can show a negligible impact to the public and the resource.

 Sisters Ranger District Specific Guidelines and Restrictions 

• No new events on the Peterson Ridge Trail during the months of December 1 through March 31 to prevent degradation of deer winter range habitat.
• Limit the number of events on the Peterson Ridge Trail to one single event on weekends with a maximum of two events in any given month. Consideration for additional events may be given to those of a small nature and scope.
• No new large events on the Peterson Ridge Trail during deer winter range shoulder seasons (November 1-30 and April 1-31). Small, one-time events of a short duration and scope may be considered during deer winter range shoulder seasons, but will be limited and required to show a demonstrated need for use of the area.
• No new recreation event staging areas or event parking at Three Creek Lake. Considerations may be made for events that pass through the area if they can show a negligible impact to the public and the resource.
• No new events to the top of Black Butte.
• No commercial events will be authorized in the Whychus or Metolius Wild and Scenic River Corridors per the Wild and Scenic River Plans. (Exception allowed for the “pass through corridors” outlined in the Whychus WSR Plan).
• New events within the “Metolius Wildlife Primitive” area will be very limited and will be managed to prevent degradation of the wildlife and primitive resources.
• Limit the number of events on the District during prime burning season of September-November (proponent assumes the risk of potential smoky conditions).
• Limit the number of events on District during spring burning season of January-March (proponent assumes the risk of potential smoky conditions).
• Impose restrictions or limitations on use of the parking area and restroom facilities at Whychus Portal.
• Limit new recreation events within the Suttle Lake and Scout Lake areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Deschutes National Forest is not currently accepting proposals for new recreation events until the winter season application window opens on March 1, 2026. Proposals submitted during this time will be for events proposed for winter 2026/2027.

Existing, established annual recreation events that do not require a new proposal may continue.

Open Seasons for Proposal Submissions

What is an Outfitter or Guide? Outfitters or guides on National Forest System lands provide specialized knowledge, skills, experience, and equipment that general recreationists might not otherwise possess. They contribute to high quality opportunities for people to recreate on public lands regardless of their skill level or prior experience. The policy of the Deschutes National Forest is to limit the number of permit holders offering similar services to the minimum needed to serve the public demand. 

How do I apply to be an Outfitter or Guide? Proponents submitting a new outfitter or guide proposal must submit a complete application form during two annual open season windows: October 1 to December 1, for summer activities and February 1 to April 1, for winter activities. New proposals will not be accepted outside the open season windows. The preferred format for an application is a well thought out business plan. 

When the application is submitted two actions can occur: 

1. The applications will be accepted and a detailed evaluation process will continue or
2. The application will not be accepted. Proponents of applications that are not accepted will be notified in writing that the Forest has not accepted the application and reasons the application wasn’t accepted. Proponents may modify applications and re-submit if desired. 

What is a detailed “Business Plan"? A business plan should include sufficient detail of your proposal that the Forest Service can make an informed decision whether to accept an application. At a minimum, the business plan should address these points: 

• Business and contact name
• Address and phone number/email
• Background
• Proposed services
• Proposed locations and season of use
• Equipment provided
• Transportation of clients
• Proposed fees
• Evaluation of public need for this service
• Comparison with any similar existing services already under a special use permit

What kind of fees will I have to pay to have a permit? Fees for use of public lands to provide outfitter or guide services are determined by one of two methods. The permit holder may choose the option: 

Option A is based on an average client-day charge, which uses a schedule of rates to determine the fee. This option is useful if some portion of the guided trip is off the National Forest.

Option B is a flat fee based on 3 percent of gross revenue. 

Based on the assigned service days and your proposed client fee, the Forest Service will calculate an estimated fee for the operating year. A bill will be issued for the estimate, or if over $500, payment may be made in two installments. At the end of the operating season, a reconciliation billing may be required. Permit holders are required to report use numbers, gross income, and other information on a monthly basis. The special use permit administrator will determine what information needs to be reported. 

What is a Service Day? A service day is any part of a day that an outfitter or guide provides a service to a client on the National Forest. A half day fishing trip with three clients equals 3 service days. As a part of the permit, the Forest Service determines a set number of assigned service days. These days are available to use within the operating year. Additional service days may be available at the discretion of the Forest Service on a case-by-case basis.

Proponents submitting a new outfitter or guide proposal must submit a complete application form during two annual open season windows.

The Deschutes National Forest will not be accepting any new outfitter and guide proposals for the remainder of 2025, including the ‘summer open season’ proposal window of October 1- December 1, 2025. New proposals will be accepted starting Feb 1, 2026, for the winter 2026/2027 season.

What is Commercial Filming? Commercial filming is the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound-recording, or any other type of moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. The Deschutes National Forest offers diverse landscapes and activities that have been captured through a variety of mediums for print ads, commercials, and full length films. The Forest promotes continued efforts to highlight these landscapes and activities by assisting commercial filming enterprises. 

When is a Special Use Permit Required? A special use permit is required for any commercial filming, both still and motion pictures, if any of the following criterion apply: 

• The filming includes the use of actors or models
• The filming includes the use of sets or props (such as commercial products)
• The filming is proposed in a location that is not open to the general public 

Permits are not required for coverage of breaking news stories or the filming of scenery with no actors, models, sets, or props. 

How do I get a Special Use Permit for Commercial Filming? The application process begins with contacting the special use program and submitting an application. Please fill-out the application as completely as possible since the special use permit will authorize only what is included on the application. The best way to ensure you receive a permit is to start as early as possible and coordinate with the special uses program. The special uses program will provide the required form for receiving a special use permit. Timelines for responses vary by office and filming site(s). 

Why Might an Application Denied? A commercial filming application could create an unreasonable impact on public use of an area and be denied. Filming could cause unacceptable damage to natural resources or pose a health or safety hazard to the film crew, the public, or wildlife. In addition, special management areas on the Forest  restrict or limit filming opportunities. For example, commercial filming is not allowed in Federally designated Wilderness areas unless the activity’s objective is to disseminate information about wilderness, is wilderness-dependent and an appropriate non-wilderness substitute does not exist, and the activity would not involve the use of any motorized equipment or mechanical transport. The Forests encourage applicants to contact the special uses program early on in the process to ensure a timely application review. 

What are the Fees? When your proposal has been accepted, the U.S. Forest Service will identify the fees necessary to issue the permit. Processing fees and land use fees must be paid prior to the issuance of a permit. Fees for commercial filming are based on a regional schedule, determined by the number of days of filming, and the number of people.

Recreation residences have existed since before the turn of the century, when national forests were reserves and were administered by the General Land Office in the U.S. Department of the Interior. The first lots were authorized by the Forest Management Act of June 4, 1897, also known as the "Organic Act" to encourage public recreation. In 1968, in recognition of other recreation needs, the Forest Service decided against establishing any additional new tracts. In 1976, this moratorium was expanded to include no development of new lots within existing tracts.

The Forest Service Recreation Residence program gives private citizens the opportunity to own a single-family cabin in designated areas on the National Forests. They are commonly called "summer homes" or "recreation residences". These privately owned cabins (improvements) are located within formally established "tracts" on "lots" designated for that purpose and are authorized and administered under the terms and conditions of a special use authorization (permit). The individual owns the improvements but not the land.

Occasionally permit holders sell their improvements. The Forest Service does not handle the sale of recreation residences, nor does it keep track of those that are for sale. For more information on this type of permit,  contact your local ranger district.

The Cabin Fee Act (CFA) of 2014 establishes the current method for determining special use fees for the Recreation Residence Program by using a fee table and institutes a transfer fee in the event the cabin changes ownership. 

What are recreation residences? Recreation residences are privately-owned homes located on National Forest lands. The land or lot is not sold by the U.S. Forest Service but is permitted for recreational use and occupancy through a federal license, most commonly referred to as a special use permit. Recreation residences are maintained by the occupant (permit holder) for personal, family, and guest enjoyment but are not approved for either commercial use or as a permanent residence. 

Where are recreation residences located on the Deschutes National Forest? 

• Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District
  • Elk Lake – 32 Recreation Residences
  • Paulina Lake – 6 Recreation Residences
• Crescent Ranger District
  • Crescent Lake – 72 Recreation Residences
  • Odell Lake – 66 Recreation Residences
• Sisters Ranger District
  • Metolius River – 108 Recreation Residences 

No new recreation residences are being permitted on the Deschutes National Forest. 

How do you own a recreation residence? A special use permit is required to own a recreation residence on National Forest lands. Special use permits for recreation residences may be issued to an individual, spouses, or a trustee of an approved trust. The recreation residence may be bought and sold. If there is a change of ownership, the special use permit will be terminated and reissued to a new holder. The special use permit administrator for each ranger district can provide the required form for an ownership change and discuss other requirements for reissuance. All new and reissued recreation residence special use permits on the Deschutes National Forest expire on or before December 31, 2028. The Forest Service does not release the names and addresses of the recreation residence owners and does not maintain lists of residences on the market. If you have purchased a recreation residence, you will be required to pay a transfer-of-ownership fee as dictated by the Cabin Fee Act (CFA) signed into law in 2014. It is the sole responsibility of the cabin owner to contact the Forest Service upon purchase to apply for a special use permit and pay the transfer of ownership fee. As of July 2022, the transfer-of-ownership fee is currently $1,329. 

What is included in a recreation residence special use permit? The recreation residence special use permit includes standard Terms and Conditions and an Operations and Maintenance Plan that provides guidelines, standards and restrictions for ownership and maintenance of the recreation residence and permit area. 

Can I renovate a recreation residence? Recreation residence permit holders who want to submit a new proposal for major modifications must complete an application during the annual open season window from August 15 to November 1, for potential project authorization in the next field season. Major modification proposals are not accepted outside the open season window. Please contact your local ranger district for instructions on how to submit a project proposal. In addition, many of the recreation residences have been determined to be eligible for nomination within a historic district. Therefore, any proposed change to the exterior of all recreation residences must be approved by the U.S. Forest Service within the relevant historic guidelines. Each special use permit has Design Guidelines that provide permit holders information for planning ground disturbing activity and/or new construction or alteration to the existing recreation residence or outbuildings. All ground disturbance or changes to the appearance and/or size of the structure must be reviewed and approved through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. 

What are the fees? Recreation residence permit holders must pay an annual land use fee. This fee is in addition to the one-time transfer-of-ownership fee. The Cabin Fee Act (CFA) outlines the fee schedule dictating the annual amount due. Fees increase based on yearly inflation adjustment as required by law.

Recreation residence permit holders who want to submit a new proposal for major modifications must complete an application during the annual open season window from August 15 to November 1, for potential project authorization in the next field season.

What is a Special Use Authorization and why is it needed for Commercial Non-Recreational activities (Transportation Systems, Utility Systems and Facilities)? A Special Use Authorization is a legal document such as a permit, term permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time. Any non-recreational activity that allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges must have a Special Use Authorization. These activities can include water transmission, telecommunication, and the granting of road and utility rights-of-ways. 

How do I apply for a Special Use Authorization? To begin the process, proponents are responsible for completing and submitting an application form SF-299 to the special uses program. Before completing the application form, the applicant should completely review the form and schedule a pre-application meeting with the special uses program. The program will provide the application form and instructions whenever specific plans or survey maps are required. The U.S. Forest Service carefully reviews each application to determine how the request affects the public's use of National Forest lands and potential resource impacts. National Forest lands are not made available if the overall needs of the individual or business can be met on nonfederal lands. 

What is the timeline for reviewing an application for non-recreational activities? The length of time that it takes to issue a special use authorization depends on a number of factors including: 

• The type and scope of the activity
• Whether structures are proposed
• The anticipated environmental impacts and resultant level of analysis and public involvement required
• Whether or not there are appeals or legal actions contesting the permit issuance
• Coordination with appropriate agencies 

The best way to ensure you receive a timely permit is to start as early as possible and contact the special use program to assess processing time. 

What are the fees? There are yearly land use fees charged to the holder of a special use authorization. In addition, the special use authorization may require an upfront cost recovery fee to cover administrative, processing, and monitoring costs for activity.

What are Cost Recovery Fees? Cost recovery fees cover the administrative costs incurred by the U.S. Forest Service to process a special use application or to monitor during implementation of a special use authorization. The fee does not apply to non-commercial group use and recreation special use applications that require less than 50 hours to process. Fee determination is based on an estimate of the number of hours U.S. Forest Service personnel will spend on work necessary to process an application and to monitor the implementation of a project. That estimate will be applied to the corresponding category and rate in the appropriate processing or monitoring fee schedule. For processing and monitoring requirements of less than 50 person hours, there is a fee schedule. A cost recovery agreement for actual hours will need to be entered into by the proponent for processing and monitoring requirements over 50 hours. 

Are there additional state and local requirements to uphold? If the activity necessitates occupancy, use, rights, or privileges on adjacent private property, any authorizations needed from these agencies, companies, or individuals must be obtained prior to U.S. Forest Service permit issuance. If construction includes any structures, county approval and licensing is required.

Emergency services and public broadcasting/communication services throughout the nation require communications repeaters and towers. These sites are permitted by the National Forest under a special use permit. The locations of these are varied and are usually on high elevation sites. Any time a facility is improved, a new permit may be required. For more information on this type of permit, visit the national Forest Service Communications Site page or contact your local special use permit administrator.

Using a National Forest System Road for commercial hauling is prohibited without a permit or written authorization. This use restriction applies to all commercial haul activity, not just activity directly related to Forest Service projects or operations

Examples of commercial vehicles that may need a road use permit are logging trucks, tractor-trailer combinations, lowboys, yarders, chip vans, sand, gravel or cement trucks. This list is not all inclusive.

Please contact the road manager at the appropriate Forest Service office to obtain a road use permit or written authorization.