General Information on Special Uses
A special use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease or easement that allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest System (NFS) lands. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.
Special Use Permits Questions and Answers
Please select from the following options to learn more.
When do I need an authorization?
- If you will need to occupy, use, or build on NFS land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
- If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or an organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.
- If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
The Forest Service defines outfitting and guiding as:
- Guiding: Providing services or assistance such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, interpretation or other assistance to individuals or groups in their pursuit of a natural resource-based outdoor activity for pecuniary remuneration or other gain.
- Outfitting: Providing through rental or livery a saddle or pack animal, vehicle or boat, tents or camp gear, or similar supplies or equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or other gain.
How do I apply?
Contact the appropriate Special Uses Staff (listed in the Key Contacts) to discuss your proposal and required paperwork.
More information on Commercial Photography and Filming.
What form do I use to submit my proposal?
When can I submit my proposal?
How long does it take to get a proposal processed?
This can vary from 72 hours to over a year, depending on the complexity, permit type, and duration of the permit. Your proposal will be screened within 60 days (non-commercial group use and filming is shorter). Here are some examples of timelines:
- Non-commercial group use permit will be processed in 72 hours if needed. We appreciate having more lead time if possible.
- Film permits take a minimum of 10 business days for simple proposals. Major motion pictures can take 45 days or more to work through revisions between the production company and the Forest Service to clarify permit sideboards and be able to issue the permit.
- Applications to renew existing utility permits take six to nine months.
- A proposal for a new communication tower in a scenic byway corridor through a ski area took a couple of years of intermittent work to complete.
What specific criteria does the Forest Service use to evaluate a proposal for a Special Use Permit?
Initially, a proposal is evaluated against first and second level screening criteria contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251.54). This is the basic criteria used to review proposals and applies to all proposals except non-commercial group use. Non-commercial group use proposals are evaluated under different criteria.
Only after a proposal has passed the above criteria will it be considered eligible for issuance of a special use permit.
Our company has an existing permit that we have a proposed project for. Is the process the same?
Proposals involving existing uses are immediately accepted as applications upon submission. The application reviewer will consider:
- Whether the proposed use would conform to the applicable Forest land and resource management plan;
- Whether the area requested is still being used for the purposes for which it is or was authorized;
- Whether the holder is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization, and;
- Whether the holder has the technical and financial capability to continue to undertake the use and to fully comply with the terms and conditions of the authorization.
These proposals should still be submitted during the appropriate open season.
What does an authorization or permit cost?
Cost Recovery Fees: An assessment of fees to recover agency processing costs for special use applications and monitoring costs for special use authorizations. These fees are separate from any fees charged for the use and occupancy of NFS lands.
Land Use Fees: This is an annual rental fee based on the fair market value for the uses authorized and is payable in advance. Fees are established by appraisal or other sound business management principles.
Other Associated Costs: You may be responsible for providing information and reports necessary to determine the feasibility and environmental impacts of your proposal; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and terms and conditions to be included in the authorization.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Please read this detailed information regarding the importance of insurance requirements and how to prepare the Certificate of Insurance.
I am looking at buying a business (i.e. resort, utility) that has a permit to operate on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. How would I get the permit for this use to continue under my business name?
Ask the current permit holder who their Forest Service permit administrator is and contact that person. The process starts by you and the current permit holder completing the “Holder Initiated Revocation of Existing Authorization” form (FS-2700-3a). You will need to show financial and technical ability to operate the business and provide a bill of sale document.
Who can I contact to ask questions or vet a proposal idea?
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Brittany Clegg, 360-449-7806
email: Brittany.Clegg@usda.gov
- Recreation Events
- Outfitter-Guides
- Non-commercial Group Use
- Tour Buses
- Filming and Still Photography
Mt. Adams Ranger District
David Wickwire, 509-395-3410
email: david.wickwire@usda.gov
- Recreation Residence
- Outfitter-Guides
- Non-commercial Group Use
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
Andrea Durham, 360-497-1173
email: andrea.durham@usda.gov
- Outfitter-Guides
- Non-commercial Group Use
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Kyung Koh Willis, 360-891-5177
email: kyung.willis@usda.gov
- Communication Sites
- Linear Right-of-ways
- Recreation Residence (Alternate Contact)
- General Alternate for all Special Uses
