Recreation Events

Bike race on forest The Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be accepting proposals for new recreation events for 2024. Proposals for events in 2024 must be submitted during our Open Season from September 1 to November 1, 2023. Please review the “Important Documents,” below before submitting your proposal to ensure that your proposal is complete. Incomplete proposals may not be accepted.

Please contact us with questions you may have about your permit, or future opportunities to submit a proposal.

Submit a proposal:
Proposals may be emailed to Brittany.Clegg@usda.gov or mailed to:
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Service Headquarters
Attn: Special Uses
987 McClellan Rd
Vancouver, WA. 98661
*Emailed proposals must be received by November 1, 2023.

Please review the “Important Documents,” below before submitting your proposal.

Contact:
Brittany Clegg, Recreation Special Use Coordinator
360-768-7499
Brittany.Clegg@usda.gov

Do I Need a Permit for a Recreation Event?

Recreation events on the National Forest require a special use permit for almost any kind of outdoor activity where participants exchange money or pay a fee for the opportunity to be involved in the event. Examples of recreation event activities include, but are not limited to: snowmobile events, running endurance races, horse competitions and endurance rides, fundraisers for non-profits and other organizations.

All special use proposals will be screened using criteria required in 36 CFR 251.54 before approval is granted.

If you have any questions about the criteria or the permitting process please call Brittany Clegg at 360-768-7499 . Applicants are also encouraged to call prior to developing a new proposal.

When Can I Submit my Proposal?

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has for a yearly open season from September 1 to November 1 for all new and renewing requests for recreation events proposed to occur between January 1 and December 31 of the following year. Applications submitted prior to the end of the open season will be evaluated for compliance with national forest recreation event standards. Selected proposals are likely to be authorized, however that decision could be affected by funding and staffing levels.