Special Uses – Filming on National Forest System Lands

In general, for non-commercial use, you don't need a permit to film on Forest Service lands.

Commercial filming and photography may take place on Forest Service public lands (National Forests). Like other commercial uses of National Forest System lands or resources, commercial filming and photography requires a Special Use Permit, which is issued by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor [Authorized Officer] of the relevant forest. The agency’s special-use program, which follows agency policy and federal law, allows uses of those lands that provide a benefit to the general public and protect public and natural resources values. The local forest will be able to inform you if a permit and fees are required based on your proposed activity description.

Directives

FSM and FSH Amendments for Commercial Filming and Still Photography

• FSM 2720 - Special Uses Administration

• FSH 2709.11, CHAP 30 - Land Use Fee Determination

• FSH 2709.11, CHAP 40 - Special Uses Administration

Regional Supplemental Directives, FSM 2700:

Filming and Photography Permit Links

• Filming and Photography Permits

• Washington Office - National Forest System Lands - Filming Permits

  • Mark Chandler - mark.chandler@usda.gov
    Permit Discussion Items - Helpful discussion items to facilitate developing a proposal.

• Region 1 (Northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, NW South Dakota)

  • Molly Puchlerz - molly.puchlerz@usda.gov

• Region 2 (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Eastern Wyoming)

  • Shaina Shippen - shaina.shippen@usda.gov

• Region 3 (Arizona, New Mexico)

  • Rebeca Cross - rebecca.cross2@usda.gov

• Region 4 (Utah, Nevada, Southern Idaho, Western Wyoming)

  • Shawn Storbo - shawn.storbo@usda.gov

• Region 5 (California)

  • Nathan Snively - nathaniel.snively@usda.gov

  • Spencer Bleadorn - spencer.bleadorn@usda.gov

• Region 6 (Washington, Oregon)

  • Theodore Broom - theodore.broom@usda.gov

• Region 8 (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Puerto Rico)

  • Chamiya Bruner - chamiya.bruner@usda.gov

• Region 9 (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

  • Deidre ("Dee Dee") Witsen - deidre.witsen@usda.gov

• Region10 (Alaska)

  • Robert (Loch) Anderson - robert.anderson@usda.gov