Passes & Permits

Permits may be required when extra measures are needed to protect natural or cultural resources. It is good to check ahead of time to find out what types of passes and/or permits are required for different activies before entering the forest.

Recreation


Forest Product Permits


Events & Commercial Permits 


Other 

  • Geocaching
  • Land use permits such as Road Rights-of-ways, Communication Sites, Research Permits, Water Systems, etc.

 

What are special use authorizations?

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 System lands. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time and in an specific area.

When do I need a special use authorization?

  • If you will need to occupy, use, or build on National Forest System lands for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
  • If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
  • If an activity on those lands involve individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

How do I apply for a special use authorization?

  • Contact the ranger district on which your proposed use would occur.If the proposed use would occur on multiple districts, please contact the Forest Supervisor’s Office.
  • Proposals for use on National Forest System lands will not be accepted when the proposed use can reasonably be accommodated on non-National Forest System lands.
  • In order to accept a proposal for further consideration, the authorized officer will screen the proposal to ensure that the use meets the following minimum requirements applicable to all special uses:
     
    • The proposed use is consistent with the laws, regulations, orders, and policies establishing or governing National Forest System lands, with other applicable Federal law, and with applicable State and local health and sanitation laws.
    • The proposed use is consistent or can be made consistent with standards and guidelines in the applicable forest land and resource management plan prepared under the National Forest Management Act and 36 CFR part 219.
    • The proposed use will not pose a serious or substantial risk to public health or safety.
    • The proposed use will not create an exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy.
    • The proposed use will not unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative use by the Forest Service, other scheduled or authorized existing uses of the National Forest System, or use of adjacent non-National Forest System lands.
    • The proponent does not have any delinquent debt owed to the Forest Service under terms and conditions of a prior or existing authorization, unless such debt results from a decision on an administrative appeal or from a fee review and the proponent is current with the payment schedule.
    • The proposed use does not involve gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services, even if permitted under State law.
    • The proposed use does not involve military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals, unless such training or exercises are federally funded.
    • The proposed use does not involve disposal of solid waste or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances.
       
  • Any proposed use other than a noncommercial group use that does not meet all of the minimum requirements above shall not receive further evaluation and processing.
  • A proposal which passes the initial screening and for which the proponent has submitted the required information proceeds to second-level screening and consideration. An authorized officer shall reject any proposal, including a proposal for commercial group uses if upon further consideration, the officer determines that:
     
    • The proposed use would be inconsistent or incompatible with the purposes for which the lands are managed, or with other uses; or
    • The proposed use would not be in the public interest; or
    • The proponent is not qualified; or
    • The proponent does not or cannot demonstrate technical or economic feasibility of the proposed use or the financial or technical capability to undertake the use and to fully comply with the terms and conditions of the authorization; or
    • There is no person or entity authorized to sign a special use authorization and/or there is no person or entity willing to accept responsibility for adherence to the terms and conditions of the authorization.

Appeal Decisions