Permits

Green latillas/stays and juniper posts are available for harvest April 1 - December 31. For dead and down latillas and stays, purchase a fuelwood permit.

Restrictions

Size

• All latillas must be at least 2 inches in diameter and not exceed a 4-inch diamter at the butt

Prohibited Locations

The following areas are not open for latilla cutting:

• Reforestation areas
• Within 150 feet of paved graveled forest roads
• Within 150 feet of lake and flowing streams
• Within established recreation areas
• Jicarilla Ranger District

Driving

Comply with the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the area.

Records

Load removal records must be filled out, signed, and dated before leaving the area.

Green and dead vigas are available for harvest April 1 through December 31. 

Types and Locations Available

• Green Vigas (all species)/Designated Areas Only
• Dead Vigas (all species except dead, standing ponderosa pine over 16" diameter at breast height, or DBH)/Forestwide

Pricing

Wildings for trees and shrubs are available for harvest forestwide April 1 through December 31. Permits are good for 90 days from date of purchase.

Herbs, cones, and boughs/needles are available for harvest forestwide and yearlong. Permits are good for 90 days from date of purchase.

*Permits are not available for osha. To forage osha root for personal use, contact an office for more information.

**One pound of dry herbs typically fits into a one gallon container. Two pounds of wet herbs typically fits into a one gallon container.

Personal Use Allowances

Foraging the above items in small amounts for personal use is allowed without a permit. Contact an office for details.

2026 permits will be available November 13 through December 31.

• There is a limit of three permits per year.
• Cut or dig up your tree.
• Permits are non-refundable

Prices

You may be required to obtain a commercial or special use permit for commerical and non-commercial activities such as weddings, reunions, filming, photography and guiding and outfitting.

Special Use Permits - Commercial Filming & Photography

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. 

Prior to the issuance of a permit, the Forest Service will determine if there are any environmental concerns in the proposed filming or photo shoot location. The Forest Service may deny permits for practices prohibited on NFS lands. 

Commercial filming and photography requests must be submitted to the relevant National Forest office (see below for contact information) 4 weeks in advance of anticipated filming date. Complex projects may require additional processing time.  In order to expedite a filming request, please be aware of the following considerations: 

Commercial filming is defined as use of motion picture, videotaping, sound-recording, or any other type of moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest System lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale, and/or the use of actors, models, sets, or props, but not including activities associated with broadcasting breaking news. For purposes of this definition, creation of a product for sale includes a film, videotape, time lapse, television broadcast, or documentary of historic events, wildlife, natural events, features, subjects or participants in a sporting or recreation event, and so forth, when created for the purpose of generating income. 

Commercial photography is defined as the use of photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies found on National Forest System lands that: takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely; or uses models, sets, or props that are not part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities. 

Wilderness areas are congressionally-designated areas on federal lands that are subject to specific management restrictions; human activities are restricted to non-motorized recreation (such as backpacking, mountaineering, horseback riding, etc.), scientific research, and other non-invasive activities. Wilderness Areas occur on Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) lands, as well as on lands managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of Interior). A special use permit may only be issued for commercial photography or filming on a US Forest Service Wilderness Area if the activity has a primary objective of disseminating information about the use and enjoyment of 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. 

Insurance 

The Forest Service may require liability insurance and/or performance bonds to protect the public interest. Typically, one (1) million dollars in general liability may be required. Up to five (5) million may be required for activities that involve the use of a helicopter. 

Fees 

Land Use Fee 

The land use fee is based upon the numbers of days filming or photography activities take place and the size of the film/photography crew. 

Fees for commercial filming (motion picture and television location) 

• 1-10 persons = $150.00/per day;
• 11-30 = $200.00/per day;
• 31-60 persons = $500.00/per day;
• Over 60 persons = $600.00/per day 

Fees for still photography (if permit required) 

• 1-10 persons = $50.00/per day;
• 11-30 = $150.00/per day;
• Over 30 persons = $250.00/per day 

Cost Recovery Fees: separate fee for both processing and monitoring 

The cost recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit. A separate fee applies to both processing and monitoring.   

Submitting Requests 

For submitting a filming permit request please allow at least 4 weeks for processing your application before filming is scheduled to begin. Complex projects may require additional processing time.  Below you will find the proposal and application that must be filled out and submitted to the appropriate permit administrator. Filming Proposal Form

Non-Commercial Group Use Events

Prior to issuance of a special use permit, it must be determined if the activity is commercial or non-commercial. 

• If commercial, a Recreation Event permit is required (see Recreation Event Section).  This includes activities that a have entry fees or “donations” that are mandatory for participation.
• If noncommercial, involving more than 75 people (participants and spectators); a Noncommercial Group Use Permit is required. Fees, insurance and bonding are exempted by regulation.
• If noncommercial, involving less than 75 people (participants and spectators); a permit is not mandatory, but could be desirable to manage the event and associated public conflicts. Fees, insurance and bonding are exempted by regulation.

Most visitors enjoy “non-commercial” activities on their National Forests such as berry picking, camping, picnicking, fishing, participating in assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, and parades. In general, special use permits are not required for these types of non-commercial recreational uses. However, in some circumstances non-commercial group activities will also need to obtain a recreation special use permit.

A non-commercial group use is any activity on National Forest System lands:

• That involves 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators;
• Where an entry or participation fee is not charged; and
• Where the primary purpose is not the sale of a good or service (36 CFR 251.51).

To be considered a non-commercial group use, there must be:

• No entry or participant fee,
• Fees for direct costs (food, transportation, etc.) may be collected based on a bona fide sharing of expenses.
• Donations are not considered fees if they do not exceed direct costs.
• Funds collected in excess of direct costs are returned to participants based on a bona fide sharing of costs.
• Under most circumstances “guides and leaders are not paid or compensated.”
• No sale of goods or services on National Forest lands, and
• No money is charged for a “good or service” beyond a bona fide sharing of direct costs.

Groups NOT needing a special use permit:

• Wedding party of 30 people with no fee.
• Family summer camp-out of 50 folks; costs are collected to cover the food.
• Weekend Equestrian Club trip with 10 riders; costs are pooled to cover the actual food and gas costs.

Groups NEEDING a special use permit:

• Grandpa's 85th Birthday party of 85 people at a developed campground with no fee or costs.
• Church summer camp-out of 60 folks; costs are collected to cover the food, transportation and the camp cook is paid for the weekend.

Application Process

The following eight criteria must be met for non-commercial group use requests:

• Authorization of the proposed activity is not prohibited by 36 CFR part 261, Subpart A; by an order issued under 36 CFR part 261, Subpart B; or by Federal, State, or local law unrelated to the content of expressive activity.
• Authorization of the proposed activity is consistent or can be made consistent with standards and guidelines in the applicable Forest land and resource management plan required under the National Forest Management Act and 36 CFR part 219.
• The proposed activity does not materially impact the characteristics or functions of the environmentally sensitive resources or lands.
• The proposed activity will not delay, halt, or prevent administrative use of an area by the Forest Service or other scheduled or existing uses or activities on National Forest System lands.
• The proposed activity does not violate State and local public health laws and regulations as applied to the proposed site.  Issues addressed by State and local public health laws and regulations as applied to the proposed site include:
  • The sufficiency of sanitation facilities;
  • The sufficiency of waste disposal facilities;
  • The availability of sufficient potable drinking water;
  • The risk of disease from the physical characteristics of the proposed site or natural conditions associated with the proposed site; and
  • The risk of contamination of the water supply.
• The proposed activity will not pose a substantial danger to public safety.  Considerations of public safety must not include concerns about possible reaction to the users' identity or beliefs from nonmembers of the group applying for a permit and must be limited to:
  • The potential for physical injury to other forest users from the proposed activity;
  • The potential for physical injury to users from the physical characteristics of the proposed site or natural conditions associated with the proposed site;
  • The potential for physical injury to users from scheduled or existing uses or activities on National Forest System lands; and
  • The adequacy of ingress and egress in case of an emergency.
• The proposed activity does not involve military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals, unless such training or exercises are federally funded.
• A person or persons 21 years of age or older have been designated to sign and do sign a permit on behalf of the applicant.

Fees

There are no fees associated with a non-commercial group use permit.

Submitting Requests

Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the visitation; however, we would appreciate a two week lead. 

Non-Commercial Group Use Application

Recreation special use permits are authorizations issued by the Forest Service to conduct commercial recreation activities on National Forest system lands. A commercial recreational use or activity is defined as:

Any use or activity on National Forest System lands (a) where an entry or participation fee is charged, or (b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit. (36CFR 251.51)

Recreation events are usually short term in nature and can include organized events such as animal, running, biking races; concerts; fishing contests; adventure games; and fairs.  A permit is required for these types of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.

Insurance and Bonds

A specific legal entity must be identified as the permit holder.  A performance bond may be required when needed to ensure return of the site to a satisfactory condition. Permit holders are required to furnish or arrange for appropriate liability insurance, law enforcement, crowd control, safety, and sanitation.

Waivers and Acknowledgement of Risk Forms

Insurance companies often require that their policy holders use Waivers of Liability and/or Acknowledgement of Risk forms.  Even when not an insurance company requirement, special use authorization holders frequently require that their customers sign one or both of these forms before participating in an activity provided by the holder.

The Carson National Forest will be complying with the following policy direction:

• Appropriately worded Acknowledgement of Risk forms required by insurance companies or special use authority holders are acceptable.
• Do not permit use of Waiver of Liability forms except for high risk recreation events, such as enduros, road rallies, equestrian events, hang-gliding contests, and so forth.  Many of the forms used for these purposes are unacceptable, because they would have the participant release the U.S. Government from liability for its own negligence. This conflicts with the intent of Congress in the Federal Tort Claims Act, which makes the Federal Government liable for the negligence of its officers and employees acting within the course and scope of their employment. Additionally, these forms may be at variance with state law.
• We will not be allowing these forms for guiding where there is a guide in full custody and control of their clients.

Event Fee

• The fee is 5 percent of adjusted gross receipts (gross revenue less cost to holder of prizes awarded) for one-time events and 3 percent for multiple events under a single permit.  The minimum fee is $62.63 per event.
• Gross Revenue includes all of the following:
• Event Charges: Fees charged to participate in the event and/or fees charged to spectators to view the event, if applicable.
• Vendor Fees/Sales: Includes, but not limited to, sales from concession stands, raffles booths, etc.  Only include vendors that are located on NFS Lands.
• Discounts: Portion of fees that either the participants, spectators, or sponsors were not required to pay.
• Gratuities: The value of privileges that are not available to the general public and that are donated or provided without charge to the organization or individuals.  For example, but not limited to, a fee entry ($500) to the race for a European Bike Team.
• Sponsorship Fees: A fee each sponsor pays in order to be a part of the event and/or to advertise their product(s) such as, but not limited to, shoes, boats, etc. For example, but not limited to, a sponsor such as Nike or Bass Boat Company, etc. pays the permit Holder $100 to place their product in the event area, or an advertising banner in the vendor area. Only include those that are located on NFS lands.
• Prizes:  "A reward for victory or superiority, as in a contest or competition." (Random House Dictionary).  Prizes include:
• Cash prizes awarded.
• Cost of merchandise prizes, such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
• Cost of trophies.
• Prizes are not souvenirs such as, but not limited to, T-shirts, ball caps, socks, pens, tote bags, etc. given to all participants entered into the event.
• The Holder must provide receipts to verify costs of all merchandise prizes and trophies.
• Donated prizes cannot be deducted from Gross Revenue.

Cost Recovery Fees

The cost recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit. If the permit takes more than 50 hours to process or monitor these fees apply.

Quagga and Zebra Mussel Flyer

Potential Environmental and Economics Impacts

This flyer addresses the potential environmental and economic impacts should a vessel that has been moored in infested waters be launched in any New Mexico waters without the prescribed recommended cleaning and certification. 

Currently, there is no known method for successful irradiation of these mussels, creating enormous management costs which will be passed along to New Mexicans. In a water-dry state such as ours, infestations by zebra or quagga mussels will affect everyone! This is why in New Mexico it is unlawful to knowingly transport AIS into and within New Mexico’s borders. View current information and listing of infested waters.

Submitting Requests

Submit ALL proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended event dates.

• Application and Operating Plan
• Estimated Fee Worksheet
• Final Use Report and Fee Worksheet

In 2020, The Carson and Santa Fe National Forests issued a letter to interested parties about updates regarding the outfitter and guiding process.

This Current list of Permitted Outfitter/Guides and Events have been issued special use authorizations to provide services on Carson National Forest.

Commercial Outfitting and Guiding is a use that occurs on National Forest System lands where:

1. Where an entry or participation fee is charged, or
2. Where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service and, in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit (36 CFR 251.51).

Definitions

Guiding - Providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) for pecuniary remuneration or other gain to individuals or groups on National Forest System lands.  The term "guide" includes the holder's employees and agents.

Outfitting - Renting on or delivering to National Forest System lands for pecuniary remuneration or other gain any saddle or pack animal, vehicle, boat, camping gear, or similar supplies or equipment.  The term "outfitter" includes the holder's employees and agents.

Objective of Outfitting/Guiding

1. Provide for outfitting and guiding services that address concerns of public health and safety and that foster successful small businesses consistent with the applicable land management plan.
2. Facilitate greater participation in the outfitting and guiding program by organizations and businesses that work with youth and educational groups.
3. Encourage skilled and experienced individuals and entities to conduct outfitting and guiding activities in a manner that protects environmental resources and ensures that national forest visitors receive high-quality services.

When Permits are Required

1. Individuals or entities conducting outfitting or guiding activities on National Forest System lands shall be authorized under a special use permit.
2. Outfitters based off National Forest System lands who rent and deliver equipment or livestock to the public on National Forest System lands shall obtain a permit if they, their employees, or agents occupy or use National Forest System lands or related waters in connection with their rental programs.

• For example, a permit is required if a boat livery operator provides service, including delivery or pickup of boats, at sites on National Forest System lands.
• No permit is necessary if an operator's customers transport rented equipment to and from National Forest System lands or if services are provided to Forest Service employees, Forest Service contractors, or other Federal officials in the course of their official duties.

Outfitter/Guide Permits

New outfitting and guiding permits may be issued when one or more of the following occurs:

• An allocation of use is increased, a resource capacity analysis demonstrates that capacity exists, or a needs assessment supports a public need.
• A permit is revoked or terminates, and a new permit is not issued to the holder.
• Service days or quotas allocated to a holder are reduced.
• Competitive interest in an area or activity arises where no outfitting and guiding permits have been issued for that area or activity and where the proposed use is consistent with the applicable programmatic or project decision.
• An application has been submitted to provide outfitting and guiding services for an area or activity that has not previously been authorized and for which there is no competitive interest.  For opportunities in which competitive interest exists, solicit applications through issuance of a prospectus; if no competitive interest exists and for an application meeting the criteria above, a permit may be issued if the applicant meets applicable requirements.

Fees

Outfitter/Guide Fees

*A service day is counted for service to a client for any part of a day on National Forest System lands. If the gross revenue exceeds the bracket maximum, then a fee of 3% of the gross will apply.

Cost Recovery Fees

The cost recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit. There is a separate fee for both processing and monitoring. If the permit takes more than 50 hours to process or monitor these fees apply. This table illustrates this.

Insurance

Permit holders are required to furnish or arrange for appropriate liability insurance. The minimum limits can be found below or in the Forest Service Manual (FSM).

The Insurance Policy must also meet all the following conditions:

1. They name the U.S. Government as additional insured.
2. They meet the minimum coverage requirements for the authorized activities shown below or as required by state law or regulation.
3. The holder is required to provide a 30-day notification in case of cancelation or amendment of coverage.  When premiums are paid in full prior to use, 10-day notification of cancellation for non-payment of premiums is acceptable.
4. The exclusions (if any) listed on the Certificate of Insurance do not include any of the activities/operations authorized by the permit.
5. Some insurance policies stipulate that coverage for legal defense costs and supplementary payments is limited, and any payment of legal defense costs or supplementary payments reduces the limits of remaining coverage.  When holders' activities are covered by policies containing this stipulation, authorized officers shall require the holder to have liability coverage greater than the minimum shown in preceding direction.  For example, if the required minimum shown is $300,000, and the policy has the legal defense cost stipulation, the authorized officer shall require $500,000 coverage.  If the minimum shown is $500,000, the authorized officer shall require $1,000,000 coverage.

Liability Insurance Minimum Limits

Waivers and Acknowledgements of Risk Forms

Insurance companies often require that their policy holders use Waivers of Liability and/or Acknowledgement of Risk forms.  Even when not an insurance company requirement, special use authorization holders frequently require that their customers sign one or both of these forms before participating in an activity provided by the holder.  The Carson National Forest will be complying with the following policy direction:

1. Appropriately worded Acknowledgement of Risk forms required by insurance companies or special use authority holders are acceptable View sample.
2. Do not permit use of Waiver of Liability forms (Sample) except for high risk recreation events, such as enduros, road rallies, equestrian events, hang-gliding contests, and so forth.  Many of the forms used for these purposes are unacceptable, because they would have the participant release the U.S. Government from liability for its own negligence. This conflicts with the intent of Congress in the Federal Tort Claims Act, which makes the Federal Government liable for the negligence of its officers and employees acting within the course and scope of their employment. Additionally, these forms may be at variance with state law.

We will not be allowing these forms for guiding where there is a guide in full custody and control of their clients.

Use of Contractors

Independent contractors/subcontractors may be used for guiding for your business if they are approved prior to trips and when the following conditions apply:

1. Ancillary services (food and shuttle services, specialized guide for people with disabilities or for highly technical trips) that support the use authorized by the permit may be provided by a party other than the holder or the holder’s employees only with prior written approval from the authorized officer.
2. An authorized holder may contract with a guide, but only with the prior written approval of the authorized officer, based upon a finding that the following conditions are met (see below for contractor agreement sample):
   1. The services of the contracted guide are covered under the contracting holder’s operating plan and liability insurance.
   2. The contracted guide has all required State licenses.
   3. The contract for the guiding services states that the contracting holder remains responsible for compliance with all the terms and conditions of the permit, including the operating plan.
   4. The contracting holder will exercise management authority over all the day-to-day field operations of the business, including the guiding services covered by the contract.
3. Permit holders who would like to contract for guiding services must submit the contract for these services and additional documentation (State Guide License if applicable, Insurance Certificate stating that contractors are covered).  This documentation must be submitted for approval during the start of season process. The permit holder contracting for guiding services is responsible for compliance with all the terms and conditions of the permit in connection with provision of those services.
4. When on a particular day a permit holder lacks sufficient equipment or guides to accommodate the holder’s customers, the permit holder, without prior written approval from the authorized officer, may contract for additional equipment or guides from another permit holder. When a holder contracts for additional equipment or guides from another holder, the contracting holder is responsible for compliance with all the terms and conditions of the permit in connection with provision of the contracted equipment and services (this includes reporting the user days on your actual use report and making note it was a contracted trip and with whom).

Information

Temporary use permits are limited to a 180 period and a maximum allocation of 200 service days.

Carson National Forest site-specific restrictions:

• Outfitting & Guiding Compartment Maps
• All Compartment Maps

There is limited capacity in Cruces Basin Wilderness, Trout Lakes area, Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Pecos Wilderness, The Questa Eastside Management compartment, and Camino Real Eastside Management Compartment.  Applicants are encouraged to check availability with the appropriate ranger district.

Research Natural Areas: commercial outfitting and guiding will not be authorized within Research Natural Areas.

Some trails originating on Ghost Ranch private property are not available for guided use.

Advertising

The following information is required to be included on your website, flyers, posters and brochures:  Advertising Requirements. 

You are not authorized to advertise until you have applied for and received notification of acceptance of your application for processing.  You must submit all advertising for review and approval prior to posting, printing or airing.  Please contact the associated office on the Carson National Forest for more information as well as to apply for a permit.

Civil Rights and Accessibility

Who is required to comply with Federal Civil Rights laws? 

If you are a holder of a special use authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service to provide programs or activities to the public, by law you must provide equal opportunity for all people to participate in the programs and activities you offer.

• Accessibility Guidebook for Outfitting and Guiding

Submitting Temporary Use Permit Requests

Step 1) Submit Proposal

All hunting proposals, temporary use applications and required annual operating documents are due no later than June 1, annually. For non-hunting activities, submit ALL temporary use proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations. A written or oral proposal should include the following information:

• the services to be performed,
• proposed number of service days or quotas,
• specific locations of National Forest System lands to be occupied,
• modes of transportation to be used,
• proposed season of use and itinerary,
• and other matters relating to your operations in sufficient detail for the authorized officer to make a decision on the request in accordance with regulatory requirements,
• describe proponent’s technical and financial qualifications to provide the proposed services.

Step 2) Submit Application Package

If your proposal is accepted, we move forward to the application phase and the following documentation must be submitted for review:

Temporary Outfitter/Guide Application

Temporary Outfitter/Guide Application Instructions

Sample Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Contracted Services Endorsement Sample

Actual Use Report

Hunting Temporary Use Application Package

Applicant Checklist - Hunting

Hunting Temporary Use Operating Plan – Appx A

Hunting Trip Itinerary – Appx B

Multi-District Approval Request – Appx D

Forest Stewardship Description

Non-Hunting Activity Temporary Use Application Package

Applicant Checklist – Non-hunting

Temporary Use Operating Plan – Appx A

Trip Itinerary – Appx B

Multi-District Approval Request – Appx D

Forest Stewardship Description

Note: To receive a copy of a document needed in the application package, please contact the ranger district where you intend to operate. 

Resource: Leave No Trace Online Awareness Course 

Priority Use Permits

Priority use proposals are due bi-annually, no later than January 1 and June 1.

Guide companies that plan to operate their business on the Carson National Forest year after year may qualify for a priority use permit after a two-year probationary term outfitter-guide permit. Some benefits that come with a priority use permit include:

• Permits will be authorized for up to 10-years.
• When a priority use permit terminates, the permit is subject to renewal without competition, provided that the use authorized by the permit is consistent with the applicable land management plan, applicable laws and regulations, and the terms of the permit and the holder has performed satisfactorily as demonstrated by acceptable performance ratings.
• In renewing a priority use permit, the authorized officer may prescribe new terms and conditions.
• Change in ownership for a priority use permit:
  • A priority use permit is a privilege acquired by demonstrated acceptable performance and is not transferable, either upon the sale of the business entity or the sale of a controlling interest in the business entity.
  • The permit is not real property, does not convey any interest in real property, and may not be used as collateral.
  • Upon consummation of a change of ownership of or controlling interest in the business entity, the holder's permit terminates.
  • The party who acquires ownership of or a controlling interest in the business entity may be issued a permit if the authorized officer determines that the prospective holder meets Forest Service requirements, including financial and technical capability.
• The service day allocationcan be more than 200 service days per year.
• Less paperwork is required each year for your permit requirements.

For more information, please contact the Carson National Forest Special Use Coordinator, Carmen John, at carmen.john@usda.gov.

How to Transition from Temporary to Priority Use

The outfitter/guide business will need to submit an application to the forest.

Must complete two-year probationary term before being eligible to apply for a priority use permit. Acceptance as a priority use permit will be dependent on documentation of satisfactory performance as a temporary permit holder.  Monitoring will be based on the following:

• Submits financial paperwork in a timely manner
• No delinquent fees
• No violations of law, customer complaints, or adverse outfitting and guiding performance ratings
• Must have the financial/technical capability of operating a successful business for 10+ years. This will be shown by completing and submitting a business plan in addition to your application materials.

Back in the early 1900s, the Forest Service Recreation Residence program started to give 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 cabins". These privately-owned cabins (improvements) are located within formally established "tracts" on individual "lots" designated for that purpose.  The last formally established tract in the Region was in 1959, and no new tracts or cabins are allowed to be built.  These recreation residence permits are authorized and administered under the terms and conditions of a special use authorization (SUA) called a permit.

• Revocation of Existing Authorization and Request for a New Permit
• Recreation Residence Policy

There are many diverse research projects on the Carson NF.  Research includes experimental forest demonstration areas, observatories, laboratories, stream gauges, weather stations, educational research study, and similar uses not intended to result in further development.   

Our goal is to provide a high level of customer service for research activities on the Carson NF.  Please understand however, that depending on the complexity of the proposal, and any environmental compliance that may be required, it may take up to 180 days to process a research permit. It is your responsibility to provide the Agency with all the information needed to review, evaluate, and make a decision on a submitted proposal and an application. All proposals are subject to initial screening. If a proposal passes initial screening it is formally accepted as an application and will enter a second screening for environmental analysis (cost recovery fees are applicable). Lastly, the environmental analysis process will determine if the proposed use will be authorized with a Special Use Permit.   

Land Use Fee for Research Activities 

Annual land use rental fee on the Carson National Forest in the following counties is calculated at 5% of NASS value per year of land use. 

Land Use Rent is determined by: 

(NASS 2012 Land Value per ac) * (.05) = Land Use Rent per year (Round to the nearest 1, so 1.4 = 1 and 1.5 = 2) 

For example:

A research permit for two years on 1.00 ac with .5 ac in Taos County and .5 ac in Mora County: (($1,173.00 * .05) + ($555.00 * .05) = $586.50 + $277.50) = $864.00 *2 years = $1,728.00 

Please be aware the minimum land use rent fee for FY23 is $93.85 per year. So, if the land use calculates less than $93.85 you will be charged $93.85 per year. 

Cost Recovery Fees: there is a separate fee for both processing and monitoring 

The cost recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit (example processing and monitoring). If the permit takes more than 50 hours to process or monitor these fees apply. The table illustrates this.

Submitting Requests

Submit request at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations.

Scientific Research Request Form

Other permits include utilities, water transmission/storage, service buildings, road/driveways, signs/monuments, resort permit amendments, communication sites, and others.

Land uses including: 

• Utilities
• Water Transmission/Storage
• Scientific research
• Filming and Commercial Photography
• Service Buildings
• Road/Driveway Permits
• Signs/Monuments
• Resort Permit Amendments
• Current Priority Use Permit Amendments
• Communication Sites
• Recreation Residence Improvements

Submit ALL proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations. Complex proposals will likely take longer than 180 days to process.

Application Form (SF-299)

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 NFS land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.

1. 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.
2. If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
3. If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

1. Your request must be consistent with laws, regulations, orders, policies of NFS lands, other federal laws, and applicable State and local health and sanitation laws.
2. Your request must be consistent or made consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable Land and Resource Management Plan.
3. Your request must not pose serious or substantial risk to public health or safety.
4. Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy.
5. Your request does not unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative uses, other scheduled or authorized existing uses, or use of adjacent non-NFS lands.
6. The proponent must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior or existing special-use authorization.
7. No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services can be authorized on NFS land, even if permitted under state law.
8. No military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals can be authorized on NFS land, unless it is federally funded.
9. No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NFS land.

Cost Recovery Fees - An assessment of fees to recover agency costs for processing special use applications and costs for monitoring special use authorizations. These fees are separate from any fees charged for the use and occupancy of NFS lands. Cost Recovery fees only apply to recreation permits if the permit processing time is more than 50 hours, (For Example: Outfitter and Guide Permits and Recreation Events Permits). See the table below for the Cost Recovery fees.

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.

Contact Information – You are strongly encouraged to contact the permit administrator on the unit where you’d like to guide prior to submitting a proposal.

Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a Special Use Authorization can sometimes be a lengthy process. It is important to note not all proponent's will receive approval for a permit, therefore any action taken before receiving a Special Use authorization, such as occupying National Forest System Lands and advertising or expending funds, is premature and at the proponent's risk--and is against the law. It is recommended that your contact the permit administrator on the unit where you’d like to conduct your activity. Contact information here Proposal and application submission due dates are as follows:

• Guided hunting proposals, temporary special use applications and required annual operating documents shall be submitted to the associated Forest Service Office by June 1 of each year.
• Submit ALL other proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations.
• All proposals and applications will be date-stamped when received and processed in order of receipt.
• Submit proposals/applications or questions to the associated Forest Service Office listed below.