Permits
Key activities requiring permits include:
- Commercial Activities: Outfitting and guiding, commercial filming/photography, or any event where a fee is charged, or income is derived.
- Large Group Events: Gatherings of 75 or more people (participants and spectators) require a noncommercial group use permit.
- Resource Harvesting: Collecting, cutting, or removing forest products, such as firewood for personal use or Christmas trees (seasonal).
- Specialized Recreation: Specific activities, including weddings, large family reunions, or organized group sports such as marathons, mountain biking, and archery.
- Research & Infrastructure: Scientific research, monitoring, or constructing, maintaining, and using facilities on NFS land.
For smaller, non-commercial, non-group activities (e.g., hiking, camping), permits are typically not required unless in specially designated areas.
Recreation Permits
The DPG may require recreation permits to:
- Protect natural or cultural resources
- Manage visitor numbers
- Ensure safety
- Provide specialized services
Special Recreation Permits Examples
Shooting ranges, special events, specialized trail systems.
Contact a local Ranger District Office for more information.
Special-use Authorization Permits
A special-use authorization is a legal document, such as a permit, term permit, lease, or easement, that allows occupancy, use, or rights to agency land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.
Research Survey Proposal Request & Approval Process
Are you interested in conducting research/surveys on public lands? Learn how to request a permit for research/survey-related work on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.