Event/Commercial Recreation Permits

A commercial use is any use or activity on National Forest System lands:

• Where an entry or participation fee is charged, or
• Where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, regardless of the intent to produce a profit (36 CFR 251.51).

Recreation Events

Recreation events are commercial activities requiring short-term, temporary use of National Forest System land. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to: animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; jeep rallies; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks; wagon trains; concerts; and other similar events. A permit is required for these types of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity. Permit applications are accepted no later than February 15 in the year for which the event is planned.

Commercial Photography and Filming

The Forest Service requires a special use permit for commercial filming and commercial still photography on National Forest System lands in accordance with the criteria below:

Commercial Filming is videotaping or sound-recording on National Forest System lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service; the creation of a product for sale; or the use of actors, models, sets or props. Activities associated with broadcasting breaking news are not considered commercial filming. “Creation of a product for sale” includes a film, videotape, television broadcast or documentary (of historic events, wildlife, natural events, features or subjects or participants in a sporting or recreation event) when created for the purpose of generating income.

Commercial Still Photography is the use of photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies 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 a part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.

Outfitters and Guides

Operators offering outfitting and guiding services on National Forest System lands need a permit. Permit applications are accepted no later than February 15 in the year for which the activities are planned.

Outfitting is providing any saddle or pack animal, vehicle, boat, camping gear, or similar equipment on National Forest System lands in exchange for money or other personal or business gain. 

Guiding is providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) on National Forest System lands for money or other personal or business gain. 

Outfitting and Guiding Permits Are Required When:

• Individuals or entities are conducting outfitting or guiding activities on National Forest System lands;

• Outfitters based off National Forest System lands rent and deliver equipment or livestock to the public on National Forest System lands and their employees, or agents occupy or use National Forest System lands or related waters in connection with their rental programs.

a.  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.

b.  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.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Special Uses Proposal and Application Process for Event/Commercial Recreation Permits