Permits
Permits may be required for activities on the forest. This may include collecting fuelwood, harvesting a Christmas tree, hosting a wedding, or leading a guided adventure.
Please contact your local forest for more information on what activities require a permit in your area.
Permit Information by Forest
Permits for Forest Products
Depending on the forest, permits are available for gathering forest products such as firewood, pinon nuts, certain rocks and minerals, and poles or latillas. Firewood cutting permits allow you to cut or collect firewood year-round in designated cutting areas on National Forests. Additional information including fees, how to purchase and allowed areas are listed on each forest's permits page. Call an office to purchase a permit by phone with a credit card.
Permits for Events, Commercial & Special Uses
National Forests and Grasslands in the Southwestern Region offer a unique opportunity for you to organize business, personal and non-profit events and ventures that help connect people with nature.
There are over 100 special-use types. The most common special-use permits include outfitter and guiding, commercial photography and filming, easements, commercial events, weddings, and larger gatherings.
Each National Forest has an Administrator who handles Special-Use permits. This will be your point of contact.
First, identify the National Forests and/or National Grasslands where your event or activity will take place. Sites that are already impacted by increased use (popular sites) may have limited special-use permit availability. It is a good idea to identify some back-up sites you would consider.
Next, contact the Special Use contact for that forest. Request to discuss proposed activities and learn more about the process. This will help you learn more about the process, gain feedback and learn more about the program and other uses already in place.
Arizona
- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
- Coconino National Forest
- Coronado National Forest
- Kaibab National Forest
- Prescott National Forest
- Tonto National Forest
New Mexico
The more thorough and complete your paperwork is the smoother the process will go (and the more likely your application will succeed). Be detailed, provided all the requested information and when possible provide maps. For commercial events, include business plans, liability insurance, business licenses, etc.
Yes. This is very important. In your application, include how you plan to leave the land as you found it and mitigate any damage. Explain how the increased use will not harm the land, habitats or wildlife. Please review the Leave No Trace Principles to learn more.
Your application may also have a greater chance of acceptance if you're not requesting use of a high-traffic site.
You may also be required to submit an annual operating plan, depending on your type of permit. Any annual or additional information you need to provide will be explained during the application approval process. It is also important to follow the terms of your permit.
Your local forest's permit webpage will have more information on starting the special-use permitting process. You can also visit the National Forest Service website for more information on special use permits.
The Most Wonderful Type of Permit!
Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree Permits allow people to cut down a Christmas tree from designated locations in our National Forests. Permits may be purchased by phone at the Forest Supervisors and District Offices and many forests offer Christmas Tree Permits online through Recreation.gov.