A permit is required for any commercial activity defined as:

• any use or activity on National Forest System lands where;
• an entry or participation fee is charged
• the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service

Regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit, special use permits are issued at the local Ranger District office.  Basic requirements for holding a permit include technical and financial capability, payment of a fee, and insurance listing the US Government as additionally insured.

 

The Northern Rockies region receives hundreds of requests for special use authorizations annually.  Examples and types of activities that require a recreation event special use permit include, but are not limited to:

• competitive races,
• contests, fund raisers,
• eco-challenges,
• club activities,
• adventure games
• endurance races.

If you or your organization are considering holding such an event on the National Forest, you must contact your local Ranger District well in advance of the scheduled event to determine whether a permit is available.