The Forest Service authorizes (permits) the private use of National Forest land for a variety of activities, including recreation events, non-commercial groups such as weddings, commercial filming and photography, recreation cabins, ski areas, resorts, outfitter guide services such as pack stations, communication sites, etc.

Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a Special Use Permit can sometimes be a lengthy process. Please coordinate early with the ranger district where you would like to operate. (It is important to note all proponents will not receive 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 may be against the law.)

For information regarding the administration of existing special use permits or obtaining a new special use permit, please call the special uses staff. For general information visit our National Special Uses website.

What is a commercial use or activity?

A commercial use or activity on NFS land occurs when:

• An applicant intends to charge an entry or participation fee, or the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, regardless of the intent to produce a profit. Money collected may cover expense categories, such as food, transportation, prizes, advertising, purchase replacement of equipment, or compensation for the leader of the activity.
• Use is considered noncommercial if the fees charged are used only for the purpose of paying for actual expenses directly related to operating or staging the activity, with any excess funds returned to participants. The fees charged should not include costs for employees or personnel who stage or run the event.

Recreation Event

Recreation events are commercial activities requiring temporary, authorized use of NFS land. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, swimming, running, boating or bicycle races; jeep rallies; fishing contests; adventure games; youth treks; and other similar events. A permit is required for these type of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.

If you are interested in learning more about submitting a proposal for a recreation event, please contact your local special uses permit administrator and submit a SF-2700-3c application form.

Commercial Filming & Photography

National forests are a popular location for the commercial filming and still photography industries.  Anyone wishing to film on National Forest System lands must obtain a special use permit from the Forest Service. The Region 5 “Commercial Filming and Photography” webpage addresses many common questions concerning the permitting process.

To request a filming permit on the Stanislaus National Forest please fill out the Permit Request form and attach a detailed map showing proposed filming locations and staging areas (1:24,000 scale topographic map , including legal descriptions – Township, Range, Section[s]). Email to SM.FS.StanislausNF@usda.gov and include Special Uses in the subject line. You may mail or drop off your questions in person to ATTN: Special Uses, Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Office, 19777 Greenley Rd., Sonora, CA 95370. Please be advised that if the request is approved, insurance will be required. Please see below for insurance requirements for all commercial filming and photography activities..

Commercial Road Use

Using a National Forest System Road for commercial hauling is prohibited without a permit or written authorization. This use restriction applies to all commercial haul activity, not just activity directly related to Forest Service projects or operations.

Examples of commercial vehicles that may need a Road Use Permit are logging trucks, tractor-trailer combinations, lowboys, yarders, chip vans, sand, gravel or cement trucks. The list is not all inclusive.

Please contact the Forest Road Maintenance Engineer at the Supervisor's Office in Sonora to obtain a Road Use Permit or written authorization.

Cost Recovery

The Forest Service has modified the fee structure for processing special use permits. The modification is based on Congressional direction to develop a program to improve administration of the agency's special use program. Under the new rule, the Forest Service will collect fees from some permit applicants to recover the costs of processing and administering special use authorizations consistent with recommendations made by the General Accountability Office.

More information...