Event/Commercial Permits
Event and Commercial Use Permits
Events
Events which involve use by a group of more than 75 people and/or a fee or collects a donation from participants require a special use permit.
Application for holding a recreation event on the Forest. (rtf)
Commercial Outfitting and Guiding
Our policy is to manage special uses on National Forest lands in a manner that protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management plans.
Current List of Authorized Outfitters and Guides on the Superior National Forest (html)
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial activities must obtain a permit when they charge a participation fee or where the primary purpose is the sale of goods or services, regardless of whether the activity is intended to produce a profit. Permits control recreational land use, protecting natural resources from overuse or damage. Special use permits must be obtained through the Superior National Forests.
Proponents submitting a new outfitter or guide proposal must submit a complete proposal form to the District Special Use Permit Administrator by the following dates: January 31st or June 30th. Proposals may take 6 months or more to process.
Proposals will begin being evaluated after each proposal deadline date. The preferred format for a proposal is a well thought out Business Plan.
Proponents submitting a new outfitter or guide proposal must submit a complete proposal form by the following dates: January 31st for the summer season and year-round permits or June 30th for the winter season to the District Special Use Permit Administrator. Proposals will begin being evaluated after each proposal deadline date. The preferred format for a proposal is a well thought out Business Plan.
A business plan should include sufficient detail of your proposal that the Forest Service can make an informed decision whether to accept an application. At a minimum, the Business Plan should address these points:
- Business and contact name
- Address and phone number/email
- Background – technical ability to guide
- Proposed services – type of guiding service; number of service days*
- Proposed locations and season of use – be specific; entry points, trail heads, routes, anticipated number of trips.
- Equipment provided
- Transportation of clients
- Proposed fees
- Evaluation of public need for this service – targeted audience or clientele and plans for engaging youth or underserved groups
- Comparison with any similar existing services already under a Special Use permit
*Service day = 1 client x 1 day on National Forest System Land
Once a proposal is received and the seasonal submission deadline has past, the proposal will be evaluated in accordance with national policy. If a proposal is found to be acceptable an application will need to be completed. Application will include:
- A signed Special Use Application and Permit for Outfitting and Guiding (Form SF 299)(pdf). This is the official application for all special use activities. Please answer questions as they apply to your outfitting and guiding proposal
- A signed and completed Outfitter Operating Plan. (pdf)
- Current insurance certificate included in the application package that shows the United States as secondary insured with a combine single limit coverage of $1,000,000.00. The agency will determine that the complete application complies with the Forest’s land and resource management plan; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements are met; there is a demonstrated need for the activity and the use is appropriate on National Forest System Lands; and the applicant has the Technical and Financial capability to provide outfitting & guiding services.
- Additional resource - FS Handbook 2709.14 (pdf)
Commercial Filming and Photography
A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on National Forest System lands, and for certain commercial still photography, except when these activities involve breaking news.
If the proposed filming or photography is located within the Wilderness, additional information may be required and additional screening will be conducted. The following information provides more details.
- What is considered commercial? How to apply for a permit and what is required (doc)
- Commercial filming and photography request form (pdf)
- Insurance requirement (docx)
- Standard form 299 - Application for transportation and utility systems and facilities on federal lands. (pdf)
Contact Us
Please contact the local Ranger District regarding permit requirements well in advance of your planned activities.
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For proposals on Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts
Ryan Blaisdell
218-387-3220
Ryan.blaisdell@usda.gov -
For Proposals on Kawishiwi, LaCroix, or Laurentian Ranger Districts
Tim Lovich
218-365-2081
Timothy.lovich@usda.gov