Temporary Outfitter and Guide Permits

An application deadline defines when your application needs to be submitted and the timeline for Forest review and response. 

The Bitterroot National Forest will be following the below timeline:

*Summer/Fall Uses (use after June 1st & before Nov 1st)

• Submit information to the Forest Service by February 15.
• By April 30 the Forest Service alerts proponents as to whether the proposal was accepted, denied or needs modification (in this case additional information must be submitted within 15 days).

*Winter /Spring Uses (use after Oct 31st & before May 31st)

• Submit information to the Forest Service by August 15.
• By October 31 the Forest Service will alert proponents as to whether the request was accepted, denied or needs modifications (in this case additional information must be submitted within 15 days).

Applications that are submitted without complete information will be denied. It is highly recommended to submit your application well in advance of the established deadline date (February 15th) in order to be assured full consideration for a permit.

Proponents of applications that are not accepted will be notified in writing that the Forest has not accepted the application no later than April 30th.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please allow sufficient time to coordinate with Forest staff and to complete the application. All applications must be submitted by the deadlines outlined above.

A Complete Application Package will include:

• A complete and signed Outfitter and Guiding Permit Application.
• Maps: Include access points, potential camping locations, FS facilities used (parking areas, trailheads, etc.), intended routes. Maps must be detailed enough to easily identify Forest Service roads/trails. Maps should be in pdf form.
• Estimated itinerary (including estimated gross revenue)
• Refer to the Insurance Checklist for specific requirements that will need to be met upon issuance of a permit. Proof of insurance is required before operating on National Forest lands. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with an insurance agent before applying. Note: The Bitterroot National Forest is required to be listed as additional insured.
• Copy of Registrations: including applicable business licensing/Certificate of Good Standing with the State, First Aid/CPR certifications for all guides, etc.

Please review the basics of special use authorizations, including first and second level screening criteria before submitting your proposal. All special use permit proposals must meet these screening criteria contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251.54).

Submit your complete application via email to kelsey.dyer@usda.gov.

Proposals for use at Lake Como will not be considered at this time.

Yes! We encourage you to call us before filling out your application, just in case we know whether or not we can allow your requests. Please call or email Kelsey Dyer at 406-821-1222 or kelsey.dyer@usda.gov, for any questions about the details of your application.

A special use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, and privileges on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The United States Code of Federal Regulations at 36 CFR 251 requires that all uses of NFS land, improvements, and resources, except those authorized under range, timber, minerals, special forest products, or roads, are designated “special uses” and must be approved through issuance of an authorization granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period.

A special use authorization is not required for noncommercial, private recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, horseback riding, etc.

Proposals submitted orally or in writing are initially screened to determine if they qualify for further consideration according to the nine criteria listed below:

1. Proposed use is consistent with laws, regulations, orders, and policies establishing or governing NFS lands; other applicable Federal laws; and applicable state and local laws.
2. Proposed use is consistent with, or can be made consistent with, standards and guidelines in the applicable Forest land and resource management plan prepared under the National Forest Management Act and 36 CFR 219.
3. Proposed use will not create a serious and substantial risk to public health or safety.
4. Proposed use will not create an exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy.
5. Proposed use will not unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative uses of the Forest Service or with other scheduled or authorized existing uses on or adjacent to NFS lands.
6. Proposed use does not involve a proponent with an outstanding debt owed to the Forest Service under terms and conditions of a prior or existing authorization.
7. Proposed use does not involve gambling or sexually oriented commercial services.
8. Proposed use does not involve military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals.
9. Proposed use does not involve disposal of solid waste or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances.

If the proposal fails to meet any of the initial screening criteria, it will be rejected without further consideration.

If a proposed use passes initial screening, the Forest Service will provide the proponent with guidance on how to proceed with the approval process, including information concerning potential land use conflicts, processing timeframes, environmental and management concerns, administrative fees, anticipated land use rental, and approvals that must be obtained from other Federal, state, or local agencies. The proponent is responsible for providing studies or other documentation needed by the authorized officer to complete the environmental analysis process and is also responsible for costs incurred in obtaining that information.

The proponent may be asked to submit additional information to allow the Forest Service to further consider

the proposed use, such as identification of other Federal, state, and private lands affected by the proposed use and any other agencies that have licensing or regulatory authority over the proposed use; identification of the resource affected, anticipated improvements, and method of operation when construction is complete; or construction phases and their estimated starting and completion dates.

A proponent must provide sufficient information about a project or activity to enable the authorized officer to determine its feasibility, location, public benefits, and other contributing information to determine if the proposal meets the following criteria:

1. Proposed use is consistent and compatible with the purposes for which lands are managed, or with other uses.
2. Proposed use is in the public interest.
3. Proponent is qualified.
4. Proponent has or can demonstrate the technical or economic feasibility, or financial or technical capability to undertake the use and comply with the terms and conditions of the authorization.
5. There is a person or entity to sign and/or willing to accept responsibility for the authorization.

Temporary Use Permits are billed a set fee of $150 per 50 service days unless certain gross revenue levels are exceeded (see table below). Permittees will be billed upon approval of the temporary use permit. Payment will be required before the permit is issued, based on the following schedule.