Outfitter-Guide
The role of commercial outfitters and guides on national forests and grasslands is to provide specialized knowledge, skills, experience and equipment that general recreationists might not otherwise possess. This contributes to high quality opportunities for people to recreate on public lands regardless of their skill level or prior experience.
Resources for Outfitters and Guides
Outfitter-guides should:
- Provide for outfitting and guiding services that address concerns of public health and safety and that foster successful small businesses consistent with the applicable land management plan.
- Facilitate greater participation of youth and educational groups in their program.
- Be skilled and experienced individuals and conduct their activities in a manner that protects environmental resources and ensures that national forest visitors receive high-quality services.
Reviewing the following definitions, found in 36 CFR 251.51, may help you decide whether or not your activity needs an Outfitter and Guide permit:
Commercial use or activity - any use or activity on National Forest System lands (a) where an entry or participation fee is charged, or (b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit. Noncommercial - means that neither of the above conditions apply.
Guiding - Providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) for pecuniary remuneration or other gain to individuals or groups on National Forest System lands. The term "guide" includes the holder's employees and agents.
Outfitting - Renting on or delivering to National Forest System lands for pecuniary remuneration or other gain any saddle or pack animal, vehicle, boat, camping gear, or similar supplies or equipment. The term "outfitter" includes the holder's employees and agents.
To start the permit application process, review and submit all documents specified in the Outfitter-Guide Checklist to SM.FS.ARPRecSpUses@usda.gov.
If you will be outfitting or guiding on the National Forest for one year or less, a temporary outfitter-guide permit may be the right fit. See below for more information.
To promote efficiencies associated with the timely submittal and review of proposals made to use National Forest System lands on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland for temporary Outfitting/Guiding and Recreation Events the following timeframes are followed by the ARP:
*Summer Uses
- 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 Uses
- 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).
*Required information for all applications include completed application form, a completed operating plan to include but is not limited to proposed use; itinerary including pricing; maps with trails, access and site specific information, certificate of Good Standing with the State of Colorado, First-Aid CPR certifications and adequate insurance. Outfitter Guide Checklist. Submit all requirements to SM.FS.ARPRecSpUses@usda.gov.
If group activities span multiple Ranger Districts or National Forests, proponents will need to work with each Ranger District or National Forest separately. Also, for efficiency and coordination purposes, each event or group must only have one contact person working directly with specified Forest Service contacts.
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