Special Uses
Permits are required for any activity that may alter the forest or its natural and cultural resources in any way. A special-use permit allows you to use the National Forest in certain ways outlined in the permit. There are over 100 special-use types.
The most common are:
- Outfitter and Guiding
- Commercial Photography
- Filming
- Recreation activities
- Easements
- Road and utility right of ways
- Events
- Group Use of +75 People (i.e. Gatherings, Weddings, Parties.)
- Water transmission
- Agriculture
- Telcommunications
- Research
Do I Need a Special-Use Permit?
You'll need a permit if you plan to do any of the following:
- Occupy, use, or build on Forest Service land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
- Charge a fee or generate income from your forest use?
- Hold an activity for 75 or more participants or spectators. Examples are events, gatherings, parties, weddings, sport competitions, races, etc.
You will also need a permit if any of the following apply:
- Use models, sets or props that are not part of the site already.
- Take place where members of the public are not generally allowed. (An example would be an area closed to the public to protect wildlife.)
- Take place at a location where additional administrative costs are likely. (Ex. Sites so popular with photographers the Forest Service is required to regulate use.)
Want to Learn More or Apply?
There are more than 74,000 authorizations for over 180 types of uses on National Forests. Each year we review thousands of applications. We do not recommend delaying if you are interested in applying for a permit.
| Who to Contact | Type of Information | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Office | For more about the permit types, application process and to download forms. | Forms and Procedures |
| Lincoln National Forest Office | Contact us to arrange a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal. | Contact us |
| Lincoln National Forest Outfitter/Guide Operating Plan | Annual Operating Form |