Special Use Permits

A special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, term permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest System lands. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.

Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a Special Use Authorization can sometimes be a lengthy process. Please coordinate early with the District where you would like to operate.

• NOTE: It is important to know that not all proponents will 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.

A permit is required when you are asking for special privileges on National Forest land. Examples include gatherings of 75 people or more, operating a business such as an outfitting or guiding service, using the Forest for financial gain, occuping a recreation residence, and commercial filming. The use may be for a one-day event such as a wedding or bicycle race, or for up to 40 years such as a ski resort permit.

1. If you will need to occupy, use, or build on National Forest System lands for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
2. If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
3. If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

The permit you need is determined by the use you are planning.

• Research Permit: If you would you like to perform research on the national forest.
• Outfitter and Guiding Permit: If you would like to lead organized trips for a business.
• Commercial Filming Permit: If you would like to do commercial filming or photography.
• Recreation Residence Permit: If you are purchasing a recreation residence on national forest land.
• Recreation Event Permit or a Non-Commercial Group Use Permit: If you would like to have an event on national forest land.
• All other Special Uses: Land uses including utilities, water transmission, road permits, signs / monuments, resort permit amendments, current use permit amendments, communication sites, recreation residence improvements. Submit all proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations. SF-299 form (pdf)

Prior to issuance of a special use permit, it must be determined if the activity is commercial or non-commercial.

A commercial use or activity on NFS land occurs when:

• An applicant intends to charge an entry or participation fee that are mandatory for participation, 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 staff or leader of the activity.
  • If commercial, a Recreation Event Permit (page link) is required. 

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.)

• A noncommercial, involving more than 75 people (participants and spectators) requires a Non-Commercial Group Use Permit (page link). (Fees, insurance and bonding are exempted by regulation.)
• If noncommercial, involving less than 75 people (participants and spectators) a permit is not mandatory, but could be desirable to manage the event and associated public conflicts. (Fees, insurance and bonding are exempted by regulation.)

1. Your request must be consistent with laws, regulations, orders, policies of NFS lands, other federal laws, and applicable State and local health and sanitation laws.
2. Your request must be consistent or made consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable Land and Resource Management Plan.
3. Your request must not pose serious or substantial risk to public health or safety.
4. Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy.
5. Your request does not unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative uses, other scheduled or authorized existing uses, or use of adjacent non-NFS lands.
6. The proponent must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior or existing special-use authorization.
7. No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services can be authorized on NFS land, even if permitted under state law.
8. No military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals can be authorized on NFS land, unless it is federally funded.
9. No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NFS land.

Cost Recovery Fees

The modification is based on Congressional direction to develop a program to improve administration of the agency's special use program.  Under the 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. Cost Recovery - Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

These fees are separate from any fees charged for the use and occupancy of NFS lands. Cost Recovery fees only apply to recreation permits if the permit processing time is more than 50 hours, (For example: Outfitter and Guide Permits and Recreation Events Permits).

Land Use Fees

This is an annual rental fee based on the fair market value for the uses authorized and is payable in advance. Fees are established by appraisal or other sound business management principles.

Other Associated Costs

You may be responsible for providing information and reports necessary to determine the feasibility and environmental impacts of your proposal; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and terms and conditions to be included in the authorization.

Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a Special Use Authorization can sometimes be a lengthy process.  It is important to note not all proponent's will receive approval for 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 is against the law.

• Submit ALL proposals and applications at least 180 days ahead of your intended start of operations.
• All proposals and applications will be date-stamped when received and processed in order of receipt.
• Submit proposals/applications or questions to the District Special Uses Administrator. See Offices for contact information.