Recreation Events

*The Inyo National Forest is unable to accept, and process, any NEW temporary outfitters/guides, research or recreation event proposals. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, we are in the process of developing a solution and will provide updates as possible. *

Recreation special use permits are authorizations issued by the Forest Service to conduct commercial recreation activities on National Forest system lands. A commercial recreational use or activity is defined as:

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. (36CFR 251.51)

Recreation events are usually short term in nature and can include organized events such as animal, running, biking races; concerts; fishing contests; adventure games; and fairs. A permit is required for these types of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.

Submitting Requests

Submit all proposals and applications no fewer than 180 days ahead of the intended start of operations.

Submit proposal package to the Inyo National Forest special uses inbox at SM.FS.InyoSpecUses@usda.gov.

Recreation Event FAQ

Application and Operating Plan

Fee Worksheet

Insurance and Bonds

A specific legal entity must be identified as the permit holder. A performance bonds may be required when needed to ensure return of the site to a satisfactory condition. Permit holders are required to furnish or arrange for appropriate liability insurance, law enforcement, crowd control, safety, and sanitation.

Waivers and Acknowledgement of Risk Forms

Insurance companies often require that their policy holders use Waivers of Liability and/or Acknowledgement of Risk forms. Even when not an insurance company requirement, special use authorization holders frequently require that their customers sign one or both of these forms before participating in an activity provided by the holder. The Inyo National Forest will be complying with the following policy direction:

Appropriately worded Acknowledgement of Risk forms required by insurance companies or special use authority holders are acceptable [Sample].
Do not permit use of Waiver of Liability forms [Sample] except for high-risk recreation events, such as enduros, road rallies, equestrian events, hang-gliding contests, and so forth. Many of the forms used for these purposes are unacceptable, because they would have the participant release the U.S. Government from liability for its own negligence. This conflicts with the intent of Congress in the Federal Tort Claims Act, which makes the Federal Government liable for the negligence of its officers and employees acting within the course and scope of their employment. Additionally, these forms may be at variance with state law.

We will not be allowing these forms for guiding where there is a guide in full custody and control of their clients.

Event Fee

The fee is 5% of adjusted gross receipts (gross revenue less cost to holder of prizes awarded) for one-time events and 3 percent for multiple events under a single permit. The minimum fee is $62.63 per event.

Gross Revenue includes all of the following:

Event Charges: Fees charged to participate in the event and/or fees charged to spectators to view the event, if applicable.
Vendor Fees/Sales: Includes, but not limited to, sales from concession stands, raffles booths, etc. Only include vendors that are located on NFS Lands.
Discounts: Portion of fees that either the participants, spectators, or sponsors were not required to pay.
Gratuities: The value of privileges that are not available to the general public and that are donated or provided without charge to the organization or individuals. For example, but not limited to, a fee entry ($500) to the race for a European Bike Team.
Sponsorship Fees: A fee each sponsor pays in order to be a part of the event and/or to advertise their product(s) such as, but not limited to, shoes, boats, etc. For example, but not limited to, a sponsor such as Nike or Bass Boat Company, etc. pays the permit Holder $100 to place their product in the event area, or an advertising banner in the vendor area. Only include those that are located on NFS lands.

Prizes: "A reward for victory or superiority, as in a contest or competition." (Random House Dictionary). Prizes include:

Cash prizes awarded.
Cost of merchandise prizes, such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Cost of trophies.

Prizes are not souvenirs such as, but not limited to, T-shirts, ball caps, socks, pens, tote bags, etc. given to all participants entered into the event. The Holder must provide receipts to verify costs of all merchandise prizes and trophies. Donated prizes cannot be deducted from Gross Revenue.

Cost Recovery Fees

The cost recovery fees cover the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing the permit. If the permit takes more than 50 hours to process or monitor these fees apply.

Area Specific Requirements for Commercial Recreation Events

Mono Lake South Tufa interpretive site: general use is limited to established trails and boardwalks.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: general use is restricted to the hours of 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Research Natural Areas: recreation events will not be authorized within Research Natural Areas.
Mt. Whitney: competitive events are not allowed in congressionally designated Wilderness.
Hotcreek Geological Site: safety restrictions prohibit entering the fenced enclosure or areas that are closed. No camping.

Water Events: Quagga and Zebra Mussel Inspections

To prevent the spread of invasive mussels, any vessels that have been in infested waters within six months of arrival to Inyo or Mono County waters must be declared and be subject to inspection prior to launching. For fishing tournaments or other water-based events, the permit holder must certify in writing to the Forest Service prior to the event, that all participants acknowledge these terms and agree to comply with these terms. Failure to comply with the terms of this permit will result in immediate termination of the permit and may jeopardize issuance of future permits.

Current information and listing of infested waters can be found on the California conservation website. https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Quagga-Mussels