Recreation Events
Recreation Event 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)
Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; jeep rallies; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; adventure games; youth treks; wagon trains; concerts; and other similar events.
A permit is required for these types of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.
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 Stanislaus 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 (doc)].
- Do not permit use of Waiver of Liability forms [Sample (doc)] 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.
Fees
The fee is five percent (5%) of adjusted gross receipts (gross revenue less cost to holder of prizes awarded) for one-time events and three percent (3%) for multiple events under a single permit. The minimum fee varies year to year, please contact a local ranger district office to verify current year fee.
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 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 in the event.
The Holder must provide receipts to verify costs of all merchandise prizes and trophies.
Donated prizes cannot be deducted from Gross Revenue.
Application Materials
If you have carefully reviewed all of the program requirements above and would like your activity to be considered for a recreation event permit, you will need to submit the following application materials:
- Cover Letter providing a brief description of what your application includes and what you are proposing
- Application and Operating Plan
- Certificate of Insurance
How to Submit Your Application
Beginning on January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Stanislaus National Forest will accept completed applications for permit requests on National Forest System lands and waters twice per year by the following deadlines:
- Summer/Fall events and operating seasons (after June 1st and before November 1st)
- Submit applications until February 15th
- Winter/Spring events and operating seasons (after November 1st and before May 31st)
- Submit applications until August 15th
Applications will be date-stamped and evaluated in the order they were received. Once applications have been sent to SM.FS.R5StanPermit@usda.gov a Special Uses Permit Administrator will be assigned to your case to discuss the proposal’s nature, the agency’s evaluation guidelines, and any applicable laws and regulations. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the initial review of your application package. An application without sufficient information may be denied at any stage of the screening process, with or without the option of resubmitting the application. Fully completed applications must be submitted via email or at the Supervisor’s Office at the following addresses:
Email applications to:
Mail applications to:
Stanislaus National Forest19777 Greenley Road Sonora, CA 95370Attn: Special Uses