Special Use Permits
The Umpqua National Forest is temporarily unable to process any new temporary outfitter guide permit proposals. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Applicants are still encouraged to submit applications. These will be reviewed and processed as soon as possible.
A special use permit is required when requesting special privileges on National Forest land. Examples include gatherings of 75 people or more, operating a business, using the forest for personal or commercial financial gain and commercial filming. All special use permit applications and related questions should be sent to SM.FS.ump_su@usda.gov
What is a Special Use Authorization?
A Special Use Authorization is a document that grants rights or privileges of occupancy or use subject to specified terms and conditions. You may need a special use permit on National Forest lands if:
- You are planning a very large activity or gathering, such as a race, a wedding or family reunion (groups of 75 people or more).
- A fee is being charged and income derived from for a service
- You need to occupy, use, or construct any improvement for personal or business purposes.
Examples of Special Uses Requiring an Authorization
The Umpqua National Forest is home to 102 recreation residences located in the Diamond Lake Recreation Residence Tract. They are privately-owned homes and associated improvements located on National Forest lands, are issued to individuals, married couples or the trustee of an approved family trust, and are maintained by the occupant for personal, family, and guest enjoyment. Only one permit may be issued to a single family (spouses and dependent children).
The land use fee is determined by an appraisal of the location of each cabin. All recreation residences on the Umpqua National Forest fall within tiers 1-3 on the National Recreation Residence Fee schedule. Fees are increased each year, based on changes to the Gross Domestic Product-Implicit Price Deflator.
The Forest Service does not issue new authorizations for lots where cabins are not already constructed. Those interested in owning a recreation residence should consult local real estate agents.
Recreation events are annual, semi-annual, or one-time temporary events, such as races, runs, rides, and tournaments, and for which an entrance fee is required. Event applicants may be individuals, for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. Recreation events will not be approved in Wilderness.
Applicants are responsible for organizing and funding all aspects of the event including safety, communication, parking, signing, garbage clean-up and removal, restroom facilities, accommodating other public use, protection of natural resources and any needed restoration. These details should be explained in an operating plan. Detailed maps and schedules for the event will expedite processing. Proof of insurance will be required at least 30 days prior to the event, and operating plans at least 60 days prior to the event.
Approval from and coordination with state or county road managers is required for use of roads covered under existing easements across National Forest lands. Special signage to notify and protect drivers and other travelers and may be required. Events held on bodies of water should involve consultation with the Oregon State Marine Board. If requested in advance by the applicant, food and merchandise vendors may be individually approved.
Fees will be charged prior to the event based on estimated revenue and related costs. A post-use fee will be assessed after the event, based on actual gross revenue for the event, and will include any related vendor revenue. Land use fees are 5% of adjusted gross revenue for one-time events and 3% for multiple events under one permit (adjusted gross revenue is the gross revenue less the cost to the permittee of prizes awarded). More information on special use authorization fees may be found here.
Outfitter guide operations include “all commercial outfitting operations (even non-profit entities) involving services for accommodating guests, transporting persons and providing equipment, supplies and materials. It also includes commercial guiding activities wherein the guide furnishes personal services or serves as a leader or teacher.” Common examples include but are not limited to river rafting, fishing, hunting, biking and hiking services. A current list of outfitter guides authorized to operate on the Umpqua National Forest may be found here.
In addition to a completed application form and map of the proposed permit area (or areas), a detailed business plan should be submitted which should include background, proposed services, a description of proposed locations, the expected season of use, equipment to be provided, transportation methods, proposed fees, an evaluation of public need for this service, safety practices and a comparison with any similar existing services already under a special use permit. A trip itinerary must be submitted and approved by a Forest Service line officer, and the fee for that season paid prior to beginning operations.
A flat fee is charged for temporary outfitter guide permits, based on the amount of use. Successful and profitable completion of two temporary permit seasons may result in consideration for a 10-year priority-use authorization. These fees are 3% of adjusted gross revenue (gross revenue less the cost of certain licenses and the sale of certain operating equipment), with an estimated land use fee charged prior to operations each year. The Explore Act will change how fees may be charged for this type of use. Implementation is underway, and these fees will be modified accordingly.
In addition to a special use permit, businesses in Oregon must be registered with the Oregon Secretary of State and licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board. Insurance is required for all outfitter guide services.
Most filming, photography, and audio recording on the Umpqua National Forest does not require a permit. No permit is required if the activity is incidental to or documenting an allowed activity or event (such as a family reunion or authorized recreation event).
Additionally, no permit is needed for groups of five or fewer using handheld equipment in public areas, provided the activity does not require exclusive use, cause resource damage, or result in additional administrative costs.
Film and photo permits are required according to a project’s potential effects and unique requirements, rather than its commercial or noncommercial status.
To determine if filming and photography on the Umpqua National Forest require an authorization, please refer to the Forest Service Filming and Photography Guidelines.
Contact our Permit Administrators at SM.FS.ump_su@usda.gov with any questions or to learn if you may need to apply for a permit or if you qualify for an administrative use authorization.
These uses may include but are not limited to:
- Water, electrical or sewer utilities
- Concessionaires
- Communications (such as towers, radio equipment, telecommunications infrastructure or fiber line)
- Right-of-way permits and easements
- Service buildings
- Research studies
- US military training areas (such as ROTC or National Guard)
- Archaeological studies (disturbing use)
- Waterlines
Due to the complex nature of these uses, please contact the Forest as soon as possible to discuss applications, billing, environmental concerns, specialist review and other permitting procedures.
Submitting Your Proposal
Your proposal should follow these guidelines.
Authorizations and permittees must also:
- Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Abide by the Umpqua National Forest Plan
- Not endanger public health or safety
- Not owe any delinquent debts to the Forest Service
Cost Recovery Fees
These fees recover some agency costs for processing applications and monitoring authorized uses. They are separate from one-time or annual fees charged for the use of National Forest 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). More information on cost recovery fees may be found here.
Land Use Fees
One-time or annual rent fees paid in advance after applications are approved for authorized uses. Fees are established by agency policy, are based on the fair-market value, linear right-of-way or acreage of land used and will vary by use type. More information on special use authorization fees may be found here.
Other Associated Costs
Depend on the use requested, you may be responsible for providing documentation of the feasibility and potential environmental impacts of your proposal. Some uses will require proof of insurance, listing the government as “additionally insured”. Structures and other improvements may be subject to review and approval from the appropriate county offices for each location.