Permits
Before you plan an activity on national forest lands, please check whether or not you need a permit or pass. Many of the facilities and services are free; however, some activities require fees or permits to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities that you enjoy.The majority of the recreation fees collected stay on the forest and go right back into improving the recreational opportunities visitors use and value the most - campgrounds, developed day use sites, boat ramps, trails, and much more.
Recreation Permits
The Forest Service may require recreation permits when extra measures are needed to protect natural or cultural resources, to restrict the number of people participating in the activity at any one time, to provide extra safety or for other specialized services. These permits may be issued to individuals as “Special Recreation Permits.” Examples are:
- Off-highway vehicle riding
- Boating on designated Wild and Scenic Rivers
- Rock climbing
- Wilderness areas that have limited access
- Shooting ranges
- Groomed cross-country ski trails
Special Use Permits:
Before a special use proposal is approved, the agency must determine that the proposed use complies with the Forest's land and resource management plan; that National Environmental Policy Act requirements are met; there is a demonstrated need for the activity on National Forest System lands; and the use is appropriate on National Forest System lands.
None of the existing special use authorities provide for permanent use of National Forest System lands.
Special use permits for firewood, road access, etc. may be obtained by contacting the appropriate Ranger District Office for more details and information about how to obtain a permit.
Special Use Permits grant certain rights or privileges to occupy and use a specific area. These permits contain specific terms and conditions that the permit holder must follow. They are issued to profit and non-profit organizations and include:
- Group activities that have 75 or more people
- If a fee is collected for the activity or income is derived from the use
- Outfitting and guiding
- Recreation events, such as weddings, family reunions and bicycle races
- Need to occupy, use, or build on forest service land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term
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For information about permits required to conduct business on national forests, please visit Special Uses.
Forest Products Permits
Prior to removing forest products for personal use from National Forest System lands, visitors are required to purchase a forest products permit. These permits must be purchased in person at a Forest Service office. The availability of forest products varies by location. Like other forest resources, they must be carefully managed to protect and ensure a lasting supply for the future. Permits are issued for many products and a minimal fee may be charged. Contact a local district office first for a listing of available products. Remember, all commercial uses or removal of products on public lands requires a permit.
Ginseng Collection Special Permits
The National Forests in Alabama are not currently issuing collection permits for American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). The policy and federal regulations found in FSM 2409.18_87 and 36 CFR 223.219 direct forests to issue and manage permits for Special Forest Products (including Forest Botanical Products) in an ecologically sustainable manner. Therefore, collection permits are only issued for plant products when the collection and associated actions will not jeopardize the viability of the species and/or its populations. Past botanical surveys and monitoring efforts on the National Forests in Alabama have indicated that there are not sufficient numbers of American ginseng plants available to offer collection at this time in a sustainable manner.
Hunting Season Permit
Hunting in the National Forests in Alabama requires a current season permit. You'll need a valid state hunting license, and if hunting in a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), you'll also need a WMA license and map permit. You can obtain these permits from the Alabama Department of Conservation or visit the Outdoor Alabama website.