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About Special Use Permits

Special use authorizations provide use of National Forest System lands for a wide variety of activities. Authorizations are issued to commercial and non-commercial operations which provide use of and access to these lands. Permits are also issued for private, non-exclusive use. Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a special use authorization can sometimes be a lengthy process. In order to facilitate this process, coordinate early with the District where you would like to operate.

Not all proponents receive a permit, therefore any action taken before receiving a special use authorization, such as advertising or expending funds, is premature and at the proponent's risk.

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.

There are some areas on the Forests where special policies apply, including but not limited to:

  • Point Iroquois Light House

Special use activities can be divided into Non-commercial and Commercial uses. Specific information for several types of uses (e.g., Non-Commercial Recreation Events, Commercial Photography and Filming, Outfitters and Guides, Transportation, and Energy Permits) is provided below.

Deadlines

The following deadlines apply to all permits except energy, wind, pipeline, transmission lines, rights-of-way, electrical easements, utility lines, wells or holding tanks, etc.  If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, then applications are due by 5 p.m. eastern the previous business day.

  • SUMMER/FALL USES (occurring between June 1 and October 31) -- Application deadline February 15 of the same year.
  • WINTER/SPRING USES (occurring between November 1 and May 31) -- Application deadline July 15 of the earlier year.

Non-Commercial Group Use Application

A non-commercial group use is a use or activity that involves a group of 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators, where an entry or participation fee is not charged, and the primary purpose is not the sale of a goods or service. Some examples of noncommercial group uses are weddings, church services, endurance rides, regattas, camping trips, hikes, music festivals, rallies, graduations, and races.

  • National Page: For additional discussion, see this page.

Transportation Permits

For certain commercial and non-commercial uses roads on national forest system lands (e.g., commercial use on open roads, use on roads not open to the general public for motorized use, use of roads/driveways across NFS land to access private property).

Commercial Uses

A use is considered commercial when:

  • An applicant intends to charge an entry or participation fee, 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 leader of the activity.

Commercial Recreation Events 

Recreation events are commercial activities requiring temporary, authorized use of NFS land. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks; concerts; and other similar events.

A permit is required for these types of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.

Commercial Photography and Filming 

The Forest Service permits commercial filming and still photography on public lands. Commercial filming: The use of any motion picture, videotaping, sound-recording, or any other type of moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest System (NFS) lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale, or the use of actors, models, sets or props. However, this does not include broadcasting breaking news. Commercial still photography: The use of photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies on NFS lands that:

  • Takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely, or
  • Uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.

When is a Commercial Photography or Filming permit required?

  • A permit is required for all commercial filming activities on National Forest System lands except those involving breaking news.
  • A permit is required for all still photography activities on National Forest System lands that involve the use of models, sets or props that are not a part of the natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities of the site where the activity is occurring.
  • A permit may be required for still photography activities not involving models, sets, or props when the Forest Service incurs additional administrative costs as a direct result of the activity or when the activity takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed.
  • Application Form: Standard Form-299 Permit Application

Outfitters and Guides

Outfitting and Guiding is all commercial outfitting operations 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.

When is an Outfitting and Guiding permit required?

  • A permit is required when the outfitting/guiding operation is conducted on National Forest System (NFS) lands or waters. Outfitting and guiding services range from hunting, fishing, canoeing trips to dogsledding, snowmobiling, and hiking tours, to name a few. Outfitters based off NFS lands that rent and deliver equipment to the public on NFS lands must obtain a permit if they, their employees, or agents occupy or use NFS lands or waters in connection with their rental programs.

Energy Permits 

For uses related to energy, wind, pipeline, transmission lines, rights-of-way, electrical easements, utility lines, wells or holding tanks, etc.

Last updated April 2nd, 2025

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