Contracting

The Huron-Manistee National Forests are accepting applications for outfitting and guiding special use permits through a competitive selection process, or prospectus.

Up to nine permits for guided fishing on the Manistee River from National Forest System river access sites may be available through this prospectus. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. (EST) on March 9, 2026.

Applicants must submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of their applications and supporting documents to the forest’s contact listed in the prospectus.

If you have questions, please contact the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station (before Feb. 13, 2026) at (231) 848-7090, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EST).

Supplemental info and Prospectus

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the permit application open only to people with existing permits or is it open to anyone?

All applicants have an equal opportunity to apply. Any individual or entity may apply, except for members of Congress, Resident Commissioners and current USDA Forest Service employees. Please refer to page 9 of the prospectus.

For existing guides, would this be a “new tag” or additional usage added to their existing tag?

This would be a new tag (additional vessel authorized on the Manistee River). Successful applicants with existing special use permits on the HMNFs may receive a permit amendment or may be issued a new priority use permit to reflect this. Please refer to page 7 of the prospectus.

Do I have to pick an application at the Ranger Station or is there an online link to download it?

Interested applicants can access and download the prospectus by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/working-with-us/contracting. The prospectus contains instructions for applying.

Can the application be mailed to interested applicants?

No. The prospectus is available to the public for download or printing from our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/working-with-us/contracting. The HMNFs will not be mailing the prospectus to interested applicants.

Does the prospectus special use permit allow access for all federal launches?

No. The prospectus Special Use Permit is for National Forest System launches on the Manistee River including Rainbow Bend, Bear Creek, Blacksmith Bayou, High Bridge and Red Bridge. Please refer to Appendix 1 – Vicinity and Area Map.

Is there an advantage to applying sooner?

No, there is no advantage to applying early. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated following the close of the application period at 4 p.m. (EST) on March 9, 2026.

What is the best way to prepare the application package for submission? Do I need to print and fill out by hand or is there a way I can type the information into the application?

The prospectus must be downloaded and edited using a Portable Document Format (.pdf) editing software, such as Adobe, to type information electronically into the application, or converted into a Microsoft Office Word document (.docx), or similar file type to input information, which allows for copying and pasting of text.

Applicants must submit one hard copy of their application and one electronic copy saved on a USB drive.

For application instructions, please refer to Section V. - Application on page 8 of the prospectus.

Is being an existing guide, with only one permit, an advantage?

All applications will be evaluated by the criteria described on page 11 of the prospectus. 

Can someone review my application before I submit? 

No, the Forest Service will not review applications prior to submission. Applicants should contact the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station (before Feb. 13, 2026) at (231) 848-7090, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EST)., regarding any questions related to this prospectus.

 If selected, what are annual fees? 

Final fee determination is based on the permit holder’s actual, annual gross revenue. Please refer to Appendix 9: Operations and Safety Plan, pages 3 to 4 of the prospectus. 

 How are applicants selected? 

The applicant(s) selected shall be those whose proposed activities best meet the public and agency’s need and those best qualified to operate and maintain these public services based on, but not limited to, the submitted application package. Please refer to pages 10 to12 of the prospectus .

Is the permit limit per site or a total number? 

The nine special use authorizations (permits) limit applies to the entire offering, not per site. Please refer to page 4 of the prospectus.

How do I present startup costs in the business plan for a more recently established business? 

If your business is already established, your startup costs for conducting business in the offering area may be lower. Appendix 10: Business Plan and Financial Resources, Section E addresses specific business-related start-up costs or continuation of business. 

Is the business plan just referring to business conducted within the permit area or should it include my business in other areas too. 

The business plan should address operations in the offering area only. Use the answer fields in Section 1 - The Business to describe your specific business situation. 

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