Special Use Permits
Groups and individuals frequently ask for special uses of forest land in Missouri. The Forest Service must always weigh whether the proposed use is compatible with the values that make the national forest an irreplaceable forest – including plants, animals, beauty, clean air and water, recreation opportunities, and forest products.
Who Do I Contact For a Permit/More Information
Contact the Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor's Office or email sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
More information can also be found on our National Website.
Types of special use/event permits
Non-commercial group use. This is an activity that involves 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. Examples include weddings, family reunions, church services, camping trips, hikes, and music festivals.
Commercial recreation events, regardless of the number of participants. Examples include dogsled, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon type races, jeep rallies, fishing contests, adventure games, youth treks, and concerts.
Filming and commercial photography.
Outfitting and guiding. This includes spotting vehicles, transporting persons, and providing equipment, supplies and services.
Utility rebuilds. Examples include realignment or reconstruction of existing authorized utilities, substantial line clearing.
Research permits
Continued permitted uses of an expiring special use permit.
Easement and Land Use Permits - this can include roads, right-of-ways and other types of land use. See below for Road Use Permits information.
How Long Does Taking a Special Use Permit Take?
Most permits require at least 90 days to be processed, sometimes more depending on how complex the permit is.
Applicants for special-use permits should note that the permitting process can, depending on the request, be time-consuming. It may require multi-step National Forest Management Act analysis and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, and ultimately may not be approved.
The Forest Service will evaluate special-use applicants to see if they are in the public interest. At a minimum, these proposals should be
- Consistent with Forest Plan management area objectives, standards, and desired future conditions
- Consistent with other applicable Federal, State, and local statutes and regulations
- Not be undertaken on national forest land if they can be reasonably accommodated on private land.
What Information Do I Need to Provide?
Please contact your local Forest Service office for an application form. Information required for application includes
- proposed use,
- timeframe,
- a map of the location,
- and reason why the use cannot be accommodated on Non-Federal lands.
Permit holders with recurring uses (permits issued for more than one year) must submit annually-required information to the Forest Service (annual operating plan, insurance, etc.) by the date specified in their permit.