Skip to main content

Special Use

Special use permits are required for commercial and non-commercial use of National Forest Service lands.

Applying for a Special Use Permit with the Forest Service

Event/Commercial Permits on Monongahela National Forest

Proposals will be processed within 120 days, or the proponent notified if an extended timeline is necessary. Applications requiring environmental review may take 3-6 months to approve, so plan ahead.

Contact your local Forest Service Office as early as possible to apply or get more information about the following recreation and lands special uses:

  • 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. Must be received at least 72 hours in advance of the proposed activity.
  • Commercial recreation events, regardless of the number of participants. Examples include bicycle, foot, or triathlon type races, jeep rallies with fees or prizes, 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.
  • Utilities. Examples include realignment, reconstruction, or substantial clearing of existing authorized utilities, or new installation, maintenance, and use of utilities such as water, electric, or sewer.
  • Research permits
  • Continued permitted uses of an expiring special use permit.
  • Communication Uses including Wireless and Broadband/Fiberoptic

Getting a Special Use Permit

Please contact your local Forest Service office for the appropriate 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, inspection, etc.) by the date specified in their permit.

Please contact the Forest Service office in your area for additional information.

Last updated March 6th, 2025

Return to top