Event/Commercial Permits
Permits may be required for both commercial and non-commercial events, please contact a local District Office for more information.
Times when you may need a special use permit include:
- Non-commercial use group use. This is an activity that involves 75 or more people where an entry or participation fee is not charged. This can include events such as weddings, family reunions, church services, camping trips, hikes and/or music festivals.
- Commercial Recreation Events, regardless of the number of participants. This can include dogsled, bicycle, motocross or triathlon type races, jeep rallies, fishing contests, adventure games, youth treks or concerts.
- Filming and commercial photography.
- Outfitting and Guiding: this includes spotting vehicles, transporting persons and providing equipment, supplies and services.
- Utility rebuilds: this can include realignment or reconstruction of existing authorized utilities, substantial line clearing.
- Research permits
- Continued permitted uses of an expiring special use permit.
Please contact your local Forest Service office to apply for a special use permit. 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.
Ottawa National Forest Outfitter and Guide Permit Process
There are many types of outfitted services provided on National Forest lands; traditionally they included fishing and hunting. Today the opportunities are highly diverse and include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, mountain biking, dog sledding, jeep or OHV touring, and many others.
Educational groups such as: schools, universities, YMCA’s and church camps, are also frequently considered outfitters. The Forest Service administers approximately 5,000 permits of this nature nationally. The agency recognizes that outfitting and guiding is increasing in importance as the public’s desire to use federal lands has also increased. The US Forest Service encourages use by increasingly diverse and urban populations, many of whom may lack the equipment and skills necessary in the outdoors. Therefore, agency policy has been revised to reflect the public’s demand for services while incorporating standard business practices and sustaining the natural environment in which these activities occur.
Permit Process
A flat land use fee for temporary use permits has been established and is as follows:
| Number of Service Days | Flat Fee | Max Gross Revenue for Each Bracket of Service Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 50 | $150 | $10,000 |
| 51 to 100 | $300 | $20,000 |
| 101 to 150 | $450 | $30,000 |
| 151 to 200 | $600 | $40,000 |
A Service Day constitutes a day or part of any day on National Forest System lands for which an outfitter or guide provides services to a client. The total number of service days is calculated by multiplying each service day by the number of clients on the trip.
- Participation in permitted outfitting and guiding by all forest users including educational, and religious groups is encouraged
- The Forest Service requires proof of liability insurance for all outfitter and guides.
- $25,000 for injury or death to one person per occurrence,
- $500,000 for injury or death to more than one person per occurrence, and
- $500,000 for third-party property damage, per occurrence.
- Permits are temporary for a period of 180 days.
- The permit does not allow exclusive use of Forest Service lands by the permit holder.
Ottawa Process
- Application deadlines for bear hunting must be received by July 30th.
- Application deadlines for deer and upland game seasons must be received by September 30th.
- All other applications may be received at any time.
- ATVs must remain on designated routes and trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs a Permit?
Any individual, business, outdoor organization, interpretive venture, or educational group, providing commercial outfitting or guiding services on National Forest System lands, whether or not the primary aim is to produce a profit.
How is the process initiated?
Prospective outfitters and guides should first discuss their ideas with the responsible Forest Service officer in the area where they propose to conduct their operations.
USFS Contact: Randi Ellsworth
Natural Resources Specialist
Email: sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov
Phone: (906) 358-4020
The prospective outfitter/guide will be asked to submit their proposal in writing using Form FS-2700-3F, “Special Use Application & Temporary Permit for Outfitting and Guiding”. The proposal needs to be very clear and concise in the explanation of the proposed use, area and season of use, typical clientele and amount of use requested. Additional information may be requested by the forest official.
State and County Laws
One of the terms and conditions of an Outfitter/Guide permit is that all other federal, state, county and city laws must be adhered to. Different states have different requirements in order to commercially guide. Prospective guides should check with their State and local government for laws that would pertain to them. If a permit holder does not comply with all other laws, it can be reason for revocation of their permit.
Unauthorized outfitting and guiding activities or any commercial activities are strictly prohibited on National Forest System Lands as per federal laws and regulations. Operating on National Forests Lands without a permit is punishable up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.