What are special-use authorizations?
A special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, term permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of agency land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.
When do I need a special-use permit?
- If you will need to occupy, use or build on Forest Service land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
- If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
- If an activity on those lands land involve individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.
Are there forms I need to complete?
The agency has a variety of application forms based on your need.
Is my proposal appropriate?
- Your request must be consistent with current agency laws, regulations, orders and policies, other federal laws, and applicable state and local health and sanitation laws.
- Your request must be consistent or made consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable Land and Resource Management Plan.
- Your request must not pose serious or substantial risk to public health or safety.
- Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy.
- Your request does not unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative uses, other scheduled or authorized existing uses, or use of adjacent non-Forest Service lands.
- The proponent must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior or existing special-use authorization.
- No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services can be authorized, even if permitted under state law.
- No military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals can be authorized, unless it is federally funded.
- No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized.