Permits
Special use authorizations are required for many activities on the Rio Grande National Forest.
From research to commercial recreation activities, communication sites to driveways that access private property, and firewood to plant removal, many personal and commercial uses of the National Forest System lands must be authorized. Explore the most common types of permitting we offer below.
Noncommercial group activities involving less than 75 people, either as participants or spectators, do not require a permit. In addition, noncommercial recreation activities, such as camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, and horseback riding, do not require permits.
Forest Products
Permits are required for gathering firewood, digging transplants and cutting Christmas trees, three of the most popular products people ask for. Special forest products are botanical products, other than timber, that are harvested from public land and they generally require permits too. Pine Cones, mushrooms, medicinal plants and berries are some examples of these.
Recreation Permits
With very few exceptions, all uses of National Forest System lands involving extended occupancy, improvements, the use of resources and conducting any business or commercial activity are designated "special uses" and may require a Special Use Permit. Check out this page for Events/Commercial/Outfitter-Guide/Filming/Photography information.
Scientific Research Request
Federal Regulations mandate that all commercial and some non-commercial uses of Forest Service Lands be accounted for by special use permits. In many cases, research activities may occur without extensive review, but all research proposals require an assessment of whether the action is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act or special use permit. View our frequently asked questions and additional details.
Lands Special Use Permits
Lands special use authorizations address non-recreational uses of National Forest System land such as highways, roads, communication sites, electric distribution lines, gas lines, stream gages, ditches, dams and reservoirs.
Common lands special use permits and who to contact are discussed here.