Commercial Outfitting and Guiding

Commercial guides and outfitters operate on federal lands across the United States, providing visitors various outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. A Special Use Permit is required for all commercial outfitting and guiding conducted in the Lassen National Forest.

The Lassen National Forest issues outfitter and guide permits annually if the request is for a business venture that the Forest can accommodate where there is a need for the business activity, and the activity will not cause resource damage or concerns. The proposed outfitter or guide activity must also depend on the National Forest and not something better served or suited to private land.

What are Outfitting and Guiding?

The USDA Forest Service defines the terms as follows:

Guiding - Providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) for pecuniary remuneration or other gains to individuals or groups on National Forest System lands.  The term "guide" includes the holder's employees and agents.

Outfitting - Renting on or delivering to National Forest System lands for pecuniary remuneration or other gain any saddle or pack animal, vehicle, boat, camping gear, or similar supplies or equipment.  The term "outfitter" includes the holder's employees and agents.

What is considered an Outfitter and Guide Use?

Commercial Outfitting and Guiding is considered as a use that occurs on National Forest System lands where:

  1. Where an entry or participation fee is charged, or
  2. Where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service and, in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit (36 CFR 251.51).

Guide and outfitter activities include, but are not limited to, backpacking, hunting and fishing trips, educational excursions, float trips, canoe or horse rentals, shuttle services, dog sledding, and vehicle and boat tours. They may be conducted by educational, rehabilitation, interpretive ventures, and outdoor institutional organizations, including both for-profit and nonprofit entities.

Objective of Outfitting/Guiding on the National Forest

  1. Provide outfitting and guiding services that address concerns of public health and safety and that foster successful small businesses consistent with the applicable land management plan.
  2. Facilitate greater participation in the outfitting and guiding program by organizations and businesses that work with youth and educational groups.
  3. Encourage skilled and experienced individuals and entities to conduct outfitting and guiding activities in a manner that protects environmental resources and ensures that national forest visitors receive high-quality services.

Who Needs an Outfitter and Guide Permit?

Permits to operate or conduct business on National Forest System lands are required when:

  1. Individuals or entities conducting outfitting or guiding activities on National Forest System lands shall be authorized under a special use permit.
  2. Outfitters based off National Forest System lands who rent and deliver equipment or livestock to the public on National Forest System lands shall obtain a permit if they, their employees, or agents occupy or use National Forest System lands or related waters in connection with their rental programs.
    • For example, a permit is required if a boat livery operator provides service, including delivery or pickup of boats, at sites on National Forest System lands.
    • No permit is necessary if an operator's customers transport rented equipment to and from National Forest System lands or if services are provided to Forest Service employees, Forest Service contractors, or other Federal officials in the course of their official duties.

Obtaining an Outfitting and Guiding Permit

It can be difficult to understand or determine policy standards for outfitting and guiding. The following link will take you to the webpage and documents that detail the program requirements.

 

Contacts

For questions regarding outfitting and guiding permits, please contact the following:

For operations on the Eagle Lake or Hat Creek Ranger Districts

Brian Newman
Eagle Lake Ranger District
477-050 Eagle Lake Road
Susanville, CA  96130
Email: brian.newman@usda.gov
Cell #: (530) 338-8745

For operations on the Almanor Ranger District

Debra Foote
Almanor Ranger District
900 East Highway 36
Chester, CA  96020
Email: debra.foote@usda.gov 
Office Phone: (530) 258-5188