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Noncommercial Group Events
Most visitors enjoy "non-commercial" activities on their National Forests such as berry picking, camping, picnicking, fishing, assemblies, meetings, rallies, birthday and wedding parties. For these types of non-commercial recreational activities, a permit is not usually required.
A non-commercial group use is defined as any activity on National Forest System lands "That involves 75 or more people, either as participants or spectator, where an entry or participation fee is not charged; and where the primary purpose is not the sale of a good or service" (36 CFR 251.51).
***Commercial-Activities that have entry fees or "donations" that are mandatory for participation are considered commercial. Such activities require a Recreation Event permit (see RECREATION EVENT SECTION).
What is a Noncommercial Event?
To be considered a non-commercial use, there must be:
- No entry or participant fee,
- Fees for direct costs (food, transportation, etc.) may be collected based on a bona fide sharing of expenses.
- Donations are not considered fees if they do not exceed direct costs.
- Funds collected in excess of direct costs are returned to participants based on a bona fide sharing of fees.
- Under most circumstances, guides and leaders are not paid or compensated.
- No sale of goods or services on National Forest lands, and
- No money is charged for a "good or service" beyond a bona fide sharing of direct costs.
Permit or No Permit Required?
If a non-commercial activity involves more than 75 people (participants and spectators), a Non-commercial Group Use Permit is required. Fees, insurance, and bonding are exempted by regulation.
Examples of groups needing a Non-commercial Group Use Special Use Permit:
- Grandpa's 85th Birthday party, consisting of 90 people at a developed campground with no fee or costs.
- Church camp-out of 60 folks; costs are collected to cover the food, and transportation, and the camp cook is paid for the weekend.
In instances where a non-commercial activity involves less than 75 people (participants and spectators), a permit is not mandatory but may be desirable to manage the event and associated public conflicts. Fees, insurance, and bonding are exempted by regulation.
Examples of groups not needing a special use permit:
- A wedding party of 30 people.
- Family summer camp-out of 50 folks; costs are collected to cover the food.
- Weekend Equestrian Club trip with 10 riders; costs are pooled to cover the actual food and gas costs.
Submitting a Request
For questions regarding or assistance in completing a noncommercial group use permit application, please get in touch with the following.
For group use permits on the Eagle Lake or Hat Creek Ranger Districts, contact:
Brian Newman, Natural Resource Specialist
Eagle Lake Ranger District
477-050 Eagle Lake Road
Susanville, CA 96130
brian.newman@usda.gov
(530) 338-8745 (cell)
For group use permits on the Almanor Ranger District, contact:
Debra Foote, Permit Administrator
Almanor Ranger District
900 E. Hwy 36
Chester, CA 96020
debra.foote@usda.gov
(530) 258-2141 (Main Office)
Noncommercial Group Use Applications
Below are links to the noncommercial group use the application form. Additionally, the Noncommercial Group Criteria document details what qualifies for a noncommercial permit.
Noncommercial Group Use Application Form