Bob Marshall Complex Temporary Outfitter & Guide Special Use Permits

Application Process for Temporary Outfitter and Guide Special Use Permits

The national forests which manage the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (BMWC) have an application process for temporary outfitter and guide special use permits.  Temporary permits are authorizations for commercial use or activity that allows specified, short-term, non-recurring, non-renewable recreational use of National Forest System (NFS) lands. 

Applications for temp use permits are accepted at relevant ranger districts for Guided Backpacking and Day Use Hiking only (no other types of use), with specific limits on service days from the dedicated Temp Use pool. All applications are subject to the standard special uses screening process; see criteria, FSH2709.11.2. 

Only 1 permit will be issued per holder for use within the BMWC within any 3 year period regardless of the district from which they obtain a permit. Temp Use pool days will be distributed to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all of the Temporary use pool days available in a Resource Area have been authorized for use, no further proposals will be accepted for that season of use. 

Two applications periods are established for use to occur as indicated below.  Applications received not within these established timeframes will not be accepted.

• January 1 – March 30 for activities proposed to take place from May 1 – October 31
• July 1 – September 30 for activities proposed to take place from November 1 – April 30

Contact the relevant Complex Ranger District for more information.