Recreation Events

Recreation events on national forest lands require a temporary special use permit for almost any kind of outdoor activity where participants exchange money or pay a fee to participate. Examples of recreation events include: Running races, bike races, private club outings, archery competitions, commercial sports equipment try-outs, etc.

Where no money exchanges hands and more than 75 individuals are involved, the event is classified a non-commercial group use. A simple permit is available free-of-charge for such events. Examples of non-commercial group uses include weddings, family gatherings or political rallies.

Proposal Process and Forms: A proposal is submitted to the appropriate office on the National Forest where the activity would occur, which may include a local District Office or Supervisor’s Office. Submitted applications will be evaluated for compliance with recreation event standards. Proposals that are in compliance with standards are likely to be authorized, however that decision could be affected by funding and staffing levels.

A proposal is submitted to the appropriate office on the National Forest where the activity would occur, which may include a local District Office or Supervisor’s Office. All special use proposals must first be screened using criteria required in 36 CFR 251.54. Recreation event proposals that pass those criteria are then evaluated using additional forest level screening criteria. The applicant will be notified if the proposal does not meet screening criteria.

Application Form & Requirements

Screening Criteria
Recreation Event Application
Basic Requirements
Insurance Requirements