Special Use Permits

A Special Use Authorization is a permit, term permit, temporary permit, lease, or easement or other written instrument that grants rights or privileges of occupancy and use subject to specified terms and conditions on National Forest land. The occupancy and use may be for a one-day event such as a wedding or bicycle race, or for up to 40 years such as a ski resort permit.

Our policy is to manage special uses on National Forest lands in a manner that protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management plans.

Before a special use proposal is approved, the agency must determine that the proposed use complies with the Forest's land and resource management plan; that National Environmental Policy Act requirements are met; there is a demonstrated need for the activity on National Forest System lands; and the use is appropriate on National Forest System lands.

None of the existing special use authorities provide for permanent use of National Forest System lands.

Who needs a special use permit?

Commercial activities must obtain a permit when they charge a participation fee or where the primary purpose is the sale of goods or services, regardless of whether the activity is intended to produce a profit. Permits control recreational land use, protecting natural resources from overuse or damage. Special use permits must be obtained through the appropriate forests. See a list of the forests in the Pacific Northwest region.
Apply (SF-299 PDF 132 kb)

Outfitter Guides

Application packages must be submitted to applicable forests. Pay attention to their open seasons.

See full page for information about outfitter and guide services
A signed Special Use Application and Permit for Outfitting and Guiding.
A signed and completed Outfitter Operating Plan.
Current insurance certificate included in the application package with amounts listed in FSM 2713.1 included.

Recreation Events

Activities that require a recreation special use permit include competitive races, contests, fund raisers, eco-challenges, dog trails, club activities, adventure games and endurance races. If you or your organization is considering holding such an event on the national forest, contact your local ranger district well in advance of the scheduled event to determine whether a permit is available.
Apply (FS-2700-3c PDF 47 kb)

Commercial Filming and Photography

Commercial filming and still photography on national forest lands require a special use authorization.
Apply (FS-2700-3b PDF 106 kb)

Energy Generation and Transmission

Examples of special uses that support recreation interests:

Boat dock and wharf
Campgrounds and picnic areas
Organization/private camps
Shelters
Resorts and marinas
Vendors and peddlers (mobile concessions)
Ski areas

Communication Sites Permits

Emergency services and public broadcasting/communication services throughout the nation require communications repeaters and towers. These sites are permitted by the National Forest under a special use permit. The locations of these are varied and are usually on high elevation sites. Any time they improve or add to the facilities, a new permit may be required. For more information on this type of permit, visit the national "communication sites" page or contact your local Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Existing Use Permits

If you already have a special use permit and intend to make improvements, you may need an "Existing Use Permit". For more information on this type of permit, visit the national "existing uses" page or contact your local Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Commercial Road Use Permits

Using a National Forest System Road for commercial hauling is prohibited without a permit or written authorization. This use restriction applies to all commercial haul activity, not just activity directly related to Forest Service projects or operations

Examples of commercial vehicles that may need a Road Use Permit are logging trucks, tractor-trailer combinations, lowboys, yarders, chip vans, sand, gravel or cement trucks. This list is not all inclusive.

Please contact the Road Manager at the appropriate Forest Service office to obtain a Road Use Permit or written authorization.