Research and Other Permits
Research permits
The U.S. Forest Service permits research use on public lands. Like other short-term uses of National Forest System lands, conducting research requires a special use permit issued by the district ranger.
For timely processing, proposals for these types of permits should be submitted prior to the recommended deadline set forth in the research permit checklist.
The use of drones requires additional documentation and will require day-of notifications for flights to be authorized.
Research permit application forms
Permitted services
To obtain campground, outfitter guide and other services from commercial companies who operate through Forest Service permits, please contact them directly.
Memorials, plaques, honoraria or commemorative monuments (on National Forest System lands)
The placement of and requests for placing private memorials or similar forms of remembrance on the forest continue to rise.
The Forest Service understands the emotion associated with losing a close friend or family member and the desire to memorialize an individual or event.
While the placement of a monument or memorial on public land may help some individuals through difficult times, these memorials are generally of significance to only those most closely tied to a specific person or event. Others may feel memorials intrude on their experience of the forest. For this and other reasons, the placement of monuments or memorials on National Forest System lands is prohibited.
Monuments or memorials will be removed and disposed of when discovered. In lieu of placing a monument or memorial on public land, the Forest Service asks that you consider honoring the person or event in ways that do not have a lasting impact on the landscape or other visitors' experiences.
Memorials or other commemorative items left on public land may be a violation of 43 CFR 2990.1-2 Unauthorized Use or 43 CFR 8365.1-2 Unattended Personal Property.
Alternatives to the placement of a private memorial
Can I plant a memorial tree in a national forest?
The Forest Service Plant-A-Tree program permits individuals and groups to donate money for the planting of trees on national forests. The trees may be planted to memorialize loved ones or to commemorate special events such as births, weddings or anniversaries.
For a suggested minimum donation of $10, which pays for 10-15 seedlings, donors receive a certificate acknowledging their gift. If desired, the name of the person in whose honor the donation is made will appear on the certificate. The trees, planted mostly in large plantations, will not be individually identified by donor. Smaller (or larger) donations will be acceptable in most cases. Business groups may participate in the program as long as their participation is noncommercial.
Donations may be made in person and by mail at all Forest Service offices.
Other permits
These activities may also require prior authorization; non-commercial groups, communication sites, roads, utilities, and military training permits need to be submitted to the applicable ranger district.