Event/Commercial Permits

Outfitting: Renting on or delivering to National Forest System Lands for pecuniary remuneration or other gain any saddle or pack animal, vehicle, boat, camping gear, or similar supplies or equipment. 

Guiding: Providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) for pecuniary remuneration or other gain to individuals or groups on National Forest System lands.

Fees:

• Priority Permits-3% of adjusted gross receipts annually for all services provided on National Forest System Lands
• Temporary Permits-flat fee ranging from $150 to $600 based on number of authorized service days

Submission deadline: 90 days prior to proposed event

You will need:

• Application
• Insurance Certificate covering the timeframe of your activity
• State issued guide licenses
• Maps of the areas to be used with specific trails, roads, camps, etc. highlighted
• O/G Operating Plan
• Estimated Fee Worksheet
• Copy of Release of Liability form (if use one)
• Final Fee Worksheet (to be completed at the end of the year)

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

A recreational activity conducted on National Forest System Lands for which an entry or participation fee is charged, such as animal, vehicle, or boat races, dog trials, fishing contests, rodeos, adventure games, and fairs.

Fees:

• 5% of adjusted gross receipts for one-time events; or
• 3% of adjusted gross receipts for multiple events under a single permit

Submission deadline: 90 days prior to proposed event

You will need:

• Application
• Insurance Certificate covering the timeframe of your activity
• Maps of the areas to be used with specific trails, roads, camps, recreation sites, etc. highlighted
• Recreation Event Operating Plan
• Estimated Fee Worksheet
• Copy of Release of Liability form (if use one)
• Copy of website, advertising brochures, etc.
• Fee Worksheet (to be completed at the end of the activity or event(s))

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

Any use or activity that does not involve commercial use and has 75 or more people participating and/or spectating.

Fees:

• There is no fee for Non-Commercial Groups

Submission deadline:  30 days in advance of activity or event(s)

You will need:

• Application
• Not-for-Profit status document
• Insurance Certificate, when determined necessary by permit administrator
• Maps of areas to be used with specific trails, roads, camps, etc. highlighted
• Recreation Event (or other specifically revised) Operating Plan

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

Weddings on the Tonto National Forest

Hosting a wedding on the Tonto National Forest is an easy process that involves simple communication between the wedding party and the National Forest Permit Administrator. Not all weddings require a permit, but it is best to reach out and discuss possible authorizations that might be required.

Fees:

• There are no fees associated with weddings on the Tonto National Forest.
• If you wish to use an existing recreation site, Tonto Daily Passes or recreation site fees are required for each car.

Submission Deadline:

• 30 days in advance of event(s).

Required Information:

• Application.
• Full list of equipment you intend to bring (tables, chairs, caterers, audio, arches, rugs, etc.),
• The quantity for each piece of equipment you plan to bring.
• Map of area and layout of equipment.

Important considerations when deciding to host a wedding on National Forest Service Land:

Will the area be closed off for my wedding?

• You will not be able to block, close, or reserve any portion of the Public Land/Recreation site for your wedding.
• The general public will have access to the area at all times.
• If you wish to have a “private” ceremony, we recommend booking a recreation camp site through rec.gov. All other locations will always remain open to the public, regardless of weddings or other special events.

Can I set up an arch or dance floor? 

• Ground disturbance (digging) for arches, tables, dance floors, or stages, will not be permitted unless a complete NEPA workup is done.
• Cost Recovery will be included if NEPA is required.
• NEPA takes 3 – 6 months.

Can we have candles, lanterns or campfires?

• Open Flames (lanterns, candles, flares, campfires) will not be permitted outside of designated USFS grill or campfire rings.

Are parking areas and bathrooms available?

If you wish to use an existing recreation site for your wedding, please ensure that your wedding party is compatible with that location i.e. enough parking spaces for both your guests AND the general public, enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd.

If you wish to use an existing recreation site, Tonto Daily Passes or recreation site fees are required for each car and will not be excused.

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

Filming

Use of motion picture, videotaping, sound recording, or other moving image or audio recording equipment on National Forest System Lands that involves the advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale, or the use of models, actors, sets, or props, but not including activities associated with broadcasting breaking news.

Still photography

Use of still photography on equipment on National Forest System Lands that takes place at a location where members of the public generally are not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely, or uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.

Fees:

• Determined by activity, number of people, and number of days

Submission deadline:  30 days in advance.

You will need:

• Application
• Insurance Certificate covering the timeframe of your activity
• Maps of areas to be used with specific trails, roads, camps, recreation sites, etc. highlighted
• Filming and Photography Operating Plan, or Filming Notification Form
• Estimated Fee Worksheet
• Final Fee Worksheet (to be completed at the end of the activity or event(s))

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

Any other commercial activity conducted on National Forest System Lands for the purpose of advertising, product testing, etc.

Fees:

• Determined by activity

Submission deadline:  30 days in advance of activity or event(s)

You will need:

• Application
• Insurance Certificate covering the timeframe of your activity
• Maps of areas to be used with specific trails, roads, camps, recreation sites, etc. highlighted
• Recreation Event (or other specifically revised) Operating Plan
• Estimated Fee Worksheet
• Final Fee Worksheet(to be completed at the end of the activity or event(s))

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

A recreational activity conducted on National Forest System Lands and Waters for which an entry or participation fee is charged and /or prizes are awarded to individuals or teams based on the sport of fishing.

Fees:

• 5% of adjusted gross receipts for one-time events; or
• 3% of adjusted gross receipts for multiple events under a single permit

Submission deadline:  by October 1 annually for next calendar year

You will need:

• Application
• Insurance Certificate covering the timeframe of your activity
• Maps of areas to be used with specific recreation sites, boat ramps, and lakes highlighted
• Fishing TournamentOperating Plan
• Estimated Fee Worksheet
• Final Fee Worksheet(to be completed at the end of the activity or event(s))

Once you have completed the above documents, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

Tribal members have access to sacred sites for individual and group prayer and traditional ceremonies and rituals. Tribal members may request area closures during these activities to provide for privacy of tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes. These closures must be requested by an Indian tribe; are subject to approval by the Forest Service; shall be temporary; and shall affect the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for activities of the requesting Indian tribe. For questions and information contact the Heritage Program Manager at (602) 225-5231.

You will need:

• Application

Once you have completed the application please contact the Heritage Program Manager at 602-225-5231.

If your type of activity is not listed (for example, a cellular tower, a recreation residence, power lines), please inquire at your according Ranger District Office or the Supervisor’s Office.

Before Special Use Permits are issued, the Forest Service must determine that the proposed use complies with all management plans and laws, that there is a demonstrated need for the activity, and that the use is appropriate on national forest system lands. Special Use Permits are a temporary authority.

Below are the steps to walk you through the application process.  Please read through each step before proceeding.

Please contact R3TontoNFSUP@usda.gov for additional questions or concerns.

When is a Special Use Permit needed?

1. If you will need to occupy, use, or build on NFS land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
2. If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the proposed use.
3. If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

If one of these reasons applies to your activity, see Step 2 – Screening Proposal for Consistency with Forest Plan. If none of these reasons apply, a Special Use Permit may not be necessary for your activity. Please contact the appropriate Forest Service Office to confirm if a permit will be necessary.

Initial Screening– Is the proposal consistent with existing laws, regulations, and the Forest land and resource management plan?  Is the proposed activity safe for the public or interfere with other administrative uses? 

Second Level Screening– Is the proposal in the public interest and compatible with other current land resource uses?  Is the proponent qualified, able to demonstrate technical and financial feasibility and designated legal agent?     

• Initial screening:  To begin the process of obtaining a Special Use Permit on the Tonto National Forest, you are first required to contact the Forest Service Office in the area where you wish to have your activity before you have worked out the details. This initial contact will determine whether your activity meets the pre-application screening requirements applicable to all special uses.  If your proposal does not meet the initial screening requirements, you will be notified that the proposal, as submitted, is denied.
• Second-level screening:  A proposal that passes the initial screening proceeds to second- level screening by a Forest Service Permit Administrator. Your proposal will be accepted as an application if it is consistent with Forest Management Plans.  Once the proposal has passed second-level screening requirements, the permit administrator will provide guidance on what information will be further required to complete your submission of an application.
• Common Reasons for Denial:
  • Any proposal determined to be “inappropriate use of System lands” or venue is better suited for non-federally owned lands.  Proponent may be required to provide proof of efforts exploring alternatives prior submission.
  • Non-issued categories:
    • Treasure Trove – i.e.: Lost Dutchman Mine, Spanish Gold
    • Merchandise or Food Vendor – i.e.: Hot dog carts, Taco trucks
    • Service Provider - i.e.: Watercraft repair, watercraft rentals and delivery
    • Shuttle Services – i.e.: River tubing transport

The Proposal Screening Process: Once a proposal has passed the screening process, proceed to Step 3 – Filling out the Application.

Applications

Film & Photography Application 

Fishing Tournament Application 

General Application

Outfitting Guide Application

• Name and Address- Include the full name(s) to be used on legal documents. If the application includes real property, the name(s) on the legal document must match the application.
• Applicant's Agent- This person must be at least 21 years old and may or may not be the same as the applicant. Documentation should be included to verify that this person may sign on behalf of the applicant.
• Project Description- Include enough detail to enable the Forest Service to determine feasibility, environmental impacts, benefits to the public, the safety of the request, lands to be occupied or used, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Map- Provide a detailed map (U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle or equivalent) or plat (survey or equivalent) showing the requested use in relation to NFS land, identification of applicant's property (if applicable), scale, map legend, legal description, and a north arrow.
• Alternatives- You must first consider using nonfederal land. Lower costs or fewer restrictions are not adequate reasons for use of NFS lands. Provide alternative locations for the proposal in your application.

Once your application is complete and required documents are attached, see Step 4 – Review by the Permit Administrator.

A staff member will discuss your application, potential land use conflicts, application procedures and qualifications, probable time frames, fees, bonding requirements, additional coordination with other agencies, environmental reports, and field reviews.

Most uses require additional information with the application. You may need business plans, operating plans, liability insurance, licenses/registrations, or other documents. Failure to submit all required materials in a timely manner is grounds for denial.

Complete and submit the application form, including all supporting documents, to the local Forest Service Office which will be administering the authorization.  Submission deadline timeframes begin only when the complete application and acceptable supporting documents are submitted for final review.  An incomplete submission could delay the permit processing or even result in the authorization not being issued. 

Plan ahead! 

Once the complete application is accepted by the authorized officer, the Forest Service Permit Administrator’s time and resources can be obligated towards the preparation and administration of the proposed activity.

Application Submission Timeframes

*The Tonto National Forest is not currently issuing new Outfitting/Guiding priority permits for activities other than fishing and hunting. Applications will be accepted during the next advertised prospectus. We are issuing one-time temporary permits, on a case by case basis. Contact a Forest Permit Administrator for details.

For information on the insurance required for your event, see Step 5 – Insurance Requirements.

A copy of a Certificate of Insurance and a letter of endorsement (ISO form # CG-20-12-07-98 or equivalent) will be required prior to the issuance of the permit. No hand-written certificates or endorsements will be accepted.  The holder’s name MUST appear on the certificate of insurance as the “insured”.

A Special Use Permit requires that the permit holder indemnify the United States against any liability arising from the use or occupancy of NFS lands. The permit requires the holder to have their insurance company name the United States Government as an additionally insured party. The minimum required liability coverage (in general) shall be as follows: 1) General liability, each occurrence - $300,000; 2) Property damage (each occurrence) - $25,000; 3) Death or injury (to one person) - $100,000; and 4) Death and injury (to more than one person) - $300,000. These values may vary based on type of activity.

The following clauses must be shown verbatim on the Certificate or Binder and the Letter of Endorsement:

In the Certificate Holder Box: “US Government, c/o USDA, Forest Service, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona 85006.”

In the Description of Operations Box: “It is understood and agreed that the United States Government, in care of USDA, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona, is additionally insured solely as respects liability arising from the operations of the named insured.” And, “It is understood and agreed that the coverage provided under this policy will not be cancelled or its provisions changed or deleted before thirty (30) days written notice to the United States Government, in care of the USDA, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona.”

On the Letter of Endorsement: “USDA, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona.” And, “It is understood and agreed that the United States Government, in care of USDA, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona, is additionally insured solely as respects liability arising from the operations of the named insured.” And, “It is understood and agreed that the coverage provided under this policy will not be cancelled or its provisions changed or deleted before thirty (30) days written notice to the United States Government, in care of the Tonto National Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona.”

The permit holder will not request or require participants to sign a liability waiver, but may choose to have them sign an Acknowledgement of Risk. If an acknowledgement of Risk form is used, a copy must be submitted for review.

For information on what fees will be charged for your event, see Step 6 – Determining Fees.

Fees for recreational or commercial use of public lands and waters are charged to commercial or public users, vendors, competitive event participants and spectators, and participants in organized group activities and events which require a permit.  Fees are applied to special use authorizations, which grant rights or privileges of occupancy and use to the holder.  These permits contain specific terms and conditions that the holder is required to follow.  Fees help offset agency time and resources that are necessary to administer special use permits and related enforcement activities.  The type of special use permit fees depends on the proposed scale and potential resource impacts of the proposed activity.

Minimum fees apply to all authorizations and are paid for in advance.  Other fee considerations include:

Occupancy and Use Fees - This is a fee based on the type of use. Refer to Step 3 – Filling out Application for activity fees.

Cost Recovery Fees - An assessment of fees to recover agency processing costs for special use applications and monitoring costs for special use authorizations.  These fees are separate from any fees charged for the use and occupancy of NFS lands and typically apply to larger-scale or time-consuming authorizations.

Other Associated Costs - You may be responsible for providing information and reports necessary to determine the feasibility and environmental impacts of your proposal; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and terms and conditions to be included in the authorization.  Liability insurance coverage and a performance bond may also be required to ensure protection of the environment and site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required.

Fee Waivers - Waivers are discounts or reductions from payment of the use fee as provided for in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 251.57 (36 CFR 251.57).  It is the responsibility of the authorized Forest Service officer to determine and document the applicant's or holder's eligibility for a fee waiver.  The authorized officer may allow fee waivers only in limited situations after careful scrutiny and shall define the public benefit or the benefit to programs of the Secretary of Agriculture provided for each waiver granted.

Non-Profits - The fee for commercial use for registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations is 3% of annual adjusted gross revenue.  In order for applicants to request fee reductions for nonprofit use, proper certification documents and current nonprofit registration must be submitted with application. 

Fee Exemptions: Fee exemptions are granted by statute and are not subject to discretion by the authorized officer.  The following are exempt from use fees:

1. Activities of Federal Agencies.  Under 36 CFR 251.57(c), Federal agencies are exempt from paying fees for use or occupancy of National Forest System lands.  However, Federal agencies are not exempt from paying fair market rental fees to third parties, such as renting space in a facility manager's communications building located on National Forest System lands.
2. Rural Electrification Administration Financed Facilities.  (43 U.S.C. 1764(g)).      A holder or use financed in whole or part by either a direct loan from the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), or a loan from a private source for which repayment is guaranteed by the REA.  Telephone facilities qualify when a loan is obtained from the REA.
3. Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock Watering System Easements.  Water conveyance systems that qualify under provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761), as amended by Public Law 99-545, October 27, 1986.  

See Step 7 – Administration: Processing, Monitoring, and Inspections.

Once the permit, operating plan, and required documents have been completed and signed by both the permit holder and authorized Forest Officer, the documentation portion of the authorization is complete. Only then will you will be authorized to proceed with your activity.

The Forest Service may conduct an inspection to ensure the activities or events are going well and regulations are being followed based on the terms and conditions of the permit issued. The permit must be in possession and legible during the event/activity should a Forest Officer make contact with the permit holder or their representatives. Certain use types may require an annual inspection to be performed by a Forest Service Officer.

 This completes the Special Use Application Process.  Thank You and Good Luck!