Special Uses

What Are Special Use Authorizations?

A Special Use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or easement that grants rights or privileges of occupancy and use subject to specified terms and conditions on National Forest land. The use and occupancy maybe for a one-day event such as a wedding or bicycle race or 20 years such as a recreation residence permit. 

Why Do I Need a Permit (Authorization)?

As a steward of the National Forests, the Forest Service has a duty to manage and protect natural resource values, public health, and safety and be consistent with the Land and Resource Management Plan goals.  To meet these objectives, permits (authorizations) may be required for the occupancy and use of Forest Service land or resources.
Special Use Authorizations grant permission to occupancy and access National Forest System (NFS) lands for a wide variety of uses and activities. These can be commercial or non-commercial operations. There are approximately 700 special-use authorizations issued on the San Bernardino National Forest.

Who Needs an Authorization?

• If you need to use, occupy, or build on NFS land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is either temporary or long-term.
• If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
• If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or organizations with seventy-five or more participants or spectators.

Is my Proposal Appropriate?

• Your request must be consistent with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and special orders that apply to the national forests.
• Your request must be consistent with the Forest Plan that established standards and guidelines for managing the land where the activity will occur.  San Bernardino National Forest - Land & Resources Management (usda.gov)
• Your request must not endanger public health or safety.
• Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual use or occupancy.
• Your request cannot conflict or interfere with the Forest Service's administrative use, other authorized existing uses, or uses of adjacent nonfederal lands.
• The applicant must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior special-use authorization.
• No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services can be authorized on NFS land, even if permitted under state law.
• No military or paramilitary training or exercises can be authorized on NFS land unless federally funded.
• No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NFS land.

What does an authorization cost?

Typical authorization fees include cost recovery fees and land use fees. 

Cost recovery fees are assessed to recover the cost of processing applications and costs for monitoring authorizations.  These fees are separate from any fees charged for the use and occupancy of NFS lands. Cost recovery fees only apply to recreation-type permits if the processing time is over 50 hours.

Land use fees are an annual rental fee based on the fair market value for the uses authorized and are payable in advance. Fees are established by appraisal or other sound business management principles. 

Other associated costs- you may be responsible for providing additional information and reports necessary to determine your proposal's feasibility and environmental impacts, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and terms and conditions to be included in the authorization. 

First Step:  The Proposal

Each year, the Forest Service receives numerous proposals for various National Forest Lands activities such as water transmission lines, outfitting and guiding, recreation events, telecommunication, research, photography, and rights-of-ways. Depending on the proposal's complexity, obtaining a Special Use Authorization can be a lengthy and costly process. 

The Forest Service carefully reviews each proposal. It is your responsibility to provide the Agency with all the information needed to review, evaluate, and make a decision on a submitted proposal. All proposals are subject to two levels of screening. If a proposal passes the second level of screening, it is accepted as an application.

Next Step:  The Application

Once your proposal is accepted, then it is time to complete an application.  The application form is used to collect more specific information.  The permit administrator you are working with will give you the appropriate form. Your application's details will be analyzed according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and cost recovery fees may be applicable. The environmental analysis process will determine if the proposed use will be authorized with a Special Use Permit.

Processing Fee: Cost Recovery 

Cost Recovery is the assessment and collection of administrative fees from special use applicants and permit holders. Cost recovery fees offset some of the Forest Service's administrative costs when processing an application and monitoring a special use for compliance with the terms and conditions of an authorization.

Processing/monitoring fees include the Agency's cost to review and evaluate the application, meet with the applicant, conduct environmental reviews, conduct site visits, conduct technical and financial reviews, and prepare documentation of analyses, decisions, and authorizations.

Cost Recovery applies to all special use proposals formally accepted as applications, including authorizations for new uses, changes to existing authorizations, authorizations issued as a result of the termination of existing authorization, and authorizations issued as a result of a change in ownership or control of facilities under the existing authorization. 

Cost Recovery does not apply to:

• Applications or authorizations that require 1 hour or less to process or monitor
• Applications for non-commercial group use or
• Applications for recreation uses that require 50 hours or less to process or monitor.

Application Submission Timeframes

2025 Cost Recovery Fee Schedule [PDF 157 KB]

Recreation Special Use permits are authorizations issued by the Forest Service to conduct commercial recreation activities on National Forest System lands. Commercial recreational use or activity is defined as:

Any use or activity on National Forest System lands (a) where an entry or participation fee is charged, or (b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit. (36CFR 251.51) Recreation events are usually short-term in nature and can include organized events such as animal, running, and biking races; dog trials; fishing contests; adventure games; and fairs.

• Recreation Event FAQs
• Recreation Event Permit Information

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT

FS-2700-3c Recreation Event Permit Application [PDF 1.5 MB]

Recreation Event Final Fee Worksheet [PDF 173 KB]

Contacts

For questions regarding and or assistance in completing a recreation event permit application, please contact: SM.FS.BDFspecUses@usda.gov

National forests are popular locations for commercial filming and still photography industries. Like other commercial uses of National Forest System lands or resources, commercial filming and photography require a Special Use Permit, which is issued by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor [Authorized Officer] of the relevant forest.

Before issuing a permit, the Forest Service will determine if there are any environmental concerns in the proposed filming or photo shoot location. The Forest Service may deny permits for practices prohibited on NFS lands.

Commercial filming and photography requests must be submitted to the relevant National Forest office (see below for contact information) 2-3 weeks in advance of the anticipated filming date. In order to expedite a filming request, please be aware of the following considerations:

• Commercial filming is defined as the use of motion pictures, videotaping, sound recording or any other type of 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, and/or the use of actors, models, sets, or props, but not including activities associated with broadcasting breaking news. For purposes of this definition, the creation of a product for sale includes a film, videotape, television broadcast, or documentary of historic events, wildlife, natural events, features, subjects or participants in a sporting or recreation event, and so forth, when created for the purpose of generating income.
• Commercial photography is defined as the use of photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies found on National Forest System lands that: takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely; or uses models, sets, or props that are not part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.

Wilderness areas are congressionally designated areas on federal lands that are subject to specific management restrictions; human activities are restricted to non-motorized recreation (such as backpacking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, etc.), scientific research, and other non-invasive activities. Wilderness Areas occur on Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) lands, as well as on lands managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of Interior). A special use permit may only be issued for commercial photography or filming on a US Forest Service Wilderness Area if the activity has a primary objective of disseminating information about the use and enjoyment of wilderness, is wilderness-dependent and an appropriate non-wilderness substitute does not exist, and the activity would not involve the use of any motorized equipment or mechanical transport.

Insurance

The Forest Service may require liability insurance and/or performance bonds to protect the public interest. Typically, one (1) million dollars in general liability may be required. Up to five (5) million may be required for activities that involve the use of a helicopter.

Fees

Cost Recovery Fees-Filming & photography permits assess cost recovery fees (processing fees). These fees are separate from fees charged for the use and occupancy of National Forest System lands. They are based on the estimated number of hours needed to process the application.

Land Use Fee-The land use fee is based upon: the number of days filming or photography activities taking place; the size of the film/photography crew; and/or the amount and type of equipment present.

2025 Commercial Filming & Photography Fee Schedule

To apply for a filming or photography permit please complete the following application form, save it and email the district where you are requesting to film on by clicking the district at the bottom of the form.

Filming and Photography Application Form [PDF 948 KB]

Most visitors enjoy "non-commercial" activities in their National Forests such as berry picking, camping, picnicking, fishing, assemblies, meetings, rallies, birthday, and wedding parties. For these types of non-commercial recreational activities, a permit is not usually required.

A non-commercial group use is defined as any activity on National Forest System lands "That involves 75 or more people, either as participants or spectator, where an entry or participation fee is not charged; and where the primary purpose is not the sale of a good or service" (36 CFR 251.51).

***Commercial-Activities that have entry fees or "donations" that are mandatory for participation are considered commercial. Such activities require a Recreation Event permit (see RECREATION EVENT SECTION).  

What is a Noncommercial Event?

To be considered a non-commercial use, there must be:

• No entry or participant fee,
• Fees for direct costs (food, transportation, etc.) may be collected based on a bona fide sharing of expenses.
• Donations are not considered fees if they do not exceed direct costs.
• Funds collected in excess of direct costs are returned to participants based on a bona fide sharing of fees.
• Under most circumstances, guides and leaders are not paid or compensated.
• No sale of goods or services on National Forest lands, and
• No money is charged for a "good or service" beyond a bonafide sharing of direct costs.

Permit or No Permit Required?

If a non-commercial activity involves more than 75 people (participants and spectators), a Non-commercial Group Use Permit is required. Fees, insurance, and bonding are exempted by regulation.

Examples of groups needing a Non-commercial Group Use Special Use Permit:

• Grandpa's 85th Birthday party, consisting of 90 people at a developed campground with no fee or costs.
• Church camp-out of 60 folks; costs are collected to cover the food, and transportation, and the camp cook is paid for the weekend.

In instances where a non-commercial activity involves less than 75 people (participants and spectators), a permit is not mandatory but may be desirable to manage the event and associated public conflicts. Fees, insurance, and bonding are exempted by regulation.

Examples of groups not needing a special use permit:

• A wedding party of 30 people.
• Family summer camp-out of 50 folks; costs are collected to cover the food.
• Weekend Equestrian Club trip with 10 riders; costs are pooled to cover the actual food and gas costs.

Submitting a Request

For questions regarding or assistance in completing a noncommercial group use permit application, please send an email to: SM.FS.BDFspecUses@usda.gov.

Noncommercial Group Use Applications

Below are links to the noncommercial group use the application form. Additionally, the Noncommercial Group Criteria document details what qualifies for a noncommercial permit.

FS-2700-3b Noncommercial Group Request [PDF 156 MB]

Noncommercial Group Criteria [PDF 639 KB]

Commercial guides and outfitters operate on federal lands across the United States, providing visitors various outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. A Special Use Permit is required for all commercial outfitting and guiding conducted in the San Bernardino National Forest.

The San Bernardino National Forest issues outfitter and guide permits annually if the request is for a business venture that the Forest can accommodate where there is a need for the business activity, and the activity will not cause resource damage or concerns. The proposed outfitter or guide activity must also depend on the National Forest and not something better served or suited to private land.

What are Outfitting and Guiding?

The USDA Forest Service defines the terms as follows:

Guiding - Providing services or assistance (such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, transporting people, or interpretation) for pecuniary remuneration or other gains to individuals or groups on National Forest System lands.  The term "guide" includes the holder's employees and agents.

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.  The term "outfitter" includes the holder's employees and agents.

What is considered an Outfitter and Guide Use?

Commercial Outfitting and Guiding is considered as a use that occurs on National Forest System lands where:

1. Where an entry or participation fee is charged, or
2. Where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service and, in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit (36 CFR 251.51).

Guide and outfitter activities include, but are not limited to, backpacking, hunting and fishing trips, educational excursions, float trips, canoe or horse rentals, shuttle services, dog sledding, and vehicle and boat tours. They may be conducted by educational, rehabilitation, interpretive ventures, and outdoor institutional organizations, including both for-profit and nonprofit entities.

Objective of Outfitting/Guiding on the National Forest

1. Provide outfitting and guiding services that address concerns of public health and safety and that foster successful small businesses consistent with the applicable land management plan.
2. Facilitate greater participation in the outfitting and guiding program by organizations and businesses that work with youth and educational groups.
3. Encourage skilled and experienced individuals and entities to conduct outfitting and guiding activities in a manner that protects environmental resources and ensures that national forest visitors receive high-quality services.

Who Needs an Outfitter and Guide Permit?

Permits to operate or conduct business on National Forest System lands are required when:

1. Individuals or entities conducting outfitting or guiding activities on National Forest System lands shall be authorized under a special use permit.
2. Outfitters based off National Forest System lands who rent and deliver equipment or livestock to the public on National Forest System lands shall obtain a permit if they, their employees, or agents occupy or use National Forest System lands or related waters in connection with their rental programs.
   • For example, a permit is required if a boat livery operator provides service, including delivery or pickup of boats, at sites on National Forest System lands.
   • No permit is necessary if an operator's customers transport rented equipment to and from National Forest System lands or if services are provided to Forest Service employees, Forest Service contractors, or other Federal officials in the course of their official duties.

Obtaining an Outfitting and Guiding Permit

It can be difficult to understand or determine policy standards for outfitting and guiding. The following link will take you to the webpage and documents that detail the program requirements.

OBTAINING AN OUTFITTER AND GUIDE PERMIT

The San Bernardino National Forest issues outfitter and guide permits annually. The granting of this type of permit occurs if the request is for a business venture that the Forest can accommodate, there is a need for the business activity, and the activity will not cause resource damage or concerns.

The proposed outfitter or guide activity must also depend on the use of National Forest land, not something better served/suited to private land.

When to Apply

Reviewing and processing these types of permits can take a lot of time to authorize. To manage staff workload the San Bernardino National Forest has devoted two times a year where these applications will be accepted. Applications will be accepted during the months of January and September annually.

Applications will not be accepted outside of these open-season months.

Application Types

Businesses that are new and have never had a special use authorization before on the San Bernardino National Forest must first apply for a temporary permit before requesting a priority (multi-year) permit.

TEMPORARY PERMITS

Temporary Permits are authorizations that span six months/less than one year; for a maximum of 200 service days.

Flat Fee for Temporary Use Permits

Outfitters and Guides will be required to pay in advance for anticipated service days. This payment is non-refundable. Authorized Outfitter and Guide permits are limited to a maximum of 200 service days per permit. You will request your service days in the Description of Proposed Activities in the application.

A flat land use fee for temporary use permits is based on the amount of use allocated by service days as follows:

Column 3 in the table above shows the maximum amount of gross revenue for each bracket of service days that qualifies for a flat fee.

**If gross revenue exceeds the amount in the applicable bracket, you may be required to submit tax documents and will be billed based on the Forest fee schedule. 

Use Reporting

Permittees must submit an Actual Use Report form documenting activities and locations and the actual number of service days used at the end of their guide season. The link to this form is below:

Outfitter Guide Actual Use Report Form [PDF 132 KB]

Temporary Application Package Requirements

The following documents are required to obtain a temporary permit for outfitting and guiding.

Cover Letter - Briefly describe what your application includes and the activities you are proposing.

Completed and Signed Application – FS-2700-3f form [PDF 1.35 MB]

San Bernardino National Forest Outfitting & Guiding Operations Template [PDF 360 KB]

Application Question 2 Form [PDF 602 KB]

Certificate of Insurance with the US Government listed as additionally insured.

PRIORITY PERMITS

A business that successfully operates at least three seasons on the San Bernardino National Forest under a temporary permit may apply for a multi-year priority permit.

The advantages of this type of permit are:

1. Permits will be authorized for up to 10 years.
2. When the priority permit terminates, the permit is subject to renewal without competition, provided that the use authorized by the permit is consistent with the applicable land management plan, applicable laws, and regulations, and the holder has performed satisfactorily as demonstrated by acceptable performance ratings.
3. The service day allocation can be more than 200 service days per year.

Priority Permit Application Package Requirements

• Cover Letter providing a brief description of what your application includes and the activities you are proposing.
• Completed and Signed SF-299 Application
• FS-2700-3f Special Use Application and Temporary Permit for Outfitting and Guiding [PDF 369 KB]
• Outfitter & Guide - Description of Proposed Activity- Application Question 2 Form
• Completed Operating Plan Template
• Certificate of Insurance with the US Government listed as additionally insured

For questions regarding and or assistance in completing a Outfitting & Guiding permit application, please contact: SM.FS.BDFspecUses@usda.gov

You must comply with specific insurance standards as a requirement of issuing a permit to operate as an outfitter and guide on National Forest land or remain in compliance with the terms of your special use permit. The link below will take you to the webpage that details these requirements.

Outfitting and Guiding Insurance Requirements

As a requirement of issuing a permit to operate as an outfitter and guide on National Forest land or remain in compliance with the terms of your special use permit, you must comply with the following insurance requirements.

Coverage Limits

• Discuss the limits of coverage required and terms of compliance necessary to operate on Forest Service land with your insurance agent and permit staff.
• They meet the minimum coverage requirements for the authorized activities shown in the Liability Insurance Coverage Limits above or as required by state law or regulation.
• Minimum coverage limits are based on the highest-risk activity you engage in. Your coverage must meet or exceed the highest limit for all your activities, regardless of the frequency of that activity.
• Minimum limits are set by region and activity and are subject to review by the district ranger for adequacy. You must be able to obtain the required limits of coverage established by your permit administration and fulfill all insurance requirements in order to be issued a permit.
• The coverage location as stated in your policy and on the Certificate of Insurance must include the permitted area(s) of operations.

Policy Standards

• Provide a copy of the entire insurance policy package to the permit staff when applying for a new permit, whenever there has been a change in the policy terms or authorized activities, or upon the request of the permit staff.
• The permit holder must submit copies of the Certificate of Insurance, Declaration page, and Endorsement of Additional Insured to the Forest Service permit staff on an annual basis.
• All insurance documents must be received no less than 45 days before your activity starts. All policies are reviewed in the order received. Incomplete submissions will cause your review to be postponed until all documents are received.
• The policy must provide an endorsement wherein the Forest Service is provided a 30-day written notice of cancellation; and/or 10-day written notice for non-payment.
• All insurance policies must be on an “occurrence” format.
• The declaration page of the policy must provide the following information:

o Producer (issuing insurance agency);

o Company(s) providing coverage;

o The insured’s name

o Type of coverage;

o Effective dates;

o Coverage limits;

o Signature of the official representative of the insurance company;

• The name listed on the policy and the Certificate of Insurance must match that on the permit and be identical to that name registered with the corporation or business license division of the state.
• All registrations and licenses with your state must be current.
• All insurance must be purchased through companies licensed in the U.S.
• The United States government shall be listed on the Certificate of Insurance in the certificate holder box as follows:

United States Government
C/O San Bernardino National Forest
602 S Tippecanoe Ave
San Bernardino, CA 92408

Additional Insured

• Permit holders must obtain an additional insured endorsement from all independent contractors and subcontractors to cover their ongoing and completed operations (if applicable) covering the period of thier work/activity.
• The Additional Insured Endorsement and Certificate of Insurance must name the U.S. Government as the additional insured.
• The language in the Additional Insured Endorsement must read as follows:

“It is understood and agreed that the United States Government is additional insured solely as respects to liability arising from operations of the name insured.”

Exclusions and Endorsements

As a permit holder, you must include all services in your insurance policy and ensure that the insurance company does not exclude services or activities that you provide to your clients. You and the government do not want to be held liable for incidents that occur because your insurance policy excludes the services you provide. Some examples are listed below.

• Is food served? Need an endorsement to cover food service operations. Review the additional insurance form to be sure it does not exclude food service.
• Are clients transported across National Forest land? Need to provide coverage to the same minimum limits for autos, watercraft, and airplanes.
• Are services provided to youth or other vulnerable populations? Need molestation insurance.
• Are there any fuel storage tanks on FS land or can a spill occur on private property impact FS land? Need pollution and pollution clean-up insurance-these represent different losses and might require separate limits of insurance coverage.
• Is there a use of Forest Service buildings? Is the amount appropriate? Does it cover all perils?
• Is liquor sold in the package or by drink? Need coverage for liquor.
• Are there any sporting or athletic activities? Requires separate endorsement to cover the specific activities.

Endorsement for Contracted Outfitting and Guiding Services and Equipment

To ensure that services and equipment contracted by an outfitter or guide pursuant to Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, chapter 40, section 41.53i, paragraphs 5a, 5b, or 5c, are covered by the outfitter’s or guide’s insurance policy, the endorsement below this section is to be included in the outfitter’s or guide’s policy or a separate insurance policy will be required for the contracted services.

SAMPLE ENDORSEMENT FOR CONTRACTED OUTFITTING AND GUIDING SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

The following contracts entered into by the insured for the provision of services and equipment in connection with outfitting and guiding authorized under a Forest Service special use permit are insured contracts for purposes of this policy [Include the provisions below that apply, with additional detail as necessary, and delete the rest.]: 1. Contracts for ancillary services that support the use authorized by the permit, such as provision of: a. Special equipment or livestock. b. Food and shuttle services. c. For a limited number of trips, a specialized guide for people with disabilities or for highly technical trips. 2. When the insured is authorized to provide only outfitting services, contracts for guiding services. 3. Contracts for additional equipment or guiding services entered into when on a particular day the insured lacks sufficient equipment or guides to accommodate the insured’s customers

Congress established this unique program in 1915 to facilitate family recreation experiences in our Nation's Forests. The program has a deep history within the Forest Service and among generations of cabin owners. The Forest Service Recreation Residence program allows private citizens the opportunity for seasonal use of a private cabin in designated areas on the National Forests. They are commonly called "summer homes" or "recreation cabins."

The Forest Service does not sell the land or building lot but issues a permit to authorize occupancy. These privately owned cabins (improvements) are within formally established "tracts" on "lots" designated for that purpose and are authorized and administered under the terms and conditions of a Special Use Authorization (SUA) called a permit. 

The program is very restrictive to protect the forest environment, including soil, vegetation, water quality, wildlife, air quality, and historical resources. The occupant maintains recreation residences for personal, family, and guest enjoyment. The permit holder pays an annual land use fee based upon the land's fair market value, not including improvements, as determined by an appraisal. 

The San Bernardino National Forest has aprox. 750 recreation residence cabins spread across twenty-one (21) tracts. It is open to everyone willing and able to purchase a cabin from a current owner and meet the qualifications necessary to obtain a Forest Service permit.

The Forest Service does not keep a log of which cabins are for sale. If you are interested in purchasing a cabin on Forest Service land, contact local realtors.

Prospective Cabin Owners

Five Key Things to Know about Recreation Cabin Ownership and Permits

1. The Forest can only issue a permit to an individual or married couple. Several people can own a cabin together, but one owner (or married couple) must officially be the permit holder with the Forest Service. This designated permit holder will be the only person(s) the Forest Service will communicate with regarding the recreation residence permit.
2. Cabins cannot be used for commercial purposes, as retreats for companies, and are very limited in their ability to be "rented" (14-day max, with prior Forest Service written permission).
3. As a permit holder, you will be responsible for removing hazardous trees on or off your lot that are dangerous to your cabin or improvements. You must first obtain written Forest Service approval for tree or vegetation removal.
4. The permit does not come with rights associated with the land. The cabin is a private structure on public land, and the deed must reflect that.
5. Any project work that disturbs the soil, is on the exterior of the cabin or on the lot (roof, windows, paint, deck, etc.) must be submitted as a proposal, undergo a review process that can vary in length, and then be approved by the Forest Service in writing before any work can begin. 

Additional Information Resources

• Sample - FS-2700-5a Form - Term Special Use Permit for Recreation Residence [PDF 120 KB] 

• FSH  2709.11-2021-1 Chapter 40 Special Uses Handbook - Region 5 Supplement [PDF 5.14 MB] 

• National Forest Homeowners

• Recreation Residence General Regulations [PDF 616 KB]

Current Permit Holder Information

Being a recreation residence permit holder inherently comes with certain responsibilities. The obligation to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of your special use permit is essential to being a successful permit holder. It is critical that you understand the expectations of the Forest Service Recreation Residence Program and maintain good communication with your administrator. If you have questions, reach out to your administrator by phone, email, or setup and appointment for a site visit. Your administrators are here to help.

General Responsibilities

• Keep the cabin neat, in good repair, and in compliance with Forest Service regulations and all local, county, state, and federal codes and laws.
• Submit timely payment of your annual land use fee each year.
• Notify the Forest Service if your address changes.
• Submit a request in writing to your administrator for modification/changes or additions to any proposed changes on the exterior of the cabin or lot.
• Obtain written permission from the Forest Service before performing any external modifications to your cabin or lot.
• Recreation vehicles (RV, or campers) may be used to expand the capacity of a recreation residence with written approval, but only on a short-term basis. Not to exceed two weeks.
• Vehicles, boats, trailers, snowmobiles, and off-highway vehicles must be removed seasonally.
• Trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants may be removed from your lot only after receiving written approval from the Forest Service.

**MORATORIUM ON ALL BURNING FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT HOLDERS - The USDA Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) have undergone policy changes in the last year regarding residential burning permits. Until an agency process is established, the on-site burning of lot debris material is prohibited. Without the option to burn on-site, all special use permitted lot clean-up material and debris must be removed from NFS land by hauling off-site and taken to an appropriate landfill facility for disposal.

Hazard Tree Management 

Permit holders are responsible for identifying and removing trees that are hazardous to their improvements, whether or not the trees are located on their lot.

Prior Forest Service approval must be obtained in writing before cutting any trees or vegetation on National Forest lands. Dead limbs may be pruned from trees to eliminate potential fire hazards. Removal or pruning of trees will not be allowed to improve a view.

Hazard trees within the boundaries of the recreation residence lot may be authorized to be cut and used free of charge if (1) the volume is less than two cords and (2) the material is to be used on the lot.

Forest products or timber removed from the recreation residence tract requires a personal or commercial permit.

The Forest Service may identify hazardous trees during inspections and authorize permit holders to remove them. You can contact your administrator to inspect and mark hazard trees upon request.

Selling Your Cabin

What should I do if I decide to sell my cabin? 

First, contact your Permit Administrator. Whether you put the cabin up for sale yourself or decide to use a realtor, speak with your administrator to ensure a smooth transition when you sell. Then when an interested party contacts you, give them the name and number of your Special Uses Administrator. When they contact your administrator, they will be given an overview of the program, sample copies of permits, Special Uses Handbook and will review any non-conforming improvements that must be brought into full compliance before issuing a Term Permit. 

Is my Permit Transferrable?

The permit is not transferrable and terminates upon change of ownership of improvements. Once a change of ownership is pending, the current and future owner must complete and submit an FS-27003a Form, Holder Initiated Revocation of Existing Authorization– Request for a Special Use Permit Form, and General Bill of Sale (both forms available from you Special Uses Administrator).

Do I have to fix any non-conforming improvements before I sell? 

Yes and no. Let's say your deck is 30 square feet over the maximum allowable size, and you sell the cabin to a new owner. As the seller, you must notify the new owner that the deck will have to be reduced before the issuance of a Term Special Use Permit. As the current owner, you may decide to complete the deck reduction before the cabin sale. However, you can negotiate with the new owner to do it. If the new owner has agreed to perform the deck reduction, the Authorized Officer will establish a timeline for the completion, and a temporary permit will be issued to the new owner until the deck is reduced and meets the current Forest Service standards. Once in full compliance, a term permit will be issued. 

Is there a transfer fee?

As specified in Cabin Fee Act (CFA), a transfer fee will be charged upon issuing a new recreation residence permit. The current fee amount as of January 2024 is $1,412. This fee must be paid prior to the generation of a new permit.  Coordinate payment with your permit administrator.

Additional Information Resources

Recreation Residence Section 106 Review Flow Chart [PDF 519 KB]

Sample Plot Plan  [PDF 124 KB]

Sample - FS-2700-5a Form - Term Special Use Permit for Recreation Residence [PDF 120 KB]

FS-2700-6b Recreation Residence Self-Inspection Form [PDF 694 KB]

Recreation Residence Modification Request Form [PDF 153 KB]

Recreation Residence Operation and Maintenance Plan [PDF 507 KB]

Permit Holder Contact Information Form [PDF 631 KB]

FS-2700-3a General Application-Cabin Transfer Form [PDF 1.55 MB]

General Bill of Sale Form [PDF 77 KB]

Pay Land Use Fee Online - Pay.gog FS Bill Payment 

Cabin Fee Act FAQs [PDF 125 KB]

For Recreation Residence questions email: SM.FS.BDFspecUses@usda.gov

UAS - Drone Guidelines

The following information will help people who operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones comply with San Bernardino National Forest guidelines.

Recreational drone definitions

• It is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere.
• Weighs 55 pounds or less (including equipment, payload, and fuel).
• Flown strictly for recreational or hobby purposes as a means of enjoyment and/or relaxation; not for work, business, or for compensation, or hire.  Taking photos or filming for personal use from a drone is permitted.

Drones are to be flown only within the visual line of sight of the person operating them. The drone must remain within the visual line of sight of operators using their natural vision (to include vision corrected by standard eyeglasses or contact lenses). Operating the drone from a first-person view, where the operator controls the aircraft while wearing goggles that display images transmitted from a camera mounted in the UAS aircraft, is prohibited.

Registration requirements for recreational drones

• Operators must register their drone with the FAA if it weighs between 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms).
• Operators must label their drones with the registration number; the registration number should be clearly visible.

FAA Registration Website

Additional rules for the use of recreational UAS on forest lands

• Ensure that you comply with all FAA regulations and guidance for flying your UAS. The FAA has authority over all airspace.
• Flown at a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
• Cannot fly over or in close proximity to any wildfire or prescribed fire.  Flights over fires disrupt aerial firefighting operations and create hazardous situations.
• Flown in daylight only.
• Cannot fly over people or in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, and marinas.
• Must obey all privacy laws.
• Flown at least five miles from an airport or backcountry airstrip unless approved by the airport manager.  
• Must not interfere with and must give way to any manned aircraft.
• Cannot take off from, land in, or be operated from congressionally designated wilderness areas. Examples within the San Bernardino National Forest include the Bighorn Wilderness, Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness, Cucamonga Wilderness, San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Jacinto Wilderness, Santa Rosa Wilderness, Sheep Mountain Wilderness, and South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness areas.
• Drones cannot chase or harass wildlife, creating stress and potentially resulting in significant harm and even death.
• Cannot fly within or over designated seasonal wildlife closures (i.e., bald eagles).

Drones and Wildfires

Flying drones within or near wildfires without permission could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper their ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources.  Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law. Per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 9212.1 (f), it is illegal to resist or interfere with the efforts of firefighter(s) to extinguish a fire. Doing so can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Drones pose a risk to pilots and aircraft flying at low altitudes and could result in significant damage and potential injuries to the pilot and crew on board.  Drones have caused helicopters and air tankers to be grounded. For the pilot's and crew's safety, air operations would be halted until it can be confirmed that UAS devices have left the area.

No amount of video or photos are worth the potential consequences.

Commercial Drones

Commercial (non-recreational) drone use in the San Bernardino National Forest requires the operator to obtain a Special Use Permit.

Additional Information

US Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Tips for Responsible Use of Recreational Drones on the National Forest Lands

Flying Drones – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)