Special Use Permits
Event/Commercial Permits
Permits may be required for certain activities, such as large group gatherings, educational activities, film-making or outfitting and guiding services.
A special use permit is a legal document that allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest System lands. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.
Open Season Dates for Recreation Events & Outfitter Guide Proposals
Spring/Summer use proposal types: Oct. 1 – Nov. 31
Fall/Winter use proposal types: Feb. 15 – April 15
Contacts
Please familiarize yourself with the permit requirements on this page, then contact the appropriate Special Use Permit administrator listed below.
North Zone:
North Zone Manager
Daniel (Adam) Brown
daniel.a.brown@usda.gov
509-996-4036
Methow Valley Ranger District
Jacob Schmidt
jacob.schmidt@usda.gov
509-996-4044
Chelan Ranger District
Jacob Schmidt (Lands)
jacob.schmidt@usda.gov
509-996-4044
Sarah Cudworth (Recreation)
sarah.cudworth@usda.gov
541-588-0041
Entiat Ranger District
Jacob Schmidt (Lands)
jacob.schmidt@usda.gov
509-996-4044
Sarah Cudworth (Recreation)
sarah.cudworth@usda.gov
541-588-0041
Wenatchee River Ranger District
Sarah Cudworth
sarah.cudworth@usda.gov
541-588-0041
South Zone:
South Zone Manager
Kimberly Larned
kimberly.larned@usda.gov
509-582-1062
Cle Elum Ranger District
Tiffany Greene
tiffany.greene@usda.gov
509-852-1042
Naches Ranger District
Lenna Cherry
lenna.cherry@usda.gov
509-653-1401
Robin Koch
robin.koch@usda.gov
509-653-1401
Learn More About Activities that Require a Special Use Permit
Special Use Permit Questions and Answers
When do I need an authorization?
- 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.
- If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or an organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.
- If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
Contact your district permit administrator to discuss if your proposal would require a permit.
How do I apply?
Contact the appropriate Forest Service Office to discuss your proposal and required paperwork.
What form do I use to submit my proposal?
- Most proposals (power lines, communication towers, etc.): SF-299 & Supplement (.doc)
- Still or video/motion photography: Film Request Form (.pdf)
- Non-commercial group use: FS-2700-3b (.docx)
- Recreation event: FS-2700-3c (.docx)
- Outfitter/Guides: Refer to the section Outfitting and Guide Services section below.
When do I submit my proposal?
- Still or video/motion photography: Processing times can vary, please contact your district permit administrator for a more accurate timeline.
- Non-commercial group use: Year-round, a minimum of 72 hours prior to event.
- Recreation events: Learn more in the section below.
- Outfitter and Guides: Learn more in the section below.
What specific criteria does the Forest Service use to evaluate a proposal for a Special Use Permit?
Initially, a proposal is evaluated against first and second level screening criteria contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251.54). This is the basic criteria used to review proposals and applies to all proposals except non-commercial group use. Non-commercial group use proposals are evaluated under different criteria.
Only after a proposal has passed the above criteria will it be considered eligible for issuance of a special use permit.
What does an authorization or permit cost?
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.
Land Use Fees: This is an annual rental fee based on the fair market value for the uses authorized and is payable in advance. Fees are established by appraisal or other sound business management principles.
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.
Insurance Information
Yes, you need insurance. USDA Forest Service Insurance Requirements:
The following insurance guidelines are provided to show why insurance requirements are necessary and how the Certificate of Insurance should be prepared in order to meet the agency direction.
The Special Use Permit requires the Permittee to indemnify the United States against any liability for damage to life or property arising from the occupancy or use of National Forest System Lands. The Permit requires the Permittee to have the insurance company name the United States Government (Forest Service) as an additionally insured party. Also, the Certificate of Insurance and the insurance policy shall contain a specific provision to the effect that the policy shall not be cancelled or the provisions changed or deleted before thirty (30) days written notification by the insurance company to the U.S. Government, c/o USDA Forest Service.
A Certificate of Insurance must be presented to the Forest Service before a Special Use Permit will be issued. For long-term or high-risk projects, the Authorized Officer may require that a copy of the actual insurance policy be furnished before the permit is issued.
Required Language
The following acceptable additional insured clause shall be shown in verbatim on the face of the Certificate of Insurance or Binder and, as a clause or an endorsement in the insurance policy:
"It is understood and agreed that the United States Government is additional insured solely as respects liability arising from operations of the named insured."
In addition, the following 30-day clause is also mandatory and shall be shown in verbatim on the Certificate of Insurance as well as in the insurance policy:
"It is understood and agreed that the coverage under this policy will not be changed or its provisions changed or deleted before thirty (30) days written notice to the United States Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Supervisor, Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801."
United States Government, c/o USDA Forest Service, Okanogan Wenatchee shall be listed in the certificate holder box.
Important: If these clauses are not on the Certificate of Insurance in verbatim, and are not in the insurance policy or on an endorsement as stated above, a Special Use Permit will not be issued.
*Please contact the appropriate Forest Service Office to determine what insurance minimum is required.*
Non-commercial group use permits are for an activity that:
- Involves 75 or more people including spectators,
- Where an entry or participate fee is not charged, and
- Where the primary purpose is not the sale of a good or service (36CFR251.51).
Please be aware of the following:
- Access for the general public to sites, trails, and/or roads must be maintained (no area may be closed or cordoned off).
- No vendors or food trucks or carts are allowed.
- No excessive noise or public address systems near a campsite, developed recreation site or over an adjacent body of water.
- Throwing objects, including rice, birdseed, confetti, or lanterns or the release of helium balloons is prohibited.
- Decorations such as crepe paper and balloons are prohibited.
- All litter must be disposed of properly.
- Expect to have contact with members of the recreating public during your gathering, especially at popular sites.
- For weddings please contact your permit administrator to determine whether a permit is needed or not.
Like other commercial uses of National Forest lands and resources, commercial filming requires a special use permit issued by the Forest Service.
All motion picture and video filming activities that use crews, models, props, special equipment, and/or vehicles require a special use permit.
When Do I Need a Filming or Photography Permit
The type of photographic activity determines whether or not a permit is required. Check the definitions, examples and criteria listed below to determine if a special use permit is required.
Personal use
If you are shooting still photographs or ‘home movies' for personal use (e.g. that does not involve advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale) then a special use permit is not required.
Breaking News
Breaking news is an event or incident that arises suddenly, evolves quickly, and rapidly ceases to be newsworthy. A special use permit is not required for activities involving breaking news. Examples of breaking news are:
- A wildland fire
- A search and rescue
Still Photography
Still photography uses photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies. National Forest visitors and professional or amateur photographers need a special use permit to take still photographs if the still photography:
- Uses models, sets, or props that are not part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
- Takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely.
Commercial Filming
A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities on National Forest System lands. Commercial filming is the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound recording, 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 actors, models, sets or props, but not activities associated with broadcasts for news programs.
For purposes of this definition, creation of a product for sale includes but is not limited to 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 filming or still photography will not be permitted if the Forest Service determines that any of the following criteria apply:
- There is a likelihood of resource damage that cannot be mitigated.
- There would be an unreasonable disruption of the public's use and enjoyment of the site (beyond short term interruption).
- The activity poses health or safety risks to the public that cannot be mitigated.
Requesting a Commercial Filming or Still Photography Permit
Advance Notice: The production company should contact the appropriate Forest Service Office to discuss the proposed filming project.
Alternate areas may be suggested which may better suit the proposal, reduce environmental analysis costs, or shorten permit processing timelines. If the proposed activities are incompatible with the management area direction or Forest Service policy (e.g. significant environmental impacts, public safety issues, disruption of visitors services) an explanation will be given why the proposal is unacceptable and possible alternatives will be discussed.
Permit Process: You need to provide detailed information about the proposal for the evaluation and permitting process using the form below.
- Commercial Photography and Filming Request form (.doc)
- Commercial Photography and Filming Request form (.pdf)
This form and related information must be submitted to the appropriate Forest Service Office.
Examples of required information that will be evaluated include:
- Type and complexity of the production
- Proposed location
- Amount and type of equipment and props
- Proposed stunts and special effects
- Potential resource impacts
- Unreasonable disruption of the public's use and enjoyment of the site
- Health or safety risks to the public.
Insurance: Written proof of insurance must be provided to the appropriate Forest Service Office. The policy document must name the United States Government as additional insured and provide for thirty (30) days written notification of cancelation. Copies of other documents, such as applicable County encroachment permits, letters of permission from private land owners, other permittees, etc., will be required prior to filming.
Forest Service Representation: Depending on the activity, the production company may be required to have Forest Service personnel to act as the Forest Service’s representative on site during the filming. The representative can approve or disapprove proposals that arise during filming and has the authority to suspend activities for noncompliance. If a Forest Service representative is needed, a collection agreement between the Forest Service and production company to cover the salary and mileage of the monitor may be required.
Performance Bond: A performance bond may be required if the proposal has a potential of resource damage or would require a major clean-up effort such as the removal of a constructed set, or use of special effects. The Forest Service will determine if a bond is required on a case-by-case basis.
- Permit Fee and Recovery Costs: The permit fee is based on the number of production employees and days required to complete the filming. All fees are due prior to issuance of the permit. Payment instructions are included on the bill. Fees to cover administrative processing and monitoring costs may also be applied to the permit. For current fee schedule, contact your permit administrator.
- Authorization: The permit, as well as the collection agreement if required, must be signed by an authorized production company representative. Proof of authorization to execute documents on behalf of the company must be provided. If the president of the company is unavailable to sign, a letter of authorization must accompany the individual authorized to sign the documents.
Special Considerations and Areas
Use of an Authorized Outfitter and Guide: Commercial filming activity requirements still apply while utilizing the services of an authorized Outfitter and Guide on National Forest System lands. Common requests that would require a Forest Service evaluation and permit include:
- Promotional or product advertisement (e.g. commercial for a 4x4 truck driving a forest road).
- Outdoor show for fishing or hiking (e.g. salmon fishing on a wild and scenic river).
Photography Classes: Individuals or organizations offering classes or workshops on photography for commercial gain are considered outfitters-guides. Please review the Outfitting and Guiding Services page for information on this type of activity and how to apply for a permit.
Commercial Filming Activities in Wilderness areas: Forest Service policies direct the agency to look at minimizing wilderness resource impacts and seeking other non-wilderness area options to conduct the proposed activities. Commercial filming activities may be allowed in wilderness if it is proper for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes of the area, as determined by the Forest Service.
Please review important information, below before submitting your proposal to ensure that your proposal is complete. Incomplete proposals may not be accepted.
To submit a proposal contact the appropriate Forest Service Office.
Please contact us with questions you may have about your permit, or future opportunities to submit a proposal.
Do I Need a Permit for a Recreation Event?
Recreation events on the National Forest require a special use permit for almost any kind of outdoor activity where participants exchange money or pay a fee for the opportunity to be involved in the event. Examples of recreation event activities include, but are not limited to: snowmobile events, running endurance races, horse competitions and endurance rides, fundraisers for non-profits and other organizations.
All special use proposals will be screened using criteria required in 36 CFR 251.54 before approval is granted.
If you have any questions about the criteria or the permitting process please contact the appropriate Forest Service Office. Applicants are also encouraged to call prior to developing a new proposal.
Will I pay for the Recreation Event permit?
If the event is approved, the Forest Service will at least bill for the minimum fee prior to the event date. Contact the appropriate Forest Service Office for more information. Fees for the event are based on 5 percent of gross revenues for a single event or 3 percent of gross revenues for permits for multiple events in a single calendar year. The only revenue reductions allowed will be for the cost of awards and prizes. The reduction must be supported with documentation of purchase (e.g. receipts or invoices) or proof of cash pay-outs (e.g. copies of checks or list of names and amounts paid). Any approved vendors at the event will report gross income to the event permit holder for inclusion with the event income.
- A post use report must be submitted within 30 days of each event. This signed post use report will include:
- Number of participants
- Number of spectators
- Gross income
- Cost of awards or prizes
- Any required documentation
- A reconciliation billing may be due based on adjusted income.
Can I have vendors at my Recreation Event?
Vendors may be approved at events, such as food services or merchandisers, under the event permit. Food service providers must also be licensed by the appropriate county. The sale of merchandise should be tied to the type of event being held (i.e. running shoes at a running event). Any proposed sale of alcohol must also be licensed by the state and all requirements of that license must be met by the proponent.
When Can I Submit my Proposal?
Proposals for temporary recreation events must be submitted during our open seasons in summer or winter:
- Summer: October 1st – November 31 (for summer use types)
- Winter: Feb 15th – April 15 (for winter use types)
What Forms Do I Need to Submit?
- Proposal Request Form (.docx)
- Rec Event Operating Plan (.docx)
- Insurance Requirements (See Special Use Permits Q&A section)
Outfitters and Guides provide a critical service to the public. Outfitters and Guides are individuals that possess skill, equipment, and knowledge that the average client may not.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will accept proposals for new outfitter and guide (temporary and priority use) permits October 1st thru November 31st for Summer proposals and February 15th thru April 15th for Winter proposals. During this time, prospective outfitters and guides may submit a proposal for a permit to operate guided tours, camps, hunts, and other experiences on the forest. Outfitters and guides help people enjoy our public lands by providing equipment, knowledge, and skills to people exploring their national forest.
Only complete proposals submitted during the open season will be reviewed. Please keep in mind that the time to analyze proposals will vary based on complexity and we do not guarantee that a reviewed proposal will result in a permit.
Proposals including the following areas or uses will not be considered:
- North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor (WA State Route 20)
- Some designated Wilderness areas
- Rock Climbing proposals on Wenatchee River Ranger District will not be accepted at this time
How to Submit an Outfitter/Guide Proposal
Only complete proposals will be accepted. Please allow sufficient time to coordinate with forest staff and to complete the application.
- Contact the appropriate Forest Service Office to discuss your proposal location and ideas before moving on to the next steps listed below.
- Complete form SF-299 for Priority Outfitter and Guide permit.
- Complete all of the Application for Temporary Outfitter-Guide Permit (.docx). Be sure to include enough detail to give reviewers a clear, complete description of the proposed activities and locations.
- Include a complete Operations Plan with legible map of all routes, overnight camping, etc.
- Read the Insurance Information listed above in the Special Uses Permit Q&A section. If your proposal is approved, you must satisfy insurance requirements at least 30 days ahead of your first trip. The Forest Service cannot issue a signed permit without appropriate insurance coverage.
- Note: Only complete proposals will be reviewed.
- Send your completed proposal package to the appropriate Forest Service Office.
Special Considerations and Areas
Methow Valley Ranger District
About Recreation Residences
Recreation Residences have existed since before the turn of the century, when national forests were reserves and were administered by the General Land Office in the U.S. Department of the Interior. The first lots were authorized by the Forest Management Act of June 4, 1897, also known as the "Organic Act" to encourage public recreation.
In 1968, in recognition of other recreation needs, the Forest Service decided against establishing any additional new tracts. In 1976, this moratorium was expanded to include no development of new lots within existing tracts.
The Forest Service Recreation Residence program gives private citizens the opportunity to own a single-family cabin in designated areas on the National Forests. They are commonly called "summer homes" or "recreation residences". These privately owned cabins (improvements) are located 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 (permit).
The individual owns the improvements but not the land. Occasionally permit holders sell their improvements. The Forest Service does not handle the sale of recreation residences, nor does it keep track of those that are for sale. For more information on this type of permit, contact your local ranger district.
The Cabin Fee Act (CFA) of 2014 establishes the current method for determining special use fees for the Recreation Residence Program by using a fee table and institutes a transfer fee in the event the cabin changes ownership.
Cabin owners must obtain a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service. Owners then pay an annual land use fee to maintain and use their cabin on National Forest System lands, for recreational use, on a part-time basis.
Helpful Information for Cabin Owners
- Self-Inspection Form FS-2700-6b
- Transfer Form FS-2700-3a
- Project Proposal Form (.pdf version) (.docx version)
- Noxious Weed list for Washington State
- Hazard Tree Removal Request Form
- Cabin Fee Act - Frequently Asked Questions
Information for Prospective Cabin Owners
Naches Ranger District Specific Recreation Residence Information & Forms
The following links contain forms and important information for Recreation Residences located on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest within the Naches Ranger District.
- Naches Project Proposal Form
- Naches Operations and Maintenance Plan
- Recreation Resident Information for New Owners
- Permit Holder Contact Information Update Form
- Self Inspection Form
- Transfer Guide
- Transfer Application
- Cabin Owner Wildfire Checklist
- Hazard Tree Information Guide and Request Form
- Vegetation Management for Recreation Residences
- Safe Use of the Forest
- Campfire Guide
- Cultural Resources and Your Recreational Residence
Linear Right-of-Ways (ROWs) include but are not limited to, power lines, telephone lines, fiber optic lines, water transmission lines, irrigation ditches and roads.
Permit fees vary based on use type please contact the permit administrator for more information.
Proposals for communication site use should be submitted on Standard Form-299 (Word Doc, 106 KB).
Submissions:
When submitting your proposal please contact the appropriate Forest Service Office.
National USDA Forest Service Communication Uses website:
Research special uses include site surveys and testing, resource surveys, research studies, and weather stations and similar monitoring facilities. Some surveys are incidental and may not need a permit. Contact us to find out more.
Provide basic information about the research project using our Research Proposal Supplement:
Okanogan-Wenatchee Research Proposal Request Form (.docx)
Proposals should be submitted with the Standard Form-299 (Word Doc, 106 KB).
A Certificate of Insurance for research activity may be required. See the Insurance Information above in the Special Use Permits Q&A section.
Submissions:
When submitting your proposal please contact the appropriate Forest Service Office.
The Forest Service understands the emotion associated with losing a loved one or valued community member and the desire to memorialize them and create a lasting tribute. We are also mindful that remembrance is deeply personal. While the placement of a monument or memorial on public land may help some individuals through difficult times, others may feel memorials intrude on their experience on 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
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.