Special Use Permits
A Special Use Authorization is a permit that grants rights or privileges of occupancy and use subject to specified terms and conditions on National Forest land. Special uses can include recreation residences (summer cabins), recreation events, outfitter guides, weddings, communication facilities and many other uses.
You need a special use permit if:
- The activity on National Forest System land involves 75 or more people including spectators, or
- There is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use of the land, or
- You will need to occupy, use, or build on National Forest System land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term. Personal, unguided recreational use does not need a special use permit but may need a wilderness permit, parking permit or other recreational permit.
Our policy is to manage special uses on National Forest lands in a manner that protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management plans.
Before a special use proposal is approved, the agency must determine that the proposed use complies with the Forest's land and resource management plan; that National Environmental Policy Act requirements are met; there is a demonstrated need for the activity on National Forest System lands; and the use is appropriate on National Forest System lands. None of the existing special use authorities provide for permanent use of National Forest System lands.
Have more questions? Contact one of our offices or email our public inquiry inbox for more information!
A special use permit is required for outfitting and guiding conducted on the Umatilla National Forest, including rafting or fishing, guided hunting trips and packing services, hiking and other activities.
The Open Season for applying for outfitter guide permits, including for outfitting and guiding and river use, will begin January 1 and run through March 31 each year.
A special use permit is required when an individual, company, organization, institution or non-profit group charges a participatory fee for guiding services and/or provides recreation equipment. This policy is based on the following official definitions:
- Guiding- Providing services or assistance such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, interpretation or other assistance to individuals or groups in their pursuit of a natural resource-based outdoor activity for pecuniary remuneration or other gain.
- Outfitting- Providing through rental or livery a saddle or pack animal, vehicle or boat, tents or camp gear, or similar supplies or equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or other gain.
Grande Ronde River
The Grande Ronde River flows through state, federal, and private lands. The Umatilla National Forest, in cooperation with the Baker City Bureau of Land Management (BLM), oversee the management of the river corridor. The Walla Walla Ranger District administers the special use authorizations for guiding on the river sections from Minam to Troy, Oregon. A BLM river access permit is required for day trips, outfitting and guiding on sections of the river accessed on foot, and trips that depart from Troy and continue through to Heller Bar, as well as commercial outfitting and guiding for the Wallowa River. The river access permit must be filled out and kept with each private or commercial group while on the Grande Ronde River. For more information about BLM river access permits, please contact the Baker City Field Office.
All applications will be accepted on first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will not be accepted before January 1 and will be accepted no later than March 31 of each year. Applicants who are not selected will be placed on a list for future notification. This process will be re-evaluated prior to the each season.
All applicants must have the appropriate guiding license from Oregon State Marine Board, current First Aid/CPR certification, and a certificate of insurance listing the U.S. Government as an Additional Insured. Please contact the appropriate Ranger District Office for further information.
The Walla Walla Ranger District (WWRD) administers the special use authorizations that utilize National Forest System lands on the Mt. Emily, Walla Walla, and Wenaha Big Game Management Units in Eastern Oregon. While part of the Wenaha Unit overlaps with the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, the Wilderness Area is managed by the Pomeroy Ranger District and is excluded from the Walla Walla Ranger Big Game Hunting Program. All applicants must have the appropriate clearance from Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please contact the appropriate Ranger District Office.
National forests and grasslands are the perfect backdrop for films, ads, and other types of commercial filming and photography. It is important to understand the different regulations and that the process to obtain a special use permit takes time.
Personal Use
If you are shooting still photographs or home movies for personal use (i.e. 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.
Drone (UAS) Use
Drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are becoming increasingly popular and affordable to more users. Recreational and commercial users need to be aware that their use is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which controls all uses of UAS. You must be familiar with the local restrictions in your flight area. Commercial users need to visit with the Forest's Special Uses Program Manager to discuss their proposed use. The use of drones to commercially film on the National Forest will need to apply for a special use permit for this activity. Additional information about drone usage can be found on our Safety and Outdoor Ethics webpage.
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 plane crash in the forest
- 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 do not need a special use permit to take still photographs unless the still photography will:
- Use models, sets or props that are not part of the site's natural or cultural resource or administrative facilities.
- Take place where members of the public are not generally allowed. An example would be an area closed to the public to protect winter range for wildlife.
- Take place at a location where additional administrative costs are likely. An example would be sites that are so popular with photographers the Forest Service is required to regulate use.
Commercial Filming
A special use permit is required for commercial filming activities involving parties of 8 or more individuals on all National Forest System lands, outside of designated wilderness areas.
Commercial filming is defined as 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 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.
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. (Refer to the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251.51).)
Examples might include weddings, family reunions, or other group get-togethers. Events outside of these guidelines must acquire a special use permit.
Keep this is mind, whether your gathering requires a permit or not:
- Access for the general public to sites, trails, and/or roads must be maintained (no area may be closed or cordoned off).
- Wedding ceremonies may not be officiated by individuals who are paid for their services; this is a commercial service widely available off of National Forest System land.
- No vendors or food trucks or carts are allowed.
- Adhere to campground quiet hours when 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.
- All litter must be disposed of properly which includes balloons, decorations, route flagging, signage, etc.
- Expect to have contact with members of the recreating public during your gathering, especially at popular sites.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a recreation event?
A recreation event is a recreational activity where an entry or participation fee is charged. Examples include fishing contests, dog trials, and endurance rides.
Who must get a permit?
Regardless of how many people are involved, if you charge entry or participation fees, you need a permit. Recreation events are defined in the regulations found here: 36 CFR 251.51
Do meet-up groups need a permit?
Meet-up groups, groups of friends, and club outings do not need a permit if no fees are charged or the group size is 75 or more.
My organization is a non-profit group and the event is a fundraiser. Do I still need a permit?
Yes, if your event has entry or participation fees. The need for a permit does not hinge on the tax status of your group but on the proposed activity. Under certain circumstances, you may qualify for a fee waiver but you still need a permit. Fee waivers are discretionary and are described in the regulations found here: 36 CFR 251.57
What is a noncommercial group use?
A noncommercial activity is any use or activity that does not require an entry or participation fee and there is no sale of goods or services. A group use is an activity that involves 75 or more people. FSM 2721.91; FSH 2709.11, section 12.11 & 17.4; FSH 1909.15, section 32.3(1)). Examples:
- Weddings
- Family reunions
- Club outings
Who must get a permit?
If your activity is noncommercial and your group size is 75 or more people. Remember, there can be no sale of goods or services and no entry or participation fees. See 36 CFR 261.10 for Occupancy and Use Prohibitions.
Why is a permit required?
The Forest Service has a duty to minimize resource impacts on National Forest System lands. Large group gatherings can have significant adverse impacts on Forest resources and on public health and safety. Some adverse impacts include:
- The spread of disease;
- Pollution from inadequate site clean-up;
- Soil compaction from inadequate site restoration;
- Damage to archaeological sites; and
- Traffic congestion.
By requiring permits, is the Forest Service infringing on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech, assembly, and religion?
No. The Supreme Court has held that the government may enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on First Amendment activities as long as the restrictions are justified without regard to the content of the regulated speech, they are narrowly tailored to further a significant government interest, and they leave open ample alternative channels for communication of information. Permits are constitutional restrictions of time, place, and manner.
The purpose of the Umatilla National Forest Commercial Road Rules is to:
- Provide commercial users with timely information about requirements concerning use on Forest Service managed roads and to administer them uniformly with all commercial users.
- Provide Forest Officers with a system to display their requirements concerning use on Forest Service managed roads and to assist in administering them uniformly with all commercial users.
- Implement a responsive system for issuing permits or other arrangements for authorizing road use to meet the special needs unique to specific commercial users.
- To inform other agencies and Forests about requirements concerning use of Umatilla National Forest roads.
Rules and Requirements:
Resources
Please contact one of our offices or email our public inquiry inbox for more information! For permit proposal submissions outside the open season window, please contact your local district ranger office.
Use Type | Timeframe for Proposal Submission | Required Forms |
| Still or Commercial Filming | Year-round *Please apply at least 30 days ahead of your scheduled event. | Umatilla National Forest Filming and Photography Form |
| Non-Commercial Group Use | Year-round *Please apply at least 30 days ahead of your scheduled event. | FS-2700-3b |
| Recreation Event | Year-round *Please apply at least 30 days ahead of your scheduled event. | FS-2700-3c |
| Outfitting/Guiding | Annually, January 1 to March 31 | FS-2700-3f |
| All uses: Purchasing a business or individual residence that has a permit | A new permit may need to be issued. Contact Forest Service prior to closing on the sale to ensure you qualify for a permit. For current permit holders wishing to terminate their existing authorization, please use form FS-2700-3a. | |
| Commercial Road Use | Year-round |
The following insurance guidelines are provided to show why insurance requirements are necessary and how the Certificate of Insurance needs to be prepared 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.
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, Umatilla National Forest, and address"
United States Government, c/o USDA Forest Service, Umatilla National Forest shall be listed in the certificate holder box.
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.
The amount of insurance required will depend on the degree of risk involved. The Forest Representative administering the special use permit will inform the prospective permittee of the required liability coverage necessary, such as (coverage’s shown minimums):
- (1) $25,000 Property Damage
- (2) $500,000 Death or injury to One Individual, and
- (3) $500,000 Death or injury to more than One Individual
Most special use permits require a fee, which varies based on the type of use, its duration, and its potential impact on the land. Fees help cover administrative costs and support stewardship of national forests. Below are the three types of Special Use fees that may be used:
- Annual Rents: Minimum annual dues for the use and occupancy of the land.
- Use Type Rents: Fees based on the type of use desired.
- Cost Recovery Fees: An assessment of fees to recover agency processing costs and monitoring costs for special use permit authorizations.
The current FY 2025 land use rent is $140.00 (minimum) and must be paid before a special use permit is issued. It is recommended to reach out to your local ranger district office for further information on what permit fees may exist for your desired use.