Inyo National Forest

Special Use Authorizations provide use of, and access to, National Forest System lands for a wide variety of activities to both commercial and noncommercial operations. Permits are also issued for private, non-exclusive use. Depending on the complexity of the proposal, obtaining a Special Use Authorization can sometimes be a lengthy process.  The Inyo National Forest is asking for all proposals to be submitted 180 days in advance, in order to facilitate this process.  Please coordinate early with the District where you would like to operate.

It is important to note all proponents will not receive a permit, therefore any action taken before receiving a Special Use authorization, such as occupying National Forest System Lands and advertising or expending funds, is premature and at the proponent's risk--and may be against the law.

RECREATION EVENT
This type of special use includes organized events of a temporary nature, such as animal, vehicle, or boat races; fishing contests; rodeos; adventure games; and fairs.  If you are interested in learning more about submitting a proposal for a recreation event, please contact your local special uses permit administrator and submit a

SF-2700-3c application form

FILMING

National forests are a popular location for the commercial filming and still photography industries.  Many motion pictures and commercials have been filmed on the Inyo National Forest.

Anyone wishing to film on National Forest System lands must obtain a special use permit from the Forest Service. A "Filming on Public Lands" webpage addresses many common questions concerning the permitting process.  To request a filming permit on the Inyo National Forest please fill out a Request for Filming form and submit to the local permit administrator on the Ranger District you wish to film.

RESEARCH
There are many diverse research projects on the Inyo NF.  Research includes experimental forest demonstration areas, observatories, laboratories, stream gages, weather stations, and similar uses not intended to result in further development.  Contact the Ranger Station in the area where you are proposing to do research for more information about submitting a research proposal.   

OUTFITTING AND GUIDING

This area of Special Uses includes all commercial outfitting operations involving services for accommodating guests, transporting persons, and providing equipment, supplies, and materials.  It also includes commercial guiding activities wherein the guide furnishes personal services or serves as a leader or teacher.  Here is a list of current outfitting and guiding operations on the Inyo National Forest.

RECREATION RESIDENCES
Back in the early 1900's the Forest Service Recreation Residence program started to give 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 cabins". These privately owned cabins (improvements) are located within formally established "tracts" on individual "lots" designated for that purpose.  The last formally established tract in the Region was in 1959 and no new tracts or cabins are allowed to be built.  These recreation residence permits are authorized and administered under the terms and conditions of a special use authorization (SUA) called a permit. more>>

NONCOMMERCIAL GROUP USE
Under the regulation, a “group use” is an activity that involves a group of 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators. “Noncommercial” is any use or activity where an entry or participation fee is not charged, and the primary purpose is not the sale of a goods or service.  Some examples of noncommercial group uses are weddings, church services, endurance rides, regattas, camping trips, hikes, music festivals, rallies and graduations.  To obtain a Noncommercial Group Use Permit please fill out a SF2400 3b form and submit this form to your to the local permit administrator on the Ranger District where you would like to hold your event. more>>

Cost Recovery: The Forest Service has modified the fee structure for processing special use permits.  The modification is based on Congressional direction to develop a program to improve administration of the agency’s special use program.  Under the new rule, the Forest Service will collect fees from some permit applicants to recover the costs of processing and administering special use authorizations consistent with recommendations made by the General Accountability Office.

More Information>>