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>>
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