Stanislaus National Forest

Passes & Permits

Special Use Permits

Advertising

The Forest Service authorizes (permits) the private use of National Forest land for a variety of reasons, including recreation cabins, ski areas, resorts, outfitter guide such as pack stations, communication sites, etc. For information regarding the administration of existing special use permits or obtaining a new special use permit, please call the special uses person at one of our offices. For general information visit our National Special Uses website.

RECREATION RESIDENCES

The Forest Service Recreation Residence program gives private citizens the opportunity to own a single-family cabin in designated areas within the National Forests. They are commonly called "summer homes" or "recreation cabins". These privately owned cabins are located within formally established "tracts" on "lots" designated for that purpose and are authorized and administered under the terms and conditions of 20-year special use permits. The individual owns the improvements but not the land.

The permit requires the payment of an annual rental fee based upon fair market value of the land, not including improvements, as determined by an appraisal. In addition, cabin permit holders are required to meet (a) Forest Plan standards and guidelines specific to each National Forest, (b) Forest Service policy direction regarding administration of cabin permits, and (c) historic property requirements (when the cabin is determined to be historic).

The following websites provide more information:

• Forest Service Region 5 website provides Regional direction regarding permit administration (Region 5 Supplement 2709.11-2000-1) and historic properties.
• Eldorado National Forest website provides a wide variety of information of interest to National Forest recreation residence permit holders.
• National Forest Homeowner's website provides information of interest to recreation cabin permit holders.

RECREATION RESIDENCE PERMIT RE-ISSUANCE

All recreation residence permits will expire on 12/31/2008. The Forest began the process of preparation to issue new 20 year term permits in 2003. The following documents provide a status report and information related to the Stanislaus National Forest's progress completing this project:

• Forest Supplement 01-07 (18k .pdf, 2 pages)
• March 13, 2007 Recreation Residence Permit Re-issuance Update Letter (58k .pdf, 2 pages )
• June 20, 2007 Recreation Residence Permit Re-Issuance Update (61k .pdf, 2 pages)
• Frequently Asked Questions (26k .pdf, 2 pages)
• How You Can Help (55k .pdf, 1 page)
• How You Can Help by Volunteering (54k .pdf, 1 page)
• August 2007 Update--Clarifications and Frequently Asked Questions (70k .pdf, 2 pages)
• November 2007 Update and Frequently Asked questions (72k .pdf, 2 pages)
• May 2008 Update (70k .pdf, 2 pages)

CABIN USE FEE FAIRNESS ACT of 2000 (CUFFA)

The Forest Service is in the process of conducting appraisals on recreation residence lots in the Region. In accordance with the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000 (CUFFA), the appraisals will be prepared by private appraisers under contract to the Forest Service.

SPECIAL USE PERMIT ADVERTISING

Special Use Permit holders, in advertisements, signs, circulars, brochures, letterheads, and like materials, as well as orally, shall not misrepresent in any way, either the accommodations provided, the status of the permit, or the area covered by it or tributary thereto. The fact that the permitted area is located on the Stanislaus National Forest shall be made apparent in all of the holder's brochures and advertising regarding use and management of the area and facilities under permit. Advertising materials released to the public, as appropriate, will contain a statement that the permitted area is located on the Stanislaus National Forest and that the facility will be operated on a non-discriminatory basis. If photographs and/or other graphics are used, they will convey the message of equal opportunity. All advertising material must be approved by Forest Service prior to use.

Forest Service shields and sample text needed to meet special use permit requirements for advertising.