Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests
Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala National Grasslands

Frequently Asked Questions

A variety of information is listed below, but some of the main topics on this Web site are:	CAMPING MAPS HIKING/BIKING HUNTING PASSES JOBS CAMPFIRES ATV/OHV's HORSES COLLECTING PERMITS FIRES
Is the Nebraska National Forest open all year around?	Yes, the offices and entire public land acreage are open all year around. The National Forests and Grasslands are available for outdoor dispersed recreation. Check with the local Forest Service office for current information.
How do I make reservations for campgrounds in Parks and Forests, or any other public land?	To make reservations at any nationally managed facility, visit recreation.gov online or call Toll Free 1-877-444-6777. IMPORTANT TIP: It's a good idea to make your reservations well in advance. It helps to know the name of the campground where you want to stay before you call the reservation center. The Recreation.gov site is a great source of campground information.
Can I camp anywhere I want to on National Forests and Grasslands?	Yes. Camping without developed facilities (dispersed camping) is allowed on most National Forests and Grasslands. However, some areas limit camping to designated areas and many areas have travel restrictions, limiting where you may drive and park your vehicle. There is a wide variety of sites and attractions available in the Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests, and Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala National Grasslands. Please check ahead of time for General Rules for Visitors. For a specific area, be sure to check with the local Ranger District. Also check the updated Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests, and Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala National Grasslands Restrictions and Closures. If you need your vehicle to camp, there may be some restrictions on where you can go. You may not drive or camp where you will cause resource damage, such as making vehicle ruts off roadways or damaging trees or streams. We recommend that you camp at least 150 feet from all lakes and streams. The distance you may pull your vehicle off an established roadway will vary, depending on the travel management policies of each forest. Generally, you may not drive more than 300 feet off a roadway to park, but this distance may be less in some areas. Please contact the local office near where you want to go. Additional regulations are also posted at many locations, such as trail heads. Camping off Forest Service trails, both inside and outside of Wilderness, is also open with some localized restrictions. Some general guidelines are to camp at least one hundred feet from lakes, streams, roads and trails; some Forests require 200 feet. Do not drive more than three hundred feet off the roadway to park and camp, and you are not allowed to drive where you may do resource damage, especially through wet areas. There is usually a fourteen-day limit for camping on most forests. Always remember: PACK IT IN – PACK IT OUT! You may not drive nails into trees or damage live trees in any way. To help protect our forests from invasive pests and diseases, please get firewood from the same area where it will be used. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more ways you can help protect our forests.
Do I need a back country permit to camp on National Forests?	Not in the National Forests or Grasslands. Regardless of the area you are traveling through , you should register at the trail head, be aware of all regulations, camp well off the trail and away from streams and lakes, use an existing site (if it's a legal one).
Is the Scott Fire Lookout Tower on the Bessey Ranger District open to the public?	No unaccompanied tours of the Scott Tower until 2011, after the tower is renovated. Scott Lookout National Recreation Trail winds through a man-made forest for 3 miles.
Is there a time limit for camping on the Nebraska National Forest and associated units?	No.
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Where can I have a campfire in National Forests?   How do I find out about campfire bans before I get to the forest?	You may have campfires in developed campgrounds but only in the metal rings or boxes provided at the site. You may also have campfires anywhere you are legally camped when you are "dispersed camping" (camping outside of developed, fee campgrounds) in the general forest areas. You may collect incidental amounts of dead and downed wood (sticks) to burn without a permit, but you may not transport any wood off the forest without a permit. To help protect our forests from invasive pests and diseases, please get firewood from the same area where it will be used. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more ways you can help protect our forests. Please make wise fire choices. In hot, dry seasons, there may be fire restrictions that prohibit open flames of any kind. This may include campfires even in developed sites. Please check to see if any SEASONAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS or fire bans are in effect for the Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala National Grasslands. For a listing of other National Forest fire restrictions, visit the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center page and scroll down to the area of interest. As you click on each forest listed, you can read the specifics on their particular fire bans. Another way to know for sure is to call ahead to the forest office closest to where you want to visit. You can use the drop-down menu on the left margin of this Web site to find all the national forests and grasslands in the Rocky Mt. Region. Their phone numbers are posted on their Web pages. In addition, once you get to the forest, if a fire ban is in place, there should be large yellow signs indicating what is legal and what is not at all entrances to National Forests, trail heads, campgrounds, offices and visitor bulletin boards.
Do I need a permit to cut a Christmas tree on the National Forest?	Permits are required to cut and remove a Christmas tree and other products from the National Forest. You should contact the individual National Forest to see if they have Christmas Tree cutting areas and a permitting process. Your permit will come with information on the type of tree that can be cut, as well as a map of locations where trees are available.
Can I cut firewood in the Nebraska NF? Where? Do I need a permit? What are the rules? How do I measure a cord of wood?	Pine Ridge Rules - Firewood cutting is allowed on the Pine Ridge RD with a permit. A permit may be obtained at the district office. Cutting areas are designated but may be subject to change. A map showing designated areas will be given with each permit. Rules and conditions are a part of the permit. No hardwoods may be cut. Permits are $20 which authorizes holder to cut four cords of wood. Please be aware of invasive pests and diseases. To help protect our forests, don't move firewood where it may spread the damage. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more ways you can help protect our forests. Cords are measured by stacking wood--a pile 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet is a cord.
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What maps are available for visiting the National Forests and Grasslands?   Where can I buy them?	All forest and district offices carry a map of their Forest for $10 for plastic (a tear-proof, water-resistant durable map). Some offices also carry the paper version of the Forest map for $7 and some offices stock maps of neighboring National Forests. To purchase a Forest map through the mail, please visit the map order form Web site. Maps can also be ordered with a credit card, by phone (406-329-3024) or online at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/. At some offices, 7.5 min. USGS topo maps (quads) of nearby areas are available for $6 each or topo maps can be purchased online.
How do I purchase maps for forests and grasslands in South Dakota?	There are three separate Forest Service maps that cover South Dakota: the Black Hills National Forest, the Fort Pierre National Grassland and the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Recreation/Visitor maps can be purchased for $10 each by mail from any Forest or Grassland office, or by phone (406-329-3024) or online at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/ They are waterproof, tear-proof plastic map, one inch to the mile scale.
How do I purchase maps for forests and grasslands in Nebraska?	There are two forest recreation maps that cover the Nebraska National Forest. One is for both the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest and a portion of the Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District)located in central Nebraska. The northwestern portion of the Nebraska NF near Chadron combined with the Oglala National Grassland is in the Pine Ridge Ranger District map. The maps are one inch to the mile scale and made of a durable, waterproof, tear proof plastic and cost $10 each and are available from any Forest or Grassland office. To purchase a Forest map through the mail, please visit the map order form Web site. Maps can also be ordered with a credit card, by phone (406-329-3024) or online at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/.
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Where can I ride my ATV and motorcycle? Can I ride cross-country, off roads and trails?	The Forest Service is in the process of involving the public to identify routes and areas open for motorized use. Please check with the Forest Service office responsible for the area you wish to ride.
Where can I ride my ATV in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland? Where are the designated trails?	There are no designated OHV trails on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Currently you can ride anywhere on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland with the exception of the Indian Creek Proposed Wilderness Area, where motorized travel is restricted to the numbered road that bisects the area. Motorized travel is also restricted within the Redshirt Proposed Wilderness Area. Be aware of the impact cross-country riding will have to soils and vegetation. You are encouraged to ride on Forest Service numbered roads and well established two-tracks. All OHV's are required to have spark arrestors.
Where can we take OHV's on the Pine Ridge Ranger District (Nebraska NF) and the Oglala National Grassland?	There are no trails on the Pine Ridge Ranger District or Oglala National Grassland specifically designated for OHV use. You can currently ride anywhere on the national forest and national grassland except areas closed to motorized use. To reduce soil erosion, we recommend using existing roads as much as possible. Soldier Creek Wilderness, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, Pine Ridge Trail, Toadstool Trail and Bison Trail are designated for non-motorized use only. Within five years the forest will initiate a public process to determine which routes or areas will be open for motorized use. If you are interested in participating in this process, send your name, phone number and address (including email) to Nebraska National Forest, 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337, Attention: Travel Management. Be sure your OHV is equipped with spark arrestors. As closures may occur due to fire danger, be sure to check with the ranger district for fire danger status.
Where can we ride OHV's and motorbikes on the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest? Are there any rules or regulations?	Motorized travel is prohibited from September 1 through November 30 inside the area bounded by the Circle Road (FSR 203) and Natick Road (FSR 212). The Bessey RD has one developed OHV trail that’s 11 miles long and extends from the Dismal River Trail Head, 1 ½ miles south of the recreation complex, to Whitetail Campground. Roads off limits to OHV and motorbikes are 203, 212, 259, 277and State Spur 86B (the one to Scott Tower.) Cross-country travel is currently allowed, but not encouraged since the fragile covering of grasses is easily disturbed, resulting in wind-eroded blowouts. Within five years the forest will initiate a public process to determine which routes or areas will be open for motorized use. If you are interested in participating in this process, send your name, phone number and address (including email) to Nebraska National Forest, 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337, Attention: Travel Management. OHV's and motorbike operators must only ride to and from the trail head and campsites. They may not use the vehicles for motoring around the campgrounds or going to the bathrooms or swimming pool. Quiet time is between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Helmets and goggles are strongly encouraged.
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Where is a good mountain bike or hiking trail in the Pine Ridge District or the National Grasslands?	You may mountain bike anywhere on the national forest or grassland except in the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area. A good resource for information on hiking and biking in the Pine Ridge Ranger District and the general Chadron area is the Pine Ridge Trails handout. Also visit Panhandle Trails. You can hike anyplace on the national grasslands. The 3-mile Bison Trail connects Toadstool Geological Park and the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill site.
What are the rules on geocaching in the Forest?	While geocaching is NOT an appropriate use of a designated Wilderness Area, it is increasing in popularity in general forest areas. You must remember to follow all existing regulations when placing or looking for caches. This includes understanding and following all motor vehicle restrictions, avoiding damage to trees or roots, avoiding impacts to streams, wetlands and lakeshores, and minimizing your impacts on other forest visitors. Recreational public use of National Forests is intended to be short-term and low-impact, so that the many other forest visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the same lands also. Permanent or long-term structures or improvements are not allowed. If you are unsure about whether geocaching is appropriate in a certain area, please contact the local Forest office and ask.
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Where can I go horseback riding on the Nebraska National Forest or the Oglala National Grassland? Are there corrals?	You can ride anywhere on the Pine Ridge Ranger District and Oglala National Grassland except in developed campgrounds. Approximately 80 miles of marked trails make up the trail system on the Pine Ridge Ranger District and the Oglala National Grassland. Maps are available at Forest Service offices. Soldier Creek Wilderness Trailhead, west of Ft. Robinson, Roberts Tract Trailhead, at the north side of the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, and Outrider Trailhead, just north of Chadron State Park, include corrals and are available on a “first come, first served” basis. Click here for Pine Ridge Trails, a pamphlet with maps and other information on horseback riding on the local trails. Ride the Ridge, an organized trail ride, is held the third weekend in July. The ride location changes each year, please call Don Huls at 308-432-3841 for information.
Where can I get information on camping and horseback riding at Ft. Robinson State Park?	Ft. Robinson State Park is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, not the Forest Service. You can contact them and 308-665-2900 or visit their web site. Find helpful hints and Horse Sense.
Where can I ride and/or camp with my horse on National Forests?	Horses are allowed anywhere on National Forests unless posted otherwise. You do not have to ride your horse only on established trails and roads; you can ride anywhere, however please do not cut switchbacks.  You may take horses into designated wilderness areas; here are some suggestions on Pine Ridge Trails. Some of the recreation areas and campgrounds include facilities for horses. Please use low impact camping and horse tethering methods.  Please do not tie horses to trees for long periods; use hobbles or high-lines instead. Avoid wet, muddy trails to minimize damage from horse traffic. Certain trails and trail heads may not be well-suited to horse use or trailer parking. Restrictions: Horses are NOT allowed in developed campgrounds unless the campgrounds are specifically established for equestrian use.
If you take horses or other livestock into a Wilderness Area, do you need to bring special feed?	YES. The spread of noxious weeds is a serious problem, and we need the help of livestock owners to prevent their spread.  Only certified weed-free forage products or pelletized feeds less than 1" diameter are allowed.  Please contact the local ranger station for a list of certified weed-free hay suppliers in your area.  If you cannot purchase certified hay, you may use pelletized feeds.  Please click here for details on forage restrictions in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Can I bring my dog to the Forest? Can I have my dog off leash?	Yes, you may bring your dog to the Forest, but leashes are required in some areas, including some designated wilderness areas, all developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and day-use areas. In most other areas of a National Forest, including trails, dogs are not required to be on a leash, but they should be under your control at all times. We recommend that you keep your dog on a leash when you are around other forest users, other dogs. Dog are not allowed to chase wildlife, except where permitted during hunting seasons.
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How do I get a federal access pass?	Specific details about each pass, the cost, and instructions are available at INTERAGENCY RECREATION PASSES, including Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, and Volunteer Pass. The Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder, so both passes will be valid for many years to come.
What is the vehicle pass and do we need to have one on the Nebraska National Forest?	Check with the facility you intend to use. Take a look at our Facilities at a Glance, or contact the one of the district offices.
Does the Forest Service give away free trees?	The National Forest Service no longer gives away trees. We recommend you check with your state forestry department for more information/grants, etc. Find your state forestry department by state here.
I have a problem or question about a tree on my property. Can someone help me?	The USDA Forest Service does not provide this service, but many county extension offices and state forestry departments do. Contact the Nebraska Forest Service or the South Dakota Resource Conservation & Forestry.
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Can I pick berries in the National Forest? Do I need a permit?	Yes, you may pick berries for personal use without a permit. Strawberries, thimbleberries, gooseberries, serviceberries, sand cherries, wild plums, and chokecherries are all popular berries to pick.
Where can I go in the forest to get rocks, pinecones, pine boughs, logs, posts, etc?	You have to have a permit to remove any minerals or wood products from the National Forests. To obtain one of these permits check with your nearest National Forest Service office.
Can I get information about picking mushrooms? Will there be mushrooms in the forest because of the fires last year?	There may be mushrooms in some of the areas burned by fires last year. If you are picking mushrooms just for your personal use, you will probably not need a permit, but you should still check with the local forest office near the area you are interested in to find out about what specific areas are available, what areas are set aside for commercial harvest, what roads are open, or any other special restrictions. If you are interested in any type of commercial harvest and want to resell your mushrooms to a buyer, you will need a PERMIT from the Forest Service and will need to contact the local forest office.
Can I collect pinecones on National Forests?	Yes, you can collect pinecones for personal use. If you want to resell the pinecones, either wholesale or in items such as wreaths or other objects, you need to get a special use permit. Contact the local forest office for more information.
Where can I go rockhounding on the Buffalo Gap and Oglala National Grassland? Can I collect fossils and rocks on the National Grassland?	There are several exposed rock beds on Buffalo Gap National Grassland created by water erosion from the Black Hills. General locations for rock beds include: Conata Basin, Weta Basin, French Creek Campground, and near Oelrichs, SD. See the Buffalo Gap Recreation map for these general locations. Little vegetation covers the river cobbles making up the rock beds so they are readily visible. Rock hunting and surface collection of rocks and agates is popular in many areas on the Oglala National Grassland. They may be collected for personal use without a permit. Artifacts, such as projectile points, pottery shards, or any other archeological resources are protected by law, and collection is not allowed. Collection of vertebrate fossils is allowed by permit only. Please contact the ranger district office for additional information.
Can I use a metal detector on Forest Service lands?	We don’t encourage the use of metal detectors on Forest Service lands because we are interested in protecting and preserving cultural and historic artifacts. Also, you should be aware that the National Historic Preservation Act generally prohibits collecting anything 50 years old or older.
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Is there a scenic drive/highway in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland?	There is not a designated scenic drive through Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Several state highways go through parts of the grassland: Interstate 90, South Dakota State Highways 240, 44, 79, and 385.
What is the Wildflower Viewing Hotline?	The Wildflower Hotline provides location and species information on flowering plants during the spring and summer seasons. The number is 800-354-4595.
When is the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed open?	The Visitor Center at Hudson-Meng is open for tours to the public, May 15 – Sept., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Special arrangements can be made for group tours April – October. For more information please call 308-432-4475.
I'd like to have my wedding ceremony or reception on the National Forest. How do I go about it?	The first thing to do is contact the local Forest office near where you would like your ceremony. Do this as early as possible, so the Forest Service has time to work with you on a location. Some offices require a permit, but generally you do not need one if you are having a simple ceremony and your wedding party is fewer than 75 people. Some locations that are very popular for weddings are also popular with the general public, or may already have other group activities scheduled. You cannot "reserve" or "close" your wedding site to the general public, but by working with the local Forest office, you can avoid unnecessary user conflicts. You also will have to follow existing regulations about driving into the site and what is allowed there. A good option to have a site reserved for your use is to reserve a Group Campground. You can make a reservation for many of the group sites in this Region by visiting Recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777.
Can I plant a memorial tree in a National Forest?	The Forest Service "Plant-A-Tree" Program permits individuals and groups to donate money for planting trees on National Forests. The trees may be planted to memorialize loved ones or to commemorate special events such as births, weddings, or anniversaries. For a suggested minimum donation of $10, which pays for 10-15 seedlings, donors receive a certificate acknowledging their gift. If desired, the name of the person in whose honor the donation is made will appear on the certificate. The trees, planted mostly in large plantations, will not be individually identified by donor. Smaller (or larger) donations will be acceptable in most cases. Business groups may participate in the program as long as their participation is non-commercial. Donations may be made in person and by mail at all Forest Service offices. Forest Service offices are listed in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture." There are two other similar programs. The American Forests group plants memorial trees in national forests in honor of loved ones. Find out more about the Memorial Trees campaign and The Arbor Day Foundation's "Trees in Memory and Trees in Celebration".
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Where can I get information on hunting? Where can I get a hunting license?	Hunting is allowed on most National Forests and Grasslands, including designated Wilderness Areas. However, you still need to be aware of, and follow any existing restrictions for the areas you wish to hunt. For example, wheeled game carts are not allowed in Wilderness Areas because they are a mechanical device. Also, in some Forest areas, certain roads and trails may be seasonally closed to motorized travel (including ATV's) during the wet fall months to prevent damage and erosion. You should contact the local Forest near the area you wish to hunt to find out about travel management policies and any restrictions that may affect your hunting area. They can also provide you with information about any other activities occurring in your hunting area, such as domestic livestock (sheep or cows), timber sales, prescribed fires, or recreation events. Also check out Nebraska Hunting Brochures and Applications and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for a variety of information.
Where do you have blinds for viewing sharp-tailed grouse or greater prairie chickens during the spring courtship displays?	The Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska NF has two blinds, one for sharp-tailed grouse, and one for greater prairie chicken, available by reservation. They are set up from March through May. Maps with directions are available by stopping at the office the day prior to viewing or by contacting us by mail or phone. We are at State Spur 86B, PO Box 38, Halsey, NE 69142. Our phone number is 308-533-2257.
Can I recreationally shoot in National Forests? Where?	You can target practice in most areas of National Forest, with some exceptions. No shooting is allowed within 300 feet of a campground, trail head, residence, or any place people occupy. Additional areas that do not allow shooting will be posted. You are not allowed to shoot across or on a National Forest road, trail, or body of water. You must shoot in a safe manner, know where your round is going, and have a safe backstop. You cannot place a target on a live tree. There are established target ranges on some National Forests.
Where can I go prairie dog shooting on Buffalo Gap National Grassland?	With one exception, anywhere on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland and all associated units of the Nebraska National Forest that are open to hunting. The exception is the Conata Basin south of Wall, SD, which is part of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland and is the world’s most successful black-footed ferret recovery site. The black-footed ferret is a federally listed endangered species and depends almost exclusively upon prairie dogs for its food and shelter.
Is prairie dog hunting allowed on the Ft. Pierre National Grassland?	Prairie dog shooting is allowed. There are about 750 acres of prairie dog towns scattered throughout the grassland. Shooting prairie dogs is closed from March 1st – June 14th on all public lands in South Dakota.
Where can I hunt on the Nebraska National Forest or Oglala National Grassland?	You can hunt anywhere on the national forest or Oglala National Grassland unless restricted by state or federal law or regulation. Public lands are intermingled with private lands. You must obtain permission to cross private lands to access public lands unless you are on a public road. State law prohibits hunting within a 200 yard radius of an inhabited dwelling or from a public road right-of-way. All state laws and regulations for hunting apply to hunting on public lands. The best way to distinguish public lands from private is to purchase a forest recreation map at the nearest Forest Service office. For more information on hunting regulations and opportunities in Nebraska, please visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Web site.
Where can I hunt coyotes, big game, and upland game on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland?	Hunting is allowed anywhere on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, as regulated by state laws and regulations. Contact the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department for license, availability of tags and other information.
Are hunting and fishing allowed on Ft. Pierre National Grassland?	The national grassland is available for hunting and fishing as regulated by state law. Public lands are intermingled with private lands and access across private lands to reach public lands requires landowner permission. There are several stock ponds that contain panfish and large mouthed bass. Upland bird hunting is popular, with sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie chicken, and ring-necked pheasant available. Hunters see some success during early season mourning dove and duck seasons. Big game hunters can pursue both mule and white-tailed deer and pronghorn antelope. For application purposes, the Ft. Pierre National Grassland and intermingled private lands are within one management unit. For more information on hunting and fishing regulations in South Dakota, please visit the Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks.
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How do I sell products and services to the Forest Service? Are there contracts on which I can bid?	If you sell a product or service, the best thing to do is get in Federal Supply Service Program through the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA is the business manager and purchasing agent for the federal government. To bid on contracts throughout the federal government, start at FedBizOpps.
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How do I find a job with the Forest Service?	For any questions related to "EMPLOYMENT" please go to our employment section of the web site. This includes career advice, fire jobs, and summer hires. All Forest Service jobs are listed on the USAJOBS database or to search ONLY for Forest Service jobs. Also try the USDA Forest Service site.
How old do I have to be to get a job with the Forest Service? How do I apply?	You have to be at least 18 years old. For any question related to EMPLOYMENT, including career advice, fire jobs, and summer hires, please visit our Web site.
How do I become a firefighter?	Seasonal Firefighter - People interested in a job as a seasonal firefighter (generally from May to September) must apply to the agency they are interested in working for. Each agency (Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Idaho, etc.) has its own process for hiring seasonal employees. You may want to consider applying to more than one agency. To become a wildland firefighter, you must be between the 18 and 35 years old and pass a physical fitness test. Professional Full-time Firefighter - Check with the agency you are interested in and obtain an information package on how to apply for these types of jobs. For Training and Qualifications questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site.
How can I volunteer for the Forest Service? How old do I have to be?	There are no age limitations. You can visit a local office to find out what jobs are available and fill out an application. You can also visit the regional Web page.
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Do I need a permit to use the National Forest? When? How do I get one?	You do not usually need a permit for general access or use of National Forest lands for recreation. Some heavily-used designated wilderness areas may require a permit to monitor and manage the number of people using the area, but most do not. You WILL need a permit IF: - You plan to remove any forest products such as firewood, poles, ferns, rocks; - You plan to use the National Forest land for camping for an extended period of time (usually more than 14 days); - You plan to use the National Forest for any type of profit or commercial use, such as outfitting or guiding Forest product permits include the following: personal-use fuel wood; commercial-use fuel wood; personal-use transplants; personal-use boughs; ferns; posts and poles; mushrooms; and Christmas trees. Special use permits are issued for the following: outfitting/guiding; still photography/motion picture permits; special events (such as weddings, reunions); and recreation residences. For more information on conducting business on public lands, please visit the FS web site for Special Uses.
When do I need a Special Use authorization from the Forest Service? What is a Special Use Permit or authorization?	Generally, you will need Special Use Permit to do something that is not normally available to the general public. This may include the following: 1. If you intend to occupy, use, or build on National Forest system land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term. 2. If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use. 3. If an activity on National Forest system land involves individuals or organizations with 75 or more participants or spectators. This includes activities such as a family reunion. A Special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or easement that allows the holder to have certain occupancy, use rights, or other privileges on public lands. The authorization is granted for a specific period of time for a specific use.
How do I know if what I propose to do on the National Forest is appropriate or consistent with the mission of the National Forest?	1. Your request must be consistent with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and special orders that apply to the National Forests. 2. Your request must be consistent with the Forest Plan that established standards and guidelines for management of the land where the activity will take place. A copy of the forest plan is available at your local Forest Service office and in many libraries. 3. Your request must not endanger public health or safety. 4. Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual use or occupancy. 5. Your request cannot conflict or interfere with administrative use by the Forest Service, other authorized existing uses, or uses of adjacent nonfederal lands. 6. The applicant must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior or existing special-use authorization. 7. No gambling or providing of sexually oriented commercial services can be authorized on National Forest system land, even if permitted under state law. 8. No military or paramilitary training or exercises can be authorized on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land unless the exercises are federally funded. 9. No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land.
What are recreation events and who needs a permit?	Recreation events are commercial activities requiring temporary, authorized use of National Forest system land. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; jeep rallies; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks; wagon trains; concerts; and other similar events. A permit is required for these type of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity. Permit information is available at the Special Uses web site.
How do I know if my recreation event is commercial or not?	A commercial use or activity on NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM land occurs when (a) an applicant intends to charge an entry or participation fee, or (b) the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, regardless of the intent to produce a profit. Money collected may cover expense categories, such as food, transportation, prizes, advertising, purchase replacement of equipment, or compensation for the leader of the activity. Use is considered noncommercial if the fees charged are used only for the purpose of paying for actual expenses directly related to operating or staging the activity, with any excess funds returned to participants. The fees charged should not include costs for employees or personnel who stage or run the event.
Is a fee required for a recreation event?	Yes, land use rental fees are required and there are two ways to determine the fees: (1) 5% of adjusted gross receipts for one time events and 3% of adjusted gross receipts for multiple events under a single permit; or (2) using the minimum fees for recreation events that have been established, but may vary, by National Forest. There may be other costs for which you are responsible as part of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage and a performance bond to ensure protection of the environment and site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required.
Where can I find further information regarding special use permits?	Complete regulations on special use permits and recreation events on national forests are available at Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. You may obtain copies from your local Forest Service office.
What are non-commercial group uses?	Non-commercial group uses are any activity conducted on National Forest system lands involving 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators, in which (a) no entry or participation fee is charged, and (b) the primary purpose of the activity is not the sale of a good or service. Examples of non-commercial activities include club or family recreation outings, reunions, and weddings. No permit fee, bonding, or insurance is required for non-commercial group uses.
How do I apply for a non-commercial group use permit and how long will it take to get the permit?	To apply: Contact the ranger district office in the area where you wish to have your activity. You must complete an application providing (1) the applicant's name and mailing address; (2) if the applicant is an organization, the name of an individual authorized to receive notice of the decision on the application; (3) a description of the activity; (4) the location and description of the National Forest system lands and facilities you would like to use; (5) the estimated number of participants and spectators; (6) the starting and ending date and time of the activity; and (7) the name of the person or persons 21 years of age or older who will sign the permit on behalf of the applicant. The application must be received by the local ranger district office at least 72 hours in advance of your activity. Response: All applications for noncommercial group uses will be deemed granted unless denied within 48 hours of receipt. If your application is granted, a permit will be issued prior to the start of your activity.
What is Outfitting and or Guiding and who needs a permit?	Outfitting is providing through rental or livery any saddle or pack animal, vehicle or boat, tents, or camp gear, or similar supplies or equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or other gain. The term Outfitter includes the holder's/permittees employees, agents, and instructors. Guiding is 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. The term "Guide" includes the holder's/permittees employees, agents, and instructors. A permit is required for these type of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.
Is a fee required for Outfitting and Guiding?	There may be other costs for which you are responsible as part of your authorized activity. Liability insurance coverage and a performance bond to ensure protection of the environment and site cleanup may be required. Depending on the size and duration of your activity, costs associated with law enforcement, crowd control, safety issues, and sanitation may also be required. Visit the web site for more information. Also check the USDA Forest Service Outfitting and Guide Directory Links.
What are special-use authorizations?	A special-use authorization is a legal document such as a permit, lease, or easement, which allows occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest system land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.
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Many fire related questions?	Many fire related questions are answered at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site.
How will an increase in the use of fire benefit ecosystem health?	The effects of fire can retard or accelerate the natural development of plant communities, alter species diversity, change nutrient flows, and interact with other physical, chemical, and biological systems. Thus, for most North American ecosystems, fire sustains functional ecosystems.
Throughout history, what are some of the most memorable fires?	The National Interagency Fire Center maintains a FAQ Web site which includes a great table of fire history.
What is fire's natural role in ecosystems and why do we need to be concerned about this?	More than 100 years of excluding fire, combined with past land-use practices, have altered the landscape. This has resulted in changes such as a heavy buildup of dead vegetation, dense stands of trees, a shift to species that have not evolved and adapted to fire, and, occasionally, even an increase in non-native fire-prone plants. Because of these conditions, today's fires tend to be larger, burn hotter, and spread farther and faster, making them more severe, more dangerous, and more costly in human, economic, and ecologic terms. The goal of the fire policy is to restore the natural balance by adopting land management practices that integrate fire into ecosystems as an essential natural process. Fire can be used to reduce the buildup of dead and downed trees and curb insect and disease infestations, while releasing and recycling nutrients essential for the growth and reproduction of many plant species. Land managers must balance wildland fire suppression with the use of fire for resource benefit.
What is a "prescribed" fire?	A prescribed fire is any fire intentionally ignited to meet specific land management objectives (i.e., to reduce flammable fuels, such as the accumulation of brush, logs, etc. on forest floors; or to help restore ecosystem health). Prescribed fires are preplanned ignitions, with predetermined boundaries. They are conducted only under certain weather conditions (i.e., during periods of low wind) when flame length and heat can be controlled. Land managers must obtain approval of prescribed fire plans from applicable federal or state agencies before conducting planned burns. In addition, all applicable requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) must be met on federal lands. Before federal land management activities (i.e., trail building, timber harvesting, use of fire, etc.) are conducted, NEPA requires that the environmental impacts of these activities be analyzed to assess their impacts on cultural resources, wetlands, soil, water quality, air quality, visibility, and other resources.
What can homeowners do to protect their homes from wildland fire and ensure their home can be protected in the event of a fire?	Use fire resistant building material. The roof and exterior of homes should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals. If a fire does occur near a home in the wildlands, homeowners have the responsibility to create a "defensible space" so that firefighters may safely protect their homes. Examples of defensible space are: cleaning roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials, or Removing portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney, maintaining a fuel break around all structures, etc. For other fire related questions see the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site.

 

USDA Forest Service, Nebraska & Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests
Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, & Oglala National Grasslands
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Last modified November 20, 2008