Commercial Guide Permits for Interpretation
To provide a commercial service (tour guide, tour operator, outfitter, etc) on the refuge, you must have a commercial guide special use permit. These applications are only solicited once a year!!
The 2016-2017 Interpretive Guides List (if you have hired a guide service for your visit to Okefenokee, they must be a permitted interpretive guide)
Link to Application:
www.fws.gov/forms/3-1383-C.pdfSpecial Use Permits
Because of strict requirements concerning public uses, all commercial activities and certain other activities such as research require special permission and have permit fees associated with them. Some proposed activities requiring permits include:
- Filming/videotaping (any non-amateur work, including public television and other government entities)
- Wildlife or general photography (for publications or retail)
- Seining or any collection of plants, animals, soil, or water
- Any after-hours use
- Any activity in areas not open to the visiting public
- All research
- Guide Permits
When in doubt, it is best to apply for a special use permit.
To Request a Special Use Permit:
The permit must be requested at least two weeks in advance of planned activity.
The request must be in writing, on letterhead if possible, and addressed to:
Refuge Manager
Okefenokee NWR
2700 Suwannee Canal Road
Folkston, GA 31537
The request must include:
- Who is requesting the permit? Name and address of the permittee (if the permit is for more than one person, this person is responsible for the behavior and compliance of the entire group. Names for everyone in the group may be required.)
- What is the nature of the proposed activity?
- Why is it being conducted. (Purpose)
- Where the activity will take place (as specific as possible, boardwalk, Coffee Bay, etc.).
- When the activity will take place, including dates and time of the day.
- How the activity will be conducted. (methods and equipment)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits under various wildlife law and treaties at a number of offices throughout the country. Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law. Service permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activates to go forward.
Permits are handled by permitting programs in International Affairs (Management Authority), Endangered Species, Law Enforcement, and Migratory Birds.
Passes - Plan Your Visit (for Okefenokee Entrance Pass Information)
A series of passes cover the entrance and standard amenity fees charged for using federal recreational lands — including national wildlife refuges.
Existing Golden Eagle Passports and National Parks Passes with an expiration date will be honored until they expire. Paper versions of the Golden Access Passports should be exchanged for the new Senior or Access passes. However, plastic Golden Age or Access passes are valid for the pass holder's lifetime and do not need to be exchanged.
The Senior and Access passes are good for the lifetime of the holder and make available (to the pass holder only) 50 percent discounts on some expanded amenity fees.
For the first time, decals and hangtags are available; decals for those who park open-topped vehicles (like Jeeps) or motorcycles at unstaffed federal recreation sites, and hangtags for those who anticipate parking closed vehicles at unmanned facilities.
Please visit the National Wildlife Refuge System website for more information about passes.