Center Content:
Obtaining a Right-of-Way on Public Lands
To apply for a ROW, see form SF-299: Application for Right-of-Way.
As a general rule, you don't need a ROW for “casual use” activities (e.g., driving over existing roads, sampling, surveying, marking routes, collecting data to prepare a ROW application, or activities that do not cause any appreciable disturbance or damage to the public land). You do need a ROW whenever you wish to build a project on public land. Generally, right-of-way is granted for a term appropriate for the life of the project.
For more information, see the pamphlet Obtaining a Right-of-Way on Public Lands. Contact the appropriate State Office Right-of-Way Program Contact to discuss your plans before assuming your use is casual.