Coronado National Forest

Passes, Permits & Fees

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Use Permits

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 NFS land. The authorization is granted for a specific use of the land for a specific period of time.

1. If you will need to occupy, use, or build on NFS 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 NFS land involves individuals or organization with 75 or more participants or spectators.

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 the Santa Catalina Ranger District office (5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, Arizona 85750)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 NFS land, even if permitted under state law.

8. No military or paramilitary training or exercises can be authorized on NFS land, unless it is federally funded.

9. No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NFS land.

How do I apply?

1. Complete the appropriate application form. Contact the nearest Forest Service office if you have questions.

2. Prior to submitting the application, you should arrange a preapplication meeting with a Special Uses Officer at the nearest Forest Service office. They will discuss your proposal, potential land use conflicts, application procedures and qualifications, probable time frames, fees and bonding requirements, additional coordination with other agencies, environmental reports, and field reviews. For simple permits, or for renewal of existing permits, this preapplication meeting may not be necessary.

3. Most commercial uses require additional information with the application. You may need business plans, operating plans, liability insurance, licenses/registrations, or other documents. A commercial use is when an applicant intends to make use of NFS lands for business or financial gain. A group use is any activity with 75 or more participants. Both types of use require permits, though group use permits generally do not require as much additional information as commercial use permits.

4. Remember, an incomplete proposal could delay processing.

How do I answer all the questions on the Application Form?

Special Uses Officers will be glad to work with you to make sure you are providing all the information necessary. But in general, follow the guidelines below:

• Name and Address - Include the full name(s) to be used. If the application includes real property, the name(s) on the legal document must match the application.
• Applicant's Agent - This person must be at least 21 years old and may or may not be the same as the applicant. Documentation should be included to verify that this person may sign on behalf of the applicant.
• Project Description - Include enough detail to enable the Forest Service to determine feasibility, environmental impacts, benefits to the public, the safety of the request, lands to be occupied or used, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Environmental Protection Plan - Include proposed plans for environmental protection and rehabilitation during construction, maintenance, removal, and reclamation of the land.
• Map - Provide a detailed map (U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle or equivalent) or plat (survey or equivalent) showing the requested use in relation to NFS land, identification of applicant's property (if applicable), scale, map legend, legal description, and a north arrow. Outfitter/Guide applicants should provide a map detailing every trail and campsite that will be used.
• Technical and Financial Capability - Provide documentation to assure the Forest Service you are capable of constructing, operating, maintaining, removing the use off NFS land, and reclaiming the land after the authorization terminates.
• Alternatives - You must first consider using nonfederal land. Lower costs or fewer restrictions are not adequate reasons for use of NFS lands. Provide alternative locations for the proposal in your application.

What does an authorization cost?

Rental Fee - This is an annual rental fee based on the fair market value for the uses authorized and is payable in advance. Fees are established by appraisal or other sound business management principles.

Other Associated Costs - You may be responsible for providing information and reports necessary to determine the feasibility and environmental impacts of your proposal, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and terms and conditions to be included in the authorization.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice or TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

USDA Forest Service - Coronado National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 09 February 2005 at 20:12:06 EST