Individuals and organizations interested in proposing “special uses” on the Hiawatha National Forest during the 2023 summer and fall seasons will want to submit special use applications by the February 15, 2023, deadline (for summer/fall uses) and by July 15, 2023, for winter/spring uses into the following year.
Special use permits are required for commercial and non-commercial group use of National Forests.
“The Special Use Permit deadline is rapidly approaching for special uses that may take place on the Hiawatha National Forest this coming summer and fall,” said Mary Moore, Hiawatha Forest Supervisor.
Given the number of proposal packages the Forest receives and to ensure efficiency, the local Ranger Districts will review proposal packages with the following deadlines in mind. Please coordinate with the Ranger before submitting your package.:
Summer/Fall Uses Occurring between June 1 and October 31, 2023 – Submit your complete application by: FEBRUARY 15, 2023 to the local Forest Service District Ranger. Required information includes proposed use, itinerary, specific information on location including trails, name of group, reason why the use cannot be accommodated on Non-Federal lands, and all other basic information.
Winter/Spring Uses Occuring between November 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024 – Submit your complete application by: JULY 15, 2023.
Special use permits may be required for Non-Commercial group use of National Forests.
Non-commercial group use permits include use or activity on the forest that involves 75 people or more, either as participants or spectators, where an entry or participation fee is not charged, and the primary purpose is not the sale of a goods or service (examples: weddings, family reunions, church services, regattas, camping trips, hikes, or music festivals).
A permit is required for Commercial Uses regardless of the number of people involved.
Recreation Events (e.g. animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon type races, jeep rallies, dog trials, fishing contests, rendezvous, rodeos, adventure games, youth treks, wagon trains, concerts or similar);
Commercial Photography/Filming (e.g. commercial filming or sound recording, etc);
Outfitting and Guiding (e.g. accommodating guests, transporting persons, providing equipment, supplies and services); and
Road Use Permits (for use of roads not open to the general public for motorized use or use of roads/driveways across NFS land to access private property).
Parties with recurring uses (permits issued for more than one year) must submit annually-required information to the Forest Service (annual operating plan, insurance, brochures, etc.) by the date specified in their permit.
If you have questions about the special uses proposal, application and authorization process, please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/hiawatha/passes-permits or contact the District Ranger at Munising/Rapid River/Manistique (906) 387-2512; or Sault Ste. Marie/St. Ignace (906) 643-7900.
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