Source: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/permit/forest_service.html
Timestamp: 2014-08-20 18:29:10
Document Index: 144744239

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 251', 'art 222', 'art 223', 'art 228', 'arts 1500', 'art 1']

BIRDNET :: Permits & Permitting :: Forest Service
theOrnithological Council
Permit policies & procedures Back to Permits index
Forest Service Special Use Authorization
Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/specialuses/special_app_process.shtml
The Forest Service “special use” regulations establish a process to
determine if a particular request will entail the need for a permit.
The process begins a meeting with the local Forest Service Office where
the activity will take place.
An electronic directory of Forest Service offices by name and state can be found here:
(In the orange bar under the photo of the mountain, at the top of the page)
A staff member will discuss your proposal, potential land use
conflicts, application procedures and qualifications, probable time
frames, fees, bonding requirements, additional coordination with other
agencies, environmental reports, and field reviews.
It is entirely possible that as a result of this meeting, the Forest
Service official will determine that you will not need a permit. The
regulation (pertinent sections found below this summary) provides that
a special use authorization is not needed if “(1) The proposed use will
have such nominal effects on National Forest System lands, resources,
or programs that it is not necessary to establish terms and conditions
in a special use authorization to protect National Forest System lands
and resources or to avoid conflict with National Forest System programs
or operations; (2) The proposed use is regulated by a State agency or
another Federal agency in a manner that is adequate to protect National
Forest System lands and resources and to avoid conflict with National
Forest System programs or operations.”
The Ornithological Council strongly recommends that if you are told
that a special use authorization is not needed, that you request a
letter on Forest Service letterhead confirming that understanding.
Otherwise, you will have no proof that you complied with the law. Carry
that letter with you when you are working on Forest Service property.
Should you need a special use authorization, the Forest Service official will provide you with a permit application.
Complete and submit the application form, including supporting
documents, to the local Forest Service office. An incomplete proposal
could delay the processing.
The Forest Service has a three-level fee structure, as follows (2009 rates):
Category Hours Monitoring fee CY 2009*
1. (Minimal Impact) Estimated work hours are >1 ≤ 8 $109
Estimated work hours are > 8 ≤ 24
Estimated work hours are > 24 ≤ 36
Estimated work hours are > 36 ≤ 50
Estimated work hours are >50
The Forest Service also charges fees for monitoring the permitted activities. The fees are the same as above.
Title 36, Volume 2
Revised as of July 1, 2008
CITE: 36CFR251.50
PART 251_LAND USES--Table of Contents
Subpart B_Special Uses
(a) All uses of National Forest System lands, improvements, and resources, except those authorized by the regulations governing sharing use of roads (Sec. 212.9); grazing and livestock use (part 222); the sale and disposal of timber and special forest products, such as greens, mushrooms, and medicinal plants (part 223); and minerals (part 228) are designated ``special uses.'' Before conducting a special use, individuals or entities must submit a proposal to the authorized officer and must obtain a special use authorization from the authorized officer, unless that requirement is waived by paragraphs (c) through (e)(3) of this section.
(1) The travel is for the purpose of engaging in a noncommercial group use, outfitting or guiding, a recreation event, commercial filming, or still photography, as defined in Sec. 251.51 of this subpart, or for a landowner's ingress or egress across National Forest System lands that requires travel on a National Forest System road that is not authorized for general public use under Sec. 251.110(d) of this part; or
(2) Authorization of that use is required by an order issued under Sec. 261.50 or by a regulation issued under Sec. 261.70 of this chapter.
(e) For proposed uses other than a noncommercial group use, a special use authorization is not required if, based upon review of a
proposal, the authorized officer determines that the proposed use has
(2) The proposed use is regulated by a State agency or another Federal agency in a manner that is adequate to protect National Forest System lands and resources and to avoid conflict with National Forest System programs or operations; TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
Applicant--any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other business entity, and any Federal, State or governmental entity or agency which applies for a special use authorization.
Major category--A processing or monitoring category requiring more than 50 hours of agency time to process an application for a special use authorization (processing category 6 and, in certain situations, processing category 5) or more than 50 hours of agency time to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of an authorization (monitoring category 6 and, in certain situations, monitoring category 5). Major categories usually require documentation of environmental and associated impacts in an environmental assessment and may require an environmental impact statement.
Minor category--A processing or monitoring category requiring 50 hours or less of agency time to process an application for a special use authorization (processing categories 1 through 4 and, in certain situations, processing category 5) or 50 hours or less of agency time to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of an authorization (monitoring categories 1 through 4 and, in certain situations, monitoring category 5). Minor categories may require documentation of environmental and associated impacts in an environmental assessment.
Monitoring--Actions needed to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions in a special use authorization.
NEPA procedures--the rules, policies, and procedures governing agency compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act set forth in 50 CFR parts 1500-1508, 7 CFR part 1b, Forest Service Manual Chapter 1950, and Forest Service Handbook 1909.15.
Revocation--the cessation of a special use authorization by action of an authorized officer before the end of the specified period of occupancy or use for reasons set forth in Sec. 251.60(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i), (g), and (h) of this subpart
Sound business management principles--a phrase that refers to accepted industry practices or methods of establishing fees and charges that are used or applied by the Forest Service to help establish the appropriate charge for a special use. Examples of such practices and methods include, but are not limited to, appraisals, fee schedules, competitive bidding, negotiation of fees, and application of other economic factors, such as cost efficiency, supply and demand, and administrative costs.
Still photography--use of still photographic equipment on National Forest System lands that takes place at a location where members of the public generally are not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely, or uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the site's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
Term permit--a special use authorization to occupy and use National Forest System land, other than rights-of-way under Sec. 251.53(l) of this part, for a specified period which is both revocable and compensable according to its terms.
(d) Proposal content--(1) Proponent identification. Any proponent for a special use authorization must provide the proponent's name and mailing address, and, if the proponent is not an individual, the name and address of the proponent's agent who is authorized to receive notice of actions pertaining to the proposal.
(2) Required information--(i) Noncommercial group uses. Paragraphs (d)(3) through (d)(5) of this section do not apply to proposals for noncommercial group uses. A proponent for noncommercial group uses shall provide the following:
(e) Pre-application actions--(1) Initial screening. Upon receipt of a request for any proposed use other than for noncommercial group use, the authorized officer shall screen the proposal to ensure that the use meets the following minimum requirements applicable to all special uses:
(2) Results of initial screening. Any proposed use other than a noncommercial group use that does not meet all of the minimum requirements of paragraphs (e)(1)(i)-(ix) of this section shall not receive further evaluation and processing. In such event, the authorized officer shall advise the proponent that the use does not meet the
minimum requirements. If the proposal was submitted orally, the
authorized officer may respond orally. If the proposal was made in writing, the authorized officer shall notify the proponent in writing that the proposed use does not meet the minimum requirements and shall simultaneously return the request.
(g) Application processing and response--(1) Acceptance of applications. Except for proposals for noncommercial group uses, if a request does not meet the criteria of both screening processes or is subsequently denied, the proponent must be notified with a written explanation of the rejection or denial and any written proposal returned to the proponent. If a request for a proposed use meets the criteria of both the initial and second-level screening processes as described in paragraph (e) of this section, the authorized officer shall notify the proponent that the agency is prepared to accept a written formal application for a special use authorization and shall, as appropriate or necessary, provide the proponent guidance and information of the type described in paragraphs (e)(3)(i) through (e)(3)(viii) of this section.
Note to paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(G): The Department is making explicit its preexisting understanding of Sec. 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) of this subpart in the context of authorizing noncommercial group uses of National Forest System lands. Section 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) provides that each special use authorization shall contain such terms and conditions as the authorized officer deems necessary to otherwise protect the public interest. In the context of noncommercial group uses, the Forest Service interprets the term ``public interest'' found in Sec. 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) to refer to the three public interests identified by the Forest Service on August 30, 1995. These public interests include the protection of resources and improvements on National Forest System lands, the allocation of space among potential or existing uses and activities, and public health and safety concerns. Under this construction, Sec. 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) allows the Forest Service to impose terms and conditions that are not specifically addressed in Sec. 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(A)-(F) but only those that further these public interests. The Forest Service shall implement and enforce Sec. 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) in accordance with this interpretation.
(b) Duration and renewability--(1) Requirements. If appropriate, each special use authorization will specify its duration and renewability. The duration shall be no longer than the authorized officer determines to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of the authorization and to be reasonable in light of all circumstances concerning the use, including
injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, the United States may suffer as a result of claims, demands, losses, or judgments caused by the holder's use or occupancy.
(f) Special terms and conditions--(1) Public service enterprises. Special use permits authorizing the operation of public service enterprises shall require that the permittee charge reasonable rates and furnish such services as may be necessary in the public interest, except where such rates and services are regulated by Federal, State or municipal agencies having jurisdiction.
FR 22594, May 25, 1989; 60 FR 45294, Aug. 30, 1995; 63 FR 65967, Nov. 30, 1998; 64 FR 48960, Sept. 9, 1999]
Sec. 251.58 Cost recovery.
(3) Agency actions to issue a special use authorization and applications for issuance of a new special use authorization due to termination of an existing authorization, including termination caused by expiration, a change in ownership or control of the authorized facilities, or a change in ownership or control of the
holder of the authorization. Upon termination of an existing authorization, a holder shall be subject to a processing fee for issuance of a new authorization, even if the holder's existing authorization does not require submission of an application for a new authorization.
(c) Processing fee requirements. A processing fee is required for each application for or agency action to issue a special use authorization as identified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section. Processing fees do not include costs incurred by the applicant in providing information, data, and documentation necessary for the authorized officer to make a decision on the proposed use or occupancy pursuant to the provisions at Sec. 251.54.
(1) Basis for processing fees. The processing fee categories 1 through 6 set out in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (c)(2)(vi) of this section are based upon the costs that the Forest Service incurs in reviewing the application, conducting environmental analyses of the effects of the proposed use, reviewing any applicant-generated environmental documents and studies, conducting site visits, evaluating an applicant's technical and financial qualifications, making a decision on whether to issue the authorization, and preparing documentation of analyses, decisions, and authorizations for each application. The processing fee for an application shall be based only on costs necessary for processing that application. ``Necessary for'' means that but for the application, the costs would not have been incurred and that the costs cover only those activities without which the application cannot be processed. The processing fee shall not include costs for studies for programmatic planning or analysis or other agency management objectives, unless they are necessary for the application being processed. For example, the processing fee shall not include costs for capacity studies, use allocation decisions, corridor or communications site planning, and biological studies that address species diversity, unless they are necessary for the application. Proportional costs for analyses, such as capacity studies, that are necessary for an application may be included in the processing fee for that application. The costs incurred for processing an application, and thus the processing fee, depend on the complexity of the project; the amount of information that is necessary for the authorized officer's decision in response to the proposed use and occupancy; and the degree to which the applicant can provide this information to the agency. Processing work conducted by the applicant or a third party contracted by the applicant minimizes the costs the Forest Service will incur to process the application, and thus reduces the processing fee. The total processing time is the total time estimated for all Forest Service personnel involved in processing an application and is estimated case by case to determine the fee category.
(iii) For category 6 cases, when the estimated processing fee is lower than the full actual costs of processing an
application submitted under the Mineral Leasing Act, or lower than the full reasonable costs (when the applicant has not waived payment of reasonable costs) of processing an application submitted under other authorities, the applicant shall pay the difference between the estimated and full actual or reasonable processing costs.
(7) Customer service standards. The Forest Service shall endeavor to make a decision on an application that falls into minor processing category 1, 2, 3, or 4, and that is subject to a categorical exclusion pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, within 60 calendar days from the date of receipt of the processing fee. If the application cannot be processed within the 60-day period, then prior to the 30th calendar day of the 60-day period, the authorized officer shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason why the application cannot be processed within the 60-day period and shall provide the applicant with a projected date when the agency plans to complete processing the application. For all other applications, including all applications that require an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement, the authorized officer shall, within 60 calendar days of acceptance of the application, notify the applicant in writing of the anticipated steps that will be needed to process the application. These customer service standards do not apply to applications that are subject to a waiver of or exempt from cost recovery fees under Sec. Sec. 251.58(f) or (g).
(1) Basis for monitoring fees. Monitoring is defined at Sec. 251.51. For monitoring fees in minor categories 1 through 4, authorization holders are assessed fees based upon the estimated time needed for Forest Service monitoring to ensure compliance with the authorization during the construction or reconstruction of temporary or permanent facilities and rehabilitation of the construction or reconstruction site. Major category 5 and category 6 monitoring fees shall be based upon the agency's estimated costs to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization during all phases of its term, including but not limited to monitoring to ensure compliance with the authorization during the construction or reconstruction of temporary or permanent facilities and rehabilitation of the construction or reconstruction site. Monitoring for all categories does not include billings, maintenance of case files, annual performance evaluations, or scheduled inspections to determine compliance generally with the terms and conditions of an authorization.
(1) Noncommercial group use as defined in Sec. 251.51, or when the application or authorization is to exempt a noncommercial activity from a closure order, except for an application or authorization for access to non-Federal lands within the boundaries of the National Forest System granted pursuant to section 1323(a) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3210(a))..