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Open houses focus on forest uses

GLADSTONE — Hiawatha National Forest will host two open houses to inform and assist the public regarding special use permits, which are required for a variety of activities the public may wish to conduct on national forest system lands. The open houses will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Forest Service offices in Munising on Dec. 10 and Gladstone on Dec. 12.

Why are special use permits needed? The Forest Service mission is to manage the national forests for a variety uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish and wildlife. Our job is to help people share and enjoy the forest, while conserving the environment for generations yet to come. To help us meet this goal, certain activities require permits.

“Our goal with these open houses is to help the public learn about the special uses program,” said Brian Hinch, a Forest Service recreation specialist who oversees recreation uses on the Hiawatha National Forest’s west zone.

What kinds of activities require a special use permit? The Forest Service provides permits for several kinds of activities including non-commercial activities, commercial activities, recreation events, commercial photography and filming, outfitting and guiding, transportation, energy, and forest products gathering.

“We’ll have posters and handouts covering the kinds of activities that require permits, and we will also have information about the seasonal permit application windows,” said Jennifer Olmsted, Zone Realty Specialist.

Forest Service staff will be available to answer questions about the range of special uses — and if applicable, to help you get started on your permit application. Here is an overview of the kinds of activities covered by Forest Service special use permits:

Non-Commercial Activities — A non-commercial group use is a use or activity that involves a group of 75 or more people, 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. Some examples of noncommercial group uses are weddings, church services, graduations, family reunions and more.

Commercial Activities — A use is considered Commercial when: an applicant intends to charge an entry or participation fee; or, when the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, regardless of the intent to produce a profit. Money collected may cover expense categories, such as food, transportation, prizes, advertising, purchase replacement of equipment, or compensation for the leader of the activity. Some examples of commercial activities include (but are not limited to) shuttle service, realtor signs, poker runs, marathons, food vendors, canoe outfitters, hunting guides, art/photography workshops and more.

Recreation Events — Recreation events are commercial activities requiring temporary, authorized use of NFS land. Examples of recreation events include, but are not limited to, animal, bicycle, motocross, or triathlon races; dog trials; fishing contests; rendezvous; rodeos; adventure games; youth treks; concerts; and other similar events. A permit is required for these types of events, regardless of the number of people involved in the activity.

Recreation Residences Permits — In 1915, when most national forests were remote and difficult to access, the agency launched the Recreation Residence program in order to help the public visit forest. While new Recreation Residences are no longer being added to the system, the Hiawatha has several tracts of privately owned, noncommercial residence located upon National Forest System lands and authorized by a recreation residence term special use permit. A recreation residence is maintained by the permit holder for personal, family, and guest use and enjoyment and cannot be transferred to a new owner; rather the new owner must apply for a new permit. A recreation residence may not serve as a permanent residence. From experience we know that because Rec Residences are relatively rare, there can be many challenges in buying a recreation residence (including financing). Whether you are a realtor selling recreation residences, a prospective buyer, or a current owner, we encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity to ask questions.

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