Guides and Outfitters on Federal Lands:
June 3, 2020
Background and Permitting Processes
Mark K. DeSantis
Commercial guides and outfitters provide visitors to federal lands with a wide range of outdoor
Analyst in Natural
recreational and educational opportunities, such as river rafting, horseback trips, and hiking
Resources Policy
excursions. Annually, these businesses lead thousands of trips across federal lands, primarily

those managed by the four major federal land management agencies (FLMAs): the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and National Park Service (NPS)â€”

all in the Department of the Interior (DOI)â€”and the Forest Service (FS) in the Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in real terms, guided tours and outfitted travel contributed approximately
$11.1 billion in value added in 2017 and nearly $68.5 billion total value added from 2012 to 2017. The guide and outfitter
industry is of particular importance to the economies of rural communities across the country. These operators provide
economic opportunity in communities where tourism may be a job-creating industry. Such businesses rely heavily on federal
lands to execute their work and provide services to clients. According to some industry estimates, of the roughly 40,000 small
businesses nationwide who provide guide and outfitter services, approximately 15,000 operate under permit, contract, or
other authorization from at least one of the FLMAs.
Various federal authorities apply to commercial guides and outfitters operating on federal land s, including laws, executive
orders, agency policies and regulations, and other guidance. These authorities may apply broadly to an entire agency or land
system, or they may be narrow in scope, applying only to specific units or regions. Generally, all commercial guides and
outfitters are required to obtain a permit to operate on federal lands, and the laws, regulations, and policies that guide this
permitting process vary across the FLMAs. For example, with the passage of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
(FLREA; 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§6801-6814), Congress provided the four FLMAs and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation with authority to
issue special recreation permits for specialized recreation usesâ€”including guide and outfitting operationsâ€”and to charge
fees for those permits. However, permits for guides and outfitters still may be issued under other authorities, depending on
the agency, the type of recreational activity, and the specific unit in question. In particular, NPS issues most of its permits for
guides and outfitters under the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 (54 U.S.C.
Â§Â§101911 et seq.), and both FS and FWS issue some permits for recreational activities under authorities other than those
provided by FLREA.
The authority under which a permit is issuedâ€”as well as the agency issuing such a permitâ€”may dictate the terms, fees, and
requirements to which a permit holder is subject. For example, some permit terms require holders to pay annual fees based on
a percentage of their revenue, and other terms set standard fee scales. In addition, requirements for commercial general
liability insurance vary across agencies and on a case-by-case basis depending on the types of activities authorized under a
permit. Given that the various FLMA permitting processes have been a focal point of interest for many in Congress, the
Administration, and the outfitting industry, understanding these various requirementsâ€”as well as the broader role of
commercial guides and outfitters on federal landsâ€”may be helpful as Congress considers further legislative action.
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Guides and Outfitters on Federal Lands: Background and Permitting Processes

Introduction1
Commercial guides and outfitters operate on federal lands across the United States, providing
visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.2 Guide and
outfitter activities include backpacking, hunting/fishing, educational excursions, float trips, canoe
or horse rentals, shuttle services, ski touring, helicopter skiing, vehicle/boat tours, and fishing
trips. Both for-profit and nonprofit entities engage in commercial guide and outfitting activities
on federal lands.3
The authorities under which commercial guides and outfitters operate and provide recreational
services on federal lands vary for each of the four major federal land management agencies
(FLMAs): the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and
National Park Service (NPS)â€”al in the Department of the Interior (DOI)â€”and the Forest
Service (FS) in the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This report discusses the role commercial
guides and outfitters have in providing access to federal lands and the economic impact the
industry has on the broader recreation economy and local communities. It provides an overview
of some of the federal and state authorities that may apply to commercial guides and outfitters
operating on lands owned and administered by the FLMAs. In particular, permitting authorities
and requirements across al four FLMAs are explored. Fees or permits associated with
noncommercial recreational activities are not included within this report.4
Guides and Outfitters in the Economy
As Congress considers issues related to outdoor recreationâ€”including provision of federal
resources, planning efforts, and fundingâ€”data on the size, distribution, and relative importance of
guides and outfitters to the local and national economy may inform these debates. According to
Bureau of Economic Analysisâ€™s (BEAâ€™s) Outdoor Recreation Satel ite Account (ORSA), between
2012 and 2017 (the six-year period measured by ORSA), the outdoor recreation economy grew
by approximately 7.1% in real terms, for a total of approximately $386.1 bil ion in value added
(the value of goods and services purchased by end-users minus the value of the goods and
services used up in production) in 2017.5 During that time period, the â€œGuided Tours/Outfitted

1 For a more detailed discussion about issues related to commercial guides and outfitters that may be of interest to
Congress, see companion report.
2 Generally, an outfitter is considered a business that provides clients with various products and services (which may
include food, shelter, horses, equipment , etc.) for a particular outdoor recreational activity. Outfitters often register and
employ guides to lead clients in these activities. For example, an outfitter may supply clients wishing to engage in a fly -
fishing trip with rods, flies, and waders, and it may engage a guide to lead clients to local fishing areas, advise on
fishing techniques, and ensure clientsâ€™ safety by monitoring local conditions. Guides also may operate independent of
outfitters.
3 Although commercial activities are defined differently depending on the federal land management agency (FLMA) in
question, generally speaking, both for-profit and nonprofit entities engage in commercial guide and outfitting activities
on federal lands. T he determination of whether a given operation is commercial in nature typically depends on whether
there is a charge in exchange for a provided good or serviceâ€”not whether the entity operates primarily in a commercial
capacity. For example, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) defines com m ercial use in regulations at 43 C.F.R.
Â§2932.5.
4 Noncommercial recreational activities on federal lands that may require permits include large gatherings (such as
weddings or church services), not -for-profit athletic events (such as regattas and races), and others. T hese activities are
outside the scope of this report.
5 Christian Awuku-Budu and Connor Franks, Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, U.S. and Prototype for States,
2017, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), BEA 19-45, 2019. Hereinafter, Awuku-Budu and Franks, ORSA, U.S. and
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Guides and Outfitters on Federal Lands: Background and Permitting Processes

Travelâ€ sub-account decreased 7.6% in real terms and contributed a total of $68.5 bil ion in value
added in the six years measured by ORSA.6
Between 2016 and 2017, guided tours and outfitted travel was one of the fastest growing
activities within the overal outdoor economy, growing 9.8% for a total of approximately $11.1
bil ion in value added in 2017. This was faster than the 3.9% growth for the total outdoor
economy and the 2.4% growth for the U.S. economy overal during this time period. 7
The guide and outfitter industry is of particular importance to the economies of rural communities
across the country. Many commercial guides and outfitters operate in rural areas and gateway
communities.8 These operators provide economic opportunity in communities where tourism may
be a job-creating industry.9 Guide and outfitter businesses located in these communities may rely
heavily on access to federal lands to execute their work and provide services to clients. According
to some industry estimates, of the roughly 40,000 smal businesses nationwide that provide guide
and outfitter services, approximately 15,000 operate under a permit, contract, or other
authorization issued by one of the FLMAs.10
In evaluating legislation and current and proposed agency regulations related to commercial
guides and outfitters, Congress and various Administrations have often considered the impact
outfitting can have in contributing to rural economies. In particular, the federal government has,
at times, looked to minimize the regulatory burden for smal businesses operating in rural
communities reliant on this source of economic input.11
Federal Authorities Related to Guides and Outfitters
Multiple federal authorities apply to commercial guides and outfitters operating on federal lands,
including laws, executive orders, agency regulations and policies, and other guidance. These
authorities may apply broadly to an entire agency or land system, or they may be narrow in scope,
applying to specific units or regions.

Prototype for States. An explanation of the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account can be found on the BEA website
here: https://apps.bea.gov/scb/2018/03-march/0318-protytype-statistics-for-the-outdoor-recreation-satellite-
account.htm.
6 CRS calculation from BEA, Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, U.S. and Prototype for States, 2017, Tables-Real
Outdoor Recreation Value Added by Activity, September 20, 2019.
7 Awuku-Budu and Franks, ORSA, U.S. and Prototype for States.
8 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Outfitter Policy Act of 1999, report to
accompany S. 1969, 106th Cong., 2nd sess. S.Rept. 106-491 (Washington, DC: GPO 2000), p. 11. Hereinafter referred
to as â€œS.Rept. 106-491.â€
9 S.Rept. 106-491. See also Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), The Outdoor Recreation Economy, 2017, at
https://outdoorindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OIA_RecEconomy_FINAL_Single.pdf.
10 America Outdoors, â€œAO Letter to Senate Leadership re: Coronavirus Relief,â€ March 18, 2020, at
https://www.americaoutdoors.org/assets/1/27/AO_letter_to_Senate_leadership_re_coronavirus_relief.pdf?6482.
11 For example, in May 2018, President T rump issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13838, â€œExemption from Executive
Order 13658 for Recreational Services on Federal Landsâ€ (E.O. 13838, â€œExemption From Executive Order 13658 for
Recreational Services on Federal Lands,â€ 83 Federal Register 25341, May 25, 2018). T his E.O. exempted commercial
guides and outfitters operating on federal lands from minimum wage requirements originally set forth by President
Obama in 2014 (E.O. 13658, â€œ Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors ,â€ 79 Federal Register 9851-9854,
February 20, 2014.). In response t o the 2018 E.O., then-Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke commented that, â€œ The
order will have a positive effect on rural economies and American families.... â€
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Guides and Outfitters on Federal Lands: Background and Permitting Processes

The federal government owns approximately 640 mil ion acres of federal land in the United
States; the four FLMAs administer roughly 95% of this land.12 These federal lands may be
considered dominant-, dual-, or multiple-use lands, depending on the statutory authorities
provided by Congress to a specific FLMA. For example, the dominant-use mission of FWS in
administering the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is the conservation of fish, wildlife,
and plant resources and associated habitats. NPS, by contrast, has a dual-use mission: to conserve
unique resources and provide for their use and enjoyment by the public. BLM and FS have a
statutory mission to balance multiple uses that may include grazing, timber, habitat and watershed
protection, and energy production, among others. Al of these statutory authorities provide for
some level of outdoor recreation on the respective federal lands. General y, the degree to which
recreation is permittedâ€”as wel as the types or recreation al owed on federal landsâ€”is guided by
agency-specific management statutes for each FLMA.
ï‚· FS manages the 193 mil ion acre National Forest System (NFS), in accordance
with the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act of 1960 (MUSYA), which
authorizes outdoor recreation as a use of NFS lands, among other uses and
services.13
ï‚· BLM manages public lands for varied purposes relating to the preservation, use,
and development of the lands and natural resources (including recreation), in
accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.14
ï‚· NPS administers the National Park System for both recreational use and
preservation of park resources, a mission defined within the agencyâ€™s Organic
Act of 1916.15
ï‚· FWS manages lands within the NWRS, in accordance with the National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration Act, under which recreation is general y
authorized and regulated.16
Although an FLMA may have broad authority to al ow a particular type of recreational activity
offered by a commercial guide and outfitter, individual land units or areas administered by the
agency may prohibit such activities. This situation could arise due to the unitâ€™s establishing
legislation or to specific policies, management plans, or other guidance developed at the unit or
planning level. For example, although an FLMA may have the general authority to al ow
commercial y guided whitewater rafting, the agency may choose to disal ow it in areas
determined to be environmental y sensitive or unsafe for that activity.
Authorities for Specific Recreation Activities and Services
As noted, each of the FLMAs has a primary statute governing uses of agency lands that may
include recreational activities led by commercial outfitters and guides. However, additional
authorities may apply to specific types of recreational activities offered by commercial operators.

12 For more information on federal land ownership, see CRS Report R42346, Federal Land Ownership: Overview and
Data, by Carol Hardy Vincent, Lucas F. Bermejo, and Laura A. Hanson .
13 Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§528 et seq.). For more information on the National
Forest System (NFS), see CRS Report R42346, Federal Land Ownership: Overview and Data , by Carol Hardy
Vincent, Lucas F. Bermejo, and Laura A. Hanson .
14 Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA; 43 U.S.C. Â§Â§1701 et seq.).
15 National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 (54 U.S.C. Â§100101).
16 National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§668dd-668ee).
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Guides and Outfitters on Federal Lands: Background and Permitting Processes

These authorities can include specific laws, executive orders, agency policies and regulations,
and/or any guidance developed at the unit or planning level.
For example, some commercial guides and outfitters offer clients guided off-highway vehicle
(OHV) trips across federal lands. Motorized recreationâ€”and particularly the use of OHVsâ€”is
largely defined and regulated pursuant to two executive orders:17
ï‚· Executive Order (E.O.) 11644 (February 8, 1972):18 Directed agencies to develop
and issue regulations managing the use of OHVs.
ï‚· E.O. 11989 (May 24, 1977):19 Amended the 1972 order to exclude certain
vehicles from the definition of an OHV and provided authority to immediately
close areas if OHVs were causing or would cause considerable damage to a
resource (or â€œthe areaâ€).
Commercial guides and outfitters leading OHV trips would be subject to any guidance or
regulations the agencies promulgated pursuant to these two orders.
Another example are federal laws pertaining to commercial guides and outfitters leading hunting
and fishing excursions on federal lands and waters. Federal laws related to hunting and fishing
can be specific to a particular FLMA (i.e., agency-specific authorizing statutes listed above), to a
particular species (e.g., the Migratory Bird Treaty Act), to a particular region (e.g., the Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act), or a combination of those factors.20
State Requirements for Commercial Guides and
Outfitters
Guides and outfitters operating on federal lands may be subject to state-specific laws and
regulations in addition to federal ones. General y, states have their own set of specific authorities
that govern how outfitters conduct their businesses, whether or not their operations primarily take
place on federal lands. Compliance with these state-level authorities is typical y considered a
prerequisite for any applicants applying for FLMA-issued commercial recreation permits.21 For
example, some states require operators to be members of a trade association or group in order to
operate as a commercial guide and outfitter within the state. Other states have licensing
requirements for guides that may include mandatory training or coursework. States that do have
licensing requirements for guides and outfitters typical y require a license for specific activities,

17 For more information on motorized recreation on lands of FLMAs, see CRS Report R42920, Motorized Recreation
on Bureau of Land Managem ent and Forest Service Lands, by Carol Hardy Vincent and Katie Hoover; and CRS
Report R42955, Motorized Recreation on National Park Service Lands, by Laura B. Comay, Carol Hardy Vincent, and
Kristina Alexander.
18 E.O. 11644, â€œUse of Off-Road Vehicles on the Public Lands,â€ 37 Federal Register 2877, February 8, 1972.
19 E.O. 11989, â€œUse of Off-Road Vehicles on the Public Lands,â€ 42 Federal Register 26959, May 24, 1977.
20 T he Migratory Bird T reaty Act (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§703-712) provides the federal government with the authority to regulate
the hunting of migratory birds in the United States, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
(ANILCA; 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) establishes requirements for both recreational (sport) and subsistence hunting and
fishing on federal lands and waters in Alaska.
21 For example, Forest Service (FS) policy indicates that the agency will not issue a permit to a commercial guide or
outfitter if the applicant â€œlacks the prerequisites to conduct outfitting and guiding (such as a State license, liability
insurance, and equipment).â€ FS, Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.14, Recreation Special Uses Handbook, Section
53.1c (FSH 2709.14_53.1c).
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Guides and Outfitters on Federal Lands: Background and Permitting Processes

such as hunting. For example, in Montana, a commercial guide must be licensed to take people
hunting or fishing for pay but not for taking clients on hikes or float trips.22
Commercial hunting and fishing guides may be subject to additional state authorities. Congress
has general y given states the right and responsibility to manage hunting and fishing on federal
lands when not in conflict with federal law.23 Many federal statutes authorizing activities on
federal lands clarify that agencies shal not impede upon state authority to manage fish and
wildlife where it is not in conflict with federal law and align federal management with state fish
and wildlife laws and management to the maximum extent practicable.24
Permitting Process for Guides and Outfitters Across
Federal Land Management Agencies
General y, commercial guides and outfitters are required to obtain a permit in order to operate on
lands owned and administered by the FLMAs. Over the years, the FLMAs have used their
individual authorities to issue permits to commercial guides and outfitters, leading to varying
permitting procedures among agencies. In 2004, Congress standardized some of these processes
with the passage of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA).25 Among other
provisions, FLREA provided the four FLMAs (and the Bureau of Reclamation, also within DOI)
with authority to issue special recreation permits for specialized recreation usesâ€”including guide
and outfitting operationsâ€”and to charge fees for those permits. Under FLREA, at least 80% of
the revenue collected from those fees is to be retained and used at the site where it was generated,
although the Secretaries (of DOI and USDA) can reduce that amount to not less than 60% for a
fiscal year if collections exceed reasonable needs.26 The remaining collections are to be used
agency-wide, at the agencyâ€™s discretion.27 In practice, the agencies general y al ow between 80%
and 100% of fees to be used at the collecting sites.28
Although FLREA applies to al four FLMAs (and the Bureau of Reclamation), permits issued to
guides and outfitters may be issued under other authorities depending on the agency, the type of
recreational activity, and the specific unit in question.29 For example, NPS issues most permits for
guides and outfitters under the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act

22 Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, â€œFAQs for Board of Outfitters Issues,â€ at
https://www.montanaoutfitters.org/wp-content/uploads/2018-MBO-FAQ-Presentation.pdf, accessed on May 9, 2020.
23 For more information, see CRS Report R45103, Hunting and Fishing on Federal Lands and Waters: Overview and
Issues for Congress, by R. Eliot Crafton. For more information on the role of states in the management of federal lands,
see CRS Report R44267, State Managem ent of Federal Lands: Frequently Asked Questions, by Carol Hardy Vincent .
24 For example, P.L. 109-13 includes Â§6036, titled â€œReaffirmation of State Regulation of Resident and Nonresident
Hunting and Fishing Act of 2005,â€ which states, â€œ It is the policy of Congress that it is in the public interest for each
State to continue to regulate the taking for any purpose o f fish and wildlife within its boundaries.â€
25 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA; 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§6801-6814).
26 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§6806(c)(1)(A)-(B).
27 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§6806(c)(2).
28 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10151, Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act: Overview and
Issues, by Carol Hardy Vincent .
29 For example, some land units administered by FLMAs in Alaska may issue permits under the authority granted
through ANILCA (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§3101 et seq.).
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of 1998.30 FS and FWS also issue some recreation permits under authorities other than those
provided by FLREA.
The FLMAs have also established agency-specific regulations, policies, and other guidance
pursuant to the authorities under which they permit guide and outfitter operations. These policies
typical y direct land managers to consider a variety of factors in determining how and whether a
permit may be issued, such as the statutory and regulatory authorities of the FLMA administering
the applicable area, the scale and type of the proposed activity, the applicable areaâ€™s land and
resource management plan(s), and other variables.
Below is a discussion of the agency-specific permitting processes for commercial guides and
outfitters across the four FLMAs. Table 1 provides a brief comparison of the topics discussed at
length in the reportâ€™s agency sections. Each section includes a discussion and summary of the
types of permits issued by the agency, the authority under which they are issued, as wel as any
agency policies and guidance that have been established related to permit terms, applicable fees,
and insurance requirements for guides and outfitters operating under these permits.
Table 1. Permitting for Commercial Guides and Outfitters Across FLMAs
Primary
Standard
Permitting
Permitting
Permit
Insurance
Liability
Agency
Permit Type
Authoritya
Regulations
Permit Policies/Guidanceb
Feesa
Minimums
Waiver
2014 Recreation Permit and Fee
Administration Handbook (H-
Land use
Special Recreation
43 C.F.R.
rental fee
â‰¥ $600,000
No national
BLM
2930-1)
Permits (SRPs)d
16 U.S.C. Â§6802(h)
Â§2930
aggregatee
policy
2007 Recreation Permits and
Cost
Fees Manual (MS-2930)
recovery
Special Use
Forest Service Manual (FSM)
Land use
Authorizations
16 U.S.C. Â§6802(h)
36 C.F.R. Â§251,
2700
rental fee
â‰¥ $300,000
No national
FS
(SUAs)e
Various additional
Subpart B
aggregatee
policye
statutes
Forest Service Handbook (FSH)
Cost
SRPs
2700
recovery
Commercial
16 U.S.C. Â§6802(h)
Activity Special Use
16 U.S.C. Â§Â§668dd-ee
50 C.F.R. Â§25,
No national
FWS
Permits (CASUPs)
16 U.S.C. Â§Â§460k-
Subpart D
â€”
Variesi
â€”i
policy
SRPs
460k-4
2006 Management Policies
Concessions
Chapter 10
Contracts
Franchise
54 U.S.C. Ch. 1019
2018 NPS Commercial Services
â‰¥ $1M
Not
NPS
Commercial Use
36 C.F.R. Â§51
fees
16 U.S.C. Â§6802(h)
Guide
aggregatel
permitted
Authorizations
Reference Manual (RM) #53
CUA fees
(CUAs)
Interim Guidancek
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Notes: FLMA = federal land management agency; BLM = Bureau of Land Management; FS = Forest Service; FWS
= Fish and Wildlife Service; NPS = National Park Service.
a. General y, the authorizations and subsequent permitting requirements reflected here do not apply to
federal lands in Alaska, which are largely subject to the authorities provided in the Alaska National Interest
Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§3101 et seq.).

30 National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-391; 54 U.S.C. Â§Â§101911-
101926).
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b. The guidance referenced is either agency-wide or national guidance. It does not reflect any regional or unit-
specific guidance that may be in place.
c. The permit fees reflected here are not comprehensive, but rather reflect the standard fees assessed by each
agency for commercial guide and outfitting permits. For a discussion of the different types of fee terms
reflected here, see the â€œPermitting Feesâ€ heading for the individual agency sections below.
d. There are five different types of SRPs: commercial, competitive, group event, special areas, and vending
uses. Activities by guides and outfitters are typical y permitted under commercial SRPs.
e. BLM, H-2930-1, BLM Recreation Permit and Fee Administration Handbook, 2014, pp. 1-49 to 1-52. Under BLM
guidance, a certificate of insurance that shows â€œper occurrenceâ€ and not â€œannual aggregateâ€ coverage need
only carry a minimum coverage of $300,000.
f.
FS primarily authorizes commercial guides and outfitters through two types of SUAs: priority use permits
and temporary use permits.
g. See FS, Exhibit 01 in 2713.1, Forest Service Manual. Minimum requirement of $300,000 aggregate for low-risk
activities, including backpacking, nature hikes, and Nordic ski ng. Minimum coverage can be higher for high-
risk activities, such as aerial activities and rafting.
h. Several FS regions have issued supplemental guidance preventing permit holders from requiring customers
to sign liability forms.
i.
Except in Alaska, fees for guide and outfitting permits vary on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors
such as the activity permitted and the workload required for processing a permit. Some refuges may charge
only amounts sufficient to recover costs, whereas others may charge both recovery costs and additional
fees.
j.
Some individual FWS units have established guidance on insurance minimums based on activity and
perceived risk.
k. NPS issued proposed regulations for CUAs in 2002 but has not finalized them. In 2005, NPS issued interim
CUA guidelines to assist superintendents in issuing and managing CUAs. Since 2005, NPS has issued
additional guidance for specific components of CUA administration and permitting, which supplement and
sometimes supersede the 2005 guidance.
l.
NPS general y requires minimum general liability insurance in the amount of $1 mil ion in aggregate and
$500,000 per occurrence for low-risk activities (e.g., guided backpacking and hunting) under concessions
contracts. Minimum requirements increase depending on the risk level of the associated activity. Interim
guidance for guides and outfitters operating under CUAs list general liability insurance minimums only on a
per occurrence basis. Similar to concessions contracts, minimum requirements for low-risk activities start at
$500,000 per occurrence.
U.S. Forest Service
FS, within USDA, manages the 193 mil ion acre NFS. MUSYA authorizes outdoor recreation as a
use of NFS lands, among other uses and services.31 Management goals for NFS lands are
articulated in Section 1 of MUSYA, which specifies that the NFS â€œshal be administered for
outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes.â€ In its FY2021
budget justification, FS reports nearly 150 mil ion annual visits to NFS lands for recreational
purposes, while managing about 25,000 permits for recreational uses.32 Of those 25,000
recreation permits, roughly 9,600 are considered outfitting and guiding permits, with between
1,500 and 2,000 permits issued each year.33

31 P.L. 86-517, 16 U.S.C. Â§Â§528 et seq.
32 Visitation figures come from FS, FY2021 Budget Justification, p. 51. Permit figures provided to the Congressional
Research Service (CRS) by FS Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs, January 16, 2020.
33 Data provided to CRS by FS Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs, January 16, 2020.
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Authorities and Mechanisms
FS uses a combination of special use authorizations (SUAs) and special recreation permits (SRPs)
to authorize commercial recreational activities on NFS lands. FS administers guiding and
outfitting primarily under SUAs. The authority to issue SUAs (which cover a wide variety of
uses, including recreation activities) stems from several statutes, including FLREA (16 U.S.C.
Â§Â§6801-6814). The authority to issue SRPsâ€”a subset of SUAsâ€”comes directly from FLREA.34
FS also may authorize guiding and outfitting under the Term Permit Act of 1915, when the
activity operates in connection with a commercial public service site (such as a resort or lodge).35
In addition, FS has a number of concessioner-operated sites that are not included in the FLREA
authority.36
FS promulgated permitting regulations for al types of SUAs.37 FS also established policies and
guidance specifical y for the issuance of SUAs for commercial guides and outfitters.38 Among
other provisions, these regulations delegate to district rangers the authority to issue and revoke
most SUAs and SRPs for outfitting and guiding.39
Planning Process
Any permit issued by an FS official for commercial guide and outfitting use must be consistent
with the land and resources management plan for that NFS unit. Need, use, capacity, and
al ocation levels for specific guide and outfitting services must be established prior to the
issuance of new permits. FS policy outlines three approaches to assess and determine these levels:
(1) needs assessment, (2) resource capacity analysis, and (3) al ocation of use.40
To determine the public or agency need for authorized guide and outfitting activities at a given
unit, the agency may conduct a needs assessment. Such an assessment may consider a variety of
factors, such as accessibility, size of the area, difficulty of the terrain, current levels of outfitting
and guiding, and demographics of visitors to the area.41 Should, at any point, existing levels of
commercial recreation use suggest an adverse impact on resource conditions, FS also may
conduct a resource capacity analysis to assess â€œthe amount of use and types of activities that may
be conducted without detrimental environmental and associated impacts.â€42 If FS identifies both a
need and an ability to accommodate commercial guides and outfitters, managers are to determine
the allocation of use for potential operators.43 This pool of recreational use then may be al ocated
between nonoutfitted visitors and commercial guide and outfitting operators. Al ocations for

34 For a complete list of authorities that allow FS to issue special use authorizations (SUAs), see FS, Section 2710.1,
â€œSpecial Uses Management ,â€ in Forest Service Manual (FSM), 2700. Hereinafter, manual cited as FSM.
35 16 U.S.C. Â§497.
36 For a complete list of federal laws that allow occupancy and use of NFS lands by entities other than FS, see FSM
2710.1.
37 36 C.F.R. Â§251, Subpart B.
38 FS policy guidance can be found in FSH 2709.14_50.
39 36 C.F.R. Â§251.53. District rangers oversee individual districts within a national forest unit, whereas forest
supervisors are responsible for an entire national forest unit .
40 FSH 2709.14_53.1f.
41 FSH 2709.14_53.1f(1).
42 FSH 2709.14_53.1f(2).
43 FSH 2709.14_53.1f(3).
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commercial guide and outfitting also may be further apportioned between priority use and
temporary use permits.
Permit Terms
FS primarily authorizes commercial guides and outfitters through two types of SUAs: priority use
permits and temporary use permits. Priority use permits typical y are intended for ongoing
commercial guide and outfitter operations and are issued for a period of up to 10 years, subject to
noncompetitive renewal.44 Temporary use permits typical y are used for operators looking for
one-time or short-term use of FS lands, and they are not eligible for renewal. FS al ocates
temporary use permits in increments of 50 service days, up to a maximum of 200 service days,
with one temporary use permit issued per 180 days, per holder, per use area.45 Temporary use
permits are issued noncompetitively to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
FS al ocates guide and outfitting permits between priority and temporary use pools based on
various factors, including visitor needs, agency goals, and current levels of use. New priority and
temporary use permits for guides and outfitters may be issued when new or additional capacity is
determined; an existing permit is revoked, terminated, or otherwise not reissued to the permit
holder; or competitive interest in an area or activity arises.46 If competitive interest exists, FS may
issue a prospectus to potential applicants and select the guide or outfitter competitively. Selection
criteria for competitive permits general y are based on the kind and quality of service proposed,
applicant experience, verification of financial resources, and potential fees returned to the federal
government.47
Permitting Fees
With some exceptions, FS permitting fees for guides and outfitters vary on a case-by-case basis.48
General y, commercial guides and outfitters operating under a priority use permit pay FS a land-
use rental fee of approximately 3% of their adjusted gross revenue (defined by FS as â€œgross
revenue and revenue additions less applicable exclusionsâ€). 49 Such exclusions or adjustments
may include specific revenue generated from operations on non-FS lands. However, not al
revenue from goods or services provided on non-FS lands is excluded from the adjusted gross
revenue calculation. For example, a commercial guide who led a multiday hunt on FS lands but
provided lodging and meals off-site would be subject to a permitting fee based on the total
revenue collected as part of the offered package; this is because such lodging and meals were
provided in connection with the guided trip on FS lands. A flat land-use fee of $150 per 50

44 FSH 2709.14_53.1e. Priority use permits were previously issued for a period of up to 5 years, but the agency adopted
the 10-year permit term in 2005 to make outfitting and guiding permits consistent with the policies of the National Park
Service (NPS) and BLM (FS, â€œ Maximum T erm for Outfitter and Guide Special Use Permits on National Forest System
Lands,â€ 70 Federal Register 19727, April 14, 2005). New priority use permits also may be issued for a period of two
years with an option to extend for up to eight years based on satisfactory compliance with permit terms and existing
land management plans. T his interim permit is typically intended for new applicant s with no or limited experience
providing outfitting and guiding services authorized under the priority use permit.
45 FSH 2709.14_53.1e. FS defines service day as â€œAn allocation of use constituting a day or any part of a day on
National Forest System lands for which an outfitter or guide provides services to a client. T he total number of service
days is calculated by multiplying each service day by the number of clients on the trip. â€
46 FSH 2709.14_53.1h.
47 FSH 2709.14_53.1h(1).
48 FSH 2709.11.
49 FSH 2709.11_37.21c.
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service days applies to temporary use permits.50 Guide and outfitter permit fees for operations in
Alaska are determined under a flat fee system.51
In addition to the land-use rental fee, FS also may charge a cost-recovery fee.52 This cost-
recovery fee covers the administrative and personnel costs associated with issuing recreation
permits. These fees apply if the permit takes more than 50 hours to process or monitor.53 Cost-
recovery fees for guide and outfitter permits may, in some cases, be substantialâ€”for example, in
instances in which extensive environmental analysis or National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) requirements apply.
In addition to the land-use fee and any applicable cost-recovery fees, FS may charge fees for a
variety of other purposes, depending on the special use in question. These fees include assigned
site fees for operators occupying specific sites on an annual basis, grazing fees when outfitting
activities require animals to graze on FS lands, and transfer fees for when there is a change of
ownership and a new authorization is issued.
Insurance and Liability
FS has issued policies on insurance requirements for SUA permitting general y, and these policies
apply to guides and outfitters operating under SUAs.54 The policies require general liability
insurance for permittees based on the likelihood and severity of injury.55 FS also established
minimum coverage amounts for liability insurance for specific guide and outfitter activities.
Minimum limits start at $300,000 aggregate coverage for low -risk activities (i.e., backpacking,
running and walking events, nature hikes).56 FS regulations delegate the authority to issue and
revoke most SUAs and SRPs to district rangers, who may require additional forms of insurance or
higher minimum coverage, depending on the applicant.57
FS does not have a service-wide policy regarding the use of liability waivers for commercial
recreation operators. However, several FS regions have issued supplemental guidance preventing
permit holders from requiring customers to sign such a form.58 For example, one FS region issued
supplemental guidance specifical y for guides and outfitters that reads, â€œThe permit holder wil
not request or require persons served to sign a liability waiver for activities authorized by this
permit.â€59 This guidance al ows permit holders to require visitor acknowledgement-of-risk (VAR)

50 For a table of land-use fees by service days, refer to FSH 2709.11_37.21b. T his flat fee structure places limits on
maximum gross revenue for each bracket of service days. Should gross revenue exceed these amount s, the 3% fee
model would be applied.
51 FSH 2709.11 Region 10 (Alaska) Supplement.
52 36 C.F.R. Â§251.58.
53 36 C.F.R. Â§251.58(g). Additional guidance on cost recovery can be found at FSH 2709.11_31.31.
54 Forest Service Manual (FSM), 2713.1.
55 FSM 2713.1(2)(d).
56 FSM 2713.1, Exhibit 01.
57 36 C.F.R. Â§251.53. FSM 2713.1(2)(d) clarifies that regional foresters may increase the minimum coverage amount
â€œon the basis of the amount of use, likelihood and severity of injury, protection of forest visitors, potential liability of
the United States, and cost of the insurance.â€
58 Regional foresters, forest supervisors, and other authorized officials may, at times, supplement service-wide direction
with additional guidance. Under FS policy, supplements may be more restrictive than parent material but cannot
expand the authorities or relax restrictions unless approved in writing by the next higher offici al.
59 FSH 2709.11_53, Region 3 Supplement, p. 23, at https://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/Directives/get_dirs/fsh?2709.11. T he
NFS is organized into administrative regions. FS Region 3, the Southwestern Region, includes Arizona, New Mexico,
and parts of Oklahoma and T exas.
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forms, so long as the issuing forest officer submits and approves those forms.60 Some regions
have prohibited liability waivers in most cases but al owed them for â€œhigh-risk recreation events,â€
so long as the waivers â€œdo not attempt to require participants to waive their rights to sue for any
cause beyond ordinary negligence.â€61
Bureau of Land Management
BLM manages public lands for varied purposes relating to the preservation, use, and development
of the lands and natural resources, in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976.62 These purposes include livestock grazing, timber harvesting, fish and wildlife
conservation, cultural resources protection, energy and mineral development, and recreational
use. According to BLM, in FY2019, 70.7 mil ion visitors recreated on BLM lands.63 Currently,
BLM manages more than 3,600 developed recreation sites and areas and administers more than
4,700 permits for commercial, competitive, and organized group activities. Of these 4,700
permits, BLM issued roughly 4,000 specifical y for commercial use, the majority of which were
for guide and outfitting purposes.64
Authorities and Mechanisms
BLM typical y authorizes the use of agency lands by commercial guides and outfitters through
the use of SRPs under the authority provided in FLREA. Other BLM land uses are permitted
under other authorities and processes.65
There are five different types of SRPs: commercial, competitive, group event, special areas, and
vending uses. Activities by guides and outfitters typical y are permitted as commercial SRPs.66
BLM promulgated regulations regarding the administration of SRPs in 2002 and amended these
regulations in 2007.67 BLM also has established agency-wide policies and guidance specifical y
for the issuance of SRPs to commercial guides and outfitters.68

60 If the visitor acknowledgment -of-risk form deviates from the standard preapproved language, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Office of the General Counsel must review the language prior to use.
61 FSH 2709.11_10, Region 6 Supplement, p. 8, at https://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2709.11/r1-
2709.11_10.doc.
62 FLPMA (43 U.S.C. Â§Â§1701 et seq.).
63 BLM, FY2021 Budget Justification, p. V-60.
64 Data provided to CRS by BLM Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs, January 2020. According to BLM,
these totals may include entities that would not be considered a commercial guide or outfitter; however, this reflects a
small percentage of the overall total figure.
65 See, for instance, provisions of FLPMA at 43 U.S.C. Â§1732(b), which authorize BLM to regulate the use of land
through leases, licenses, and â€œother instruments.â€
66 In the past, BLM issued longer-term concession recreation agreements and concessions leases, citing authority under
both FLREA (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§6801-6814) and FLPMA. However, a March 2015 report from the Department of the
Interiorâ€™s (DOIâ€™s) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found BLM was incorrectly administering these agreements
and did â€œnot have a clear concession program authorityâ€ to issue such leases while retaining the associated permitting
fees. DOI, OIG, Review of Bureau of Land Managem entâ€™s Concession Managem ent Practices, March 2015, p. 1, at
https://www.doioig.gov/reports/review-bureau-land-managements-concession-management -practices.
67 See 43 C.F.R. Â§2932.
68 BLM, MS-2930, Recreation Permits and Fees, 2007; and BLM, H-2930-1, Recreation Permit and Fee
Adm inistration Handbook, 2014.
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Planning Process
According to BLM policy, SRPs are issued as a means to control visitor use, protect recreational
and natural resources, and provide for visitorsâ€™ health and safety.69 Any SRP issued by BLM for
commercial guide and outfitting use must be consistent with the resource management plan
(RMP) for that unit.70 BLM manuals and handbooks provide additional guidance on planning for
recreation resources and activities as part of the RMP process.71
Through the RMP process, BLM may establish al ocation systems or desired use levels for
commercial recreational activities for a given site or area. Various factors might influence
whether BLM approves an SRP application, including whether a proposed activity complies with
existing land-use plans or designations, the results of an environmental analysis, and/or an
applicantâ€™s past performance.72 General y, BLM issues SRPs on a first-come, first-served basis
until the desired use level is reached. However, if an authorized official determines there is
sufficient interest for a limited number of available permits, BLM may issue commercial SRPs on
a competitive basis. When an areaâ€™s desired use level is reached, no additional permits are issued.
New permits may be made available only when additional capacity is determined; an existing
permit is revoked, terminated, or otherwise not reissued to the permit holder; or new areas for use
become available.73
Permit Terms
Permits may be issued for periods of up to 10 years, depending on such things as the type of
outfitting activity proposed, the area in which the activity is to occur, existing and future resource
conditions, and the potential permitteeâ€™s past record.74 BLM may issue one or more one-year
permits prior to issuing a longer-term permit. These one-year permits often serve as an evaluation
period wherein successful performance by the permit holder determines if the permit wil be
authorized for additional years.75 BLM reserves the right to revoke or alter the terms and
conditions of the permit.76 Expiring commercial SRPs may be renewed at BLMâ€™s discretion, and
BLM may offer preference to current permit holders seeking renewal when capacity is limited.77
Permitting Fees
As is the case with FS, commercial guides and outfitters operating under a BLM-issued SRP must
pay an annual land-use rental fee. The use fee for commercial SRPs is approximately 3% of the
permit holderâ€™s adjusted gross revenue or a minimum yearly fee of $110, whichever is greater.

69 BLM, H-2930-1, p. vii.
70 Resource management plans are land use plans that are developed through public engagement and establish goals
and objectives to guide future land and resource management actions implemented by BLM.
71 BLM, MS-8320, Planning for Recreation and Visitor Services (Public), 2011; and BLM, H-8320-1, Recreation and
Visitor Services Planning Handbook, 2014.
72 T o see a full list of factors considered in the issuance of special recreation permits (SRPs), see BLM, H-2930-1, p. 1-
9.
73 BLM, H-2930-1, p. 1-10.
74 43 C.F.R Â§2932.42; BLM, H-2930-1, pp. 1-16 to 1-17. BLM promulgated regulations in 2004 that changed the
maximum term of an SRP from 5 years to 10 years (69 F.R. 5706).
75 BLM, H-2930-1, pp. 1-16 to 1-17.
76 See 43 C.F.R Â§2933.32 for when BLM may suspend or revoke an existing SRP.
77 BLM, H-2930-1, p. 1-18.
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BLM published the most recent adjustments to the minimum fee schedule in November 2017 and
transmitted them in a subsequent BLM instruction memorandum.78 Like FS, BLM provides for
adjustments in calculating the 3% gross revenue fee; such adjustments include deductions for
specific revenue generated from operations on nonfederal lands and other travel and lodging
costs.
BLM also may charge a fee for cost recovery if more than 50 hours of staff time are required to
process and administer a commercial SRP.79 Similar to commercial permits issued by FS, BLM
may require additional fees (such as assigned site fees, exclusive use fees, or special area fees)
based on the type of activity, area of use, or management objectives.
Insurance and Liability
BLM regulations require commercial SRP applicants to obtain liability insurance that the agency
â€œjudges sufficient to protect the public and the United States.â€80 The regulations do not establish
insurance minimums or risk classifications for guide and outfitter activities. BLM issued
guidance in 2014 that set minimum requirements starting at $600,000 aggregate coverage for
low-risk events or activities (i.e., group camping, orienteering, backpacking).81 Moderate and
high-risk activities have annual aggregate minimums of $1 mil ion and $2 mil ion or greater,
respectively.82 Under these guidelines, BLM also requires permittees to obtain insurance that
covers a minimum of $30,000 in property damage; however, this coverage may be included in an
annual aggregate or per occurrence policy.83 BLM guidance notes that additional coverage may
be required, depending on special circumstances.
BLM does not have a formal policy regarding liability waivers for guides and outfitters operating
under commercial SRPs (or other SRPs issued by the agency). According to BLM, some
permittees require their customers to sign a liability form, others use VAR forms, and some do not
require any acknowledgment-of-risk forms or liability waivers.84

78 BLM, 82 Federal Register 55112, November 20, 2017, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-11-20/pdf/
2017-25101.pdf. See also BLM, â€œ Automatic Adjustment of Minimum Special Recreation Permit Fees and Assigned
Site Fees,â€ Instruction Memorandum 2018-011, at https://www.blm.gov/policy/im-2018-011.
79 43 C.F.R. 2932.31(e). T his regulation limits cost -recovery charges to â€œ BLMâ€™s costs of issuing the permit, including
necessary environmental documentation, on -site monitoring, and permit enforcement. Programmatic or general land
use plan NEPA documentation are not subject to cost -recovery charges, except if the documentation work done was
done for or provides special benefits or services to an identifiable individual applicant. â€
80 43 C.F.R. Â§2932.43.
81 BLM, H-2930-1, pp. I-50 to I-51, at https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/
Media_Library_BLM_Policy_H_2930_1.pdf. T he handbook, on p. I-50, defines riskiness as follows: â€œ Authorized uses
are considered low risk when injuries generally associated with authorized activities are unlikely to result in death or
permanent disability. Authorized uses are considered high risk when injuries generally associated with authorized
activities may result in death or permanent disability.â€
82 BLM identifies moderate-risk activities to include whitewater boating, mountain bike races, rock climbing (with
ropes), and commercial hunting. High-risk activities include bungee jumping, unaided rock climbing, heli-skiing, or
aerial or aviation-assisted activities.
83 A certificate of insurance that shows damage per occurrence (including property damage, bodily injury, or death),
and not annual aggregate coverage, need only carry a minimum coverage of $300,000 .
84 Personal communication between CRS and BLM Office of Legislative Affairs, May 31, 2019.
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National Park Service
NPS administers the National Park System for both recreational use and preservation of park
resources, a mission that can be contradictory. The NPS Organic Act of 1916 directs the service to
manage its lands so as â€œto conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild
life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as
wil leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.â€ In calendar year 2018 (the
most recent year of data), NPS reported 318 mil ion visitors to national parklands.85 NPS
manages almost 500 concession contracts and over 6,000 commercial use authorizations (CUAs)
with private sector operators to provide commercial visitor services. Of these, roughly 300
concessions contracts and 4,500 CUAs were specifical y for commercial guide and outfitter
purposes in FY2018.86
Authorities and Mechanisms
Like the other federal land management agencies, NPS has authority to issue special recreation
permits under FLREA. However, NPS typical y use different authorities to permit guides and
outfitters. NPS handles most permits for guides and outfitters as either concessions contracts or
CUAs under the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998,
which predates the authority provided by FLREA.87 Concessions contracts are long-term
agreements that are used to authorize lodges, restaurants, services, or other visitor services
(including guide and outfitter services), typical y operated by private companies using NPS-
owned facilities and resources on park lands. By contrast, CUAs are short-term agreements
between NPS and commercial service providers for activities that typical y begin and end outside
of park boundaries. The majority of guide and outfitter operators are authorized under CUAs;
depending on the services offered and the operatorsâ€™ usage of park resources, a concessions
contract may be more appropriate.
Several factors govern whether a CUA may be used for services such as guiding and outfitting or
whether the more extensive requirements of a concessions contract must be used. CUA use is
limited to commercial operations with annual gross receipts of not more than $25,000 resulting
from services originating and provided solely within a park unit; the incidental use of park
resources by operators that provide services originating and terminating outside of park
boundaries; use by organized childrenâ€™s camps, outdoor clubs, and nonprofit institutions
(including backcountry use); and such other uses as the DOI Secretary deems appropriate.88 In
addition, certain guiding and outfitting activities conducted by nonprofit entities for
noncommercial purposes may be authorized under special use permits (SUPs) issued by NPS.89

85 NPS, FY2021 Budget Justification, p. Overview-2.
86 NPS, FY2021 Budget Justification, p. ONPS-44. NPS has indicated that the number of commercial use authorizations
(CUAs) will increase by 3,000-4,000 permits once a policy requiring CUAs for road-based commercial tours is
finalized. NPS initially planned to implement this standardized policy starting October 1, 2019, but implementation has
been delayed.
87 P.L. 105-391; 54 U.S.C. Chapter 1019.
88 54 U.S.C. Â§101925(c).
89 Under the 1998 concessions law (54 U.S.C. Â§101925(d)), nonprofit institutions are required to obtain CUAsâ€”not
special use permits (SUPs)â€”only when they generate taxable income from the authorized use.
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NPS issued final regulations governing concessions contracts in 2000.90 NPS issued proposed
regulations for CUAs in 2002 but has not finalized these regulations.91 Currently, NPS relies on
interim guidance in administering CUAs. Agency manuals and orders provide further policy
guidance for both concessions contracts and CUAs.92 The DOI Secretary delegates the authority
to issue and rescind permits to park superintendents and authorized officials at the unit level.
Planning Process
Similar to permits from FS and BLM, any permit issued by an NPS official for commercial
guiding and outfitting use must be consistent with the management plan for that park unit. Under
both a CUA and a concessions contract, the activity must have a minimal impact on park
resources and values, and it must be consistent with the purposes for which the unit was
established. Both CUAs and concessions contracts must be determined to be appropriate uses of
the park, and concessions must be both necessary and appropriate.
Increased recreation on NPS lands has fueled disagreements over the extent to which national
park lands should be used for recreational activities under NPSâ€™s dual mission of resource
protection and recreational use. In situations where authorized officials determine that continued
commercial use poses potential impairments to the visitor experience and to park resources and
values, NPS may limit commercial activities. For CUAs, NPS may establish operational
requirements that limit use and impacts. Alternatively, NPS may choose to limit the number of
issued CUAs. If NPS opts to limit the number of issued CUAs, a competitive proposal and
selection process is to be required and repeated at least every two years. The decision to limit the
number of CUAs must accord with park enabling legislation, NPS management policies, and
existing planning documents. In addition, the decision must be reviewed through appropriate
compliance processes.93
Permit Terms
For guiding and outfitting activities authorized under a concessions contract, NPS regulations set
out the process and timeline for awarding the contracts.94 A concessions contract general y must
go through a public solicitation process, but under the 1998 concessions law, concessions
contracts for guides and outfitters may qualify for a preferential right of renewal at the end of a
contractâ€™s term.95 Concessions contracts typical y are awarded for a term of 10 years or less.
For guiding and outfitting activities authorized under a CUA, NPS has issued interim guidance
(in the absence of finalized regulations) that establishes the process and guidelines for issuing
CUAs. CUAs do not need to go through a public solicitation process but may be issued by NPS
upon request (at NPSâ€™s discretion and with reference to the factors discussed above). NPS issues
CUAs for a term of no more than two years, and provides no preferential right of renewal.

90 36 C.F.R. Â§51.
91 NPS, â€œCommercial Use Authorizations,â€ 67 Federal Register 70899, November 27, 2002.
92 For NPS guidance on concessions contracts and CUAs, see NPS, Chapter 10, â€œCommercial Visitor Services,â€ in
Managem ent Policies 2006. See also, NPS, â€œ Directorâ€™s Order #53: Special Park Uses,â€ 2010; NPS, â€œ Reference Manual
#53,â€ 2009. NPS, Section 8.6, â€œ Special Park Uses,â€ in Managem ent Policies 2006.
93 NPS, â€œLimiting CUAs,â€ in Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA), June 7, 2017, at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/
concessions/upload/Limiting-CUAs-Guidance.pdf.
94 36 C.F.R. Â§51.
95 54 U.S.C. Â§101913(7)-(8).
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Permitting Fees
For guiding and outfitting activities authorized under a concessions contract, NPS establishes a
concessions franchise fee as part of the contract. The 1998 concessions law and NPS regulations
govern the establishment of the franchise fees.96 Under the law, 80% of the fees are retained at the
park, where they are collected and may be used for visitor services and high-priority resource
management activities. The remaining 20% of the fees are deposited in a special account to
support activities throughout the park system.97
For guiding and outfitting activities authorized under a CUA, the 1998 concessions law and
agency guidelines require the superintendent to charge a â€œreasonable feeâ€ for the CUA.98 The fees
remain available for expenditure by the superintendent to recover, at a minimum, associated
management and administrative costs. Under the interim guidelines, NPS uses fee establishment
guidance for an earlier type of permit (incidental business permits, now replaced by CUAs) to set
the fees. Under this guidance, a reasonable fee is defined as either the fee to recover the full cost
of providing the benefit or the market price.99 Parks may choose one of these two methods to
establish a reasonable fee, so long as the market price fee complies w ith the statutory requirement
of covering, at a minimum, the management and administrative costs of issuing the CUA. Park
visitors who are transported into the park by a CUA holder must also pay the same entrance and
other fees as other park area visitors, unless otherwise stated in the CUA.
Insurance and Liability
For concessions contracts, NPS develops insurance requirements on a contract-by-contract basis.
NPS works with a contracted insurance consultant who â€œuses detailed information on the specific
activity, as wel as current industry data and practices, to identify appropriate levels of insurance
based on the risk associated with the particular concession operation.â€100 The 2018 NPS
Commercial Services Guide establishes commercial liability insurance minimums for certain
Category III concessions contracts based on high-, medium-, and low-risk activities.101 (NPS
considers Category III contracts as those entered into by smal -scale concessioners with no
contractual agreement to construct capital improvements on park lands or to conduct primary

96 54 U.S.C. Â§101917. Regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R. Â§51, Subpart I. Under NPS regulations, the director
determines franchise fees upon consideration of â€œ the probable value to the concessioner of the privileges granted by the
contract involved. T his probable value will be based upon a reasonable opportunity for net profit i n relation to capital
invested and the obligations of the contract â€ (36 C.F.R. Â§51.78(a)).
97 54 U.S.C. Â§101917(c). Although the 80:20 retention formula for franchise fees under the NPS concessions law is
similar to the retention requirements under FLREA, the provisions of FLREA differ in a number of ways. For example,
under FLREA, the Secretaries (of DOI and USDA) can reduce the retention amount to not less than 60% for a fiscal
year. In addition, FLREA includes more specific requirements and limitations o n the usage of retained fees as
compared to the NPS concessions law (see 16 U.S.C. Â§6807 for information on eligible FLREA expenditures).
98 54 U.S.C. Â§101925(b)(2). T he law requires that the fee, at a minimum, â€œ recover associated management and
administrat ive costs.â€
99 NPS, â€œCommercial Use Authorizations: Interim Guidance,â€ November 12, 2016, p. 6, at https://www.nps.gov/
subjects/cua/upload/Directive-for-Charging-Fees-for-CUAs-11-12-15.pdf.
100 Statement of Peggy Oâ€™Dell, Deputy Director, NPS, in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Natural Resources,
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, Concession Contract Issues for Outfitters, Guid es and
Sm aller Concessions, 112th Cong., 2nd sess., August 2, 2012 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2012), at https://www.doi.gov/
ocl/hearings/112/Special-Use-Permits-08-02-12.
101 NPS, Commercial Services Guide, October 1, 2018, pp. 45-46, at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/upload/
CS-Guide-Final-Ver-3-FINAL-Updated-04-09-19.pdf. Hereinafter referred to as 2018 NPS Commercial Services
Guide.
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business operations on NPS-assigned land or in government buildings. Most guide and outfitter
operators are authorized under Category III contracts.) For example, under these guidelines, NPS
regional directors must require a minimum of $1 mil ion aggregate insurance coverage for low-
risk activities (e.g., guided backpacking and hunting) for certain Category III guide and outfitter
operations.102 Higher minimums apply for some activities classified as medium-risk (e.g., guided
horse rides) and high-risk (e.g., guided mountaineering).
NPS does not have formal policies regarding insurance requirements for guides and outfitters
operating under CUAs. However, in 2017, NPS issued additional interim guidance regarding
minimum insurance requirements for CUA holders; this guidance general y followed the policies
in place for concessions contracts.103 As with concessions contracts, CUA insurance minimums
may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis depending on the activity and park unit in question.
NPS has a policy prohibiting concessioners from requiring customers to sign a liability waiver
form. However, NPS policy authorizes concessioners to use VAR forms.104 NPS indicates that the
same prohibition on the use of liability waivers by concessions contractors applies to CUA
holders.105 However, NPS has not explicitly formalized a policy to prevent guides and outfitters
operating under CUA permits from requiring customers to sign liability waivers.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
FWS administers land for a variety of purposes. The majority of FWS lands are within the
National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS).106 On lands within the NWRS, recreation is general y
authorized and regulated through the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act.107 The
Refuge Recreation Act also authorizes recreation within the NWRS, in national fish hatcheries,
and in certain other conservation areas.108
Recreation on NWRS lands general y is al owed only when compatible with the mission and
purpose for which the lands were set aside. For the NWRS, â€œthe mission of the system is to
administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where
appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the
United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.â€ When compatible,
wildlife-dependent recreation is considered a priority use of the NWRS.109 FWS does not
uniformly report the number of commercial recreation permits it issues across the NWRS;

102 T he guidelines clarify that discretion is afforded to individual park units to require minimum coverage that is higher
than those outlined for Category III contracts. For a more detailed discussion of how NPS liability insurance minimums
compare with those of the other FLMAs, see James Lynch, â€œ Pushing the Limits: An Examination of Liability Insurance
Limits for National Park Service Concessioners,â€ America Outdoors Association, December 28, 2011, at
https://www.americaoutdoors.org/assets/1/27/12-28-11_AOA_Whitepaper_on_NPS_Liability_Insurance_Limits.pdf?
5609.
103 NPS, â€œCommercial Use Authorizations (CUA) Insurance Guidance and Limiting CUAs Guidance,â€ at
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cua/upload/CUA-Insurance-Guidance.pdf.
104 2018 NPS Commercial Services Guide, Â§6.9.5, pp. 95-96.
105 NPS, â€œAcknowledgment of Risk Policy,â€ last updated August 10, 2018, at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/
concessions/arp.htm. Confirmation of this policy was provided via personal communication between CRS and NPS
Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs, June 20, 2019.
106 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), â€œ Statistical Data T ables for Fish & Wildlife Service Lands (as of
9/30/2019),â€ at https://www.fws.gov/refuges/land/PDF/2019_Annual_Report_Data_T ables(508-Compliant).pdf.
107 National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§668dd-668ee).
108 Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§460k-460k-4).
109 16 U.S.C. Â§668dd(a).
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however, general y, the agency has issued fewer permits for guide and outfitting operations than
the other FLMAs.110
Authorities and Mechanisms
FWS uses a combination of SUPs and SRPs to permit guides and outfitters operating on lands
within the NWRS. Most often, FWS issues commercial activity special use permits (CASUPs) for
guiding and outfitting services. These permits are issued under several authorities.111 However,
specific refuges are approved to collect entrance and special use fees (including recreation fees)
under FLREA. At those refuges, refuge managers use the FLREA authority to issue SRPs for
guiding and outfitting services.112
FWS treats SRPs as being essential y the same as CASUPs, and the application processes are
similar. However, FWS treats the SRP permit fees differently than the CASUP permit fees (see
â€œPermitting Fees,â€ below). FWS has promulgated regulations for the issuance of both types of
permits.113 Among other things, the regulations give individual refuge managers the authority to
issue and revoke permits.
Planning Process
When compatible with the NWRSâ€™s mission and an individual unitâ€™s purpose, wildlife-dependent
recreationâ€”defined as â€œhunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or environmental
education and interpretationâ€â€”is considered a legitimate, priority public use.114 FWS policy
guides how a compatibility determination should be made for specific recreational uses on a
refuge.115 Commercial use (including commercial recreational use) at or on a refuge may be
considered compatible if it directly supports a priority general public use, if it is specifical y
authorized by statute, or if it is a â€œrefuge management economic activity.â€116
Permit Terms
General y, FWS issues permits for a specific period as determined by the type and location of the
use or service provided. Refuge-specific special conditions also may be required for the issuance
of a permit. For refuges in Alaska, FWS may award permits competitively when the number of
available permits is limited. A prospectus with an invitation-to-bid system is the primary

110 Personal communication between CRS and the FWS Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs, January 2020.
FWS indicated that it issued at least 900 commercial permits for the activities of hunting, fishing, and/or trapping in the
National Wildlife Refuge System from FY2014 to present . T hese may include guide and outfitter activities, but FWS
does not have a way to identify the number of permits issued specifically for these purposes.
111 Commercial activity special use permits are issued under authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§668dd-668ee, as amended); the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. Â§Â§460k-460k-4);
and, in Alaska, the ANILCA (16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).
112 16 U.S.C. Â§6802(h). According to the 2015 triennial report to Congress, the DOI reported that of the roughly 560
national wildlife refuges, approximately 140 charge fees under FLREA.
113 50 C.F.R. Part 25, Subpart D.
114 16 U.S.C. Â§668dd(a)(3).
115 FWS, Manual 603, National Wildlife Refuge System Uses, Section 2.6(A), 2000, at https://www.fws.gov/policy/
603fw2.html.
116 FWS Manual 603 Section 1.10(D)(8). 50 C.F.R. Â§25.12 defines a refuge management economic activity as â€œa refuge
management activity on a national wildlife refuge which results in generation of a commodity which is or can be sold
for income or revenue or traded for goods or services. Examples include: Farming, grazing, haying, timber harvesting,
and trapping.â€
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competitive method used for selecting commercial visitor services. Both competitive and
noncompetitive permits issued in Alaska are limited to up to five years.117
Permitting Fees
Except in Alaska, fees for guide and outfitting permits vary on a case-by-case basis, depending on
factors such as the activity permitted and the workload of the permit processing. Unlike FS,
BLM, and NPS, FWS does not have a specific policy for how to assess fees for commercial
recreation permits. Instead, FWS relies on a broad policy that requires the agency to consider cost
recovery and fair market value when providing goods, resources, or services to a non-FWS
entity.118 In accordance with this policy, some refuges may charge only amounts sufficient to
recover costs, whereas others may charge both recovery costs and additional fees when issuing
permits for commercial recreation services. Permit fees in Alaska are based on a standard fee
schedule, and permits issued for commercial uses in Alaska are subject to a $100 administrative
fee.119
Insurance and Liability
FWS does not have formal general liability requirements for commercial guide and outfitter
operators. However, individual refuges have, at times, identified minimum liability requirements
for guides and outfitters for their station, based on the type of use and local conditions. For
example, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge requires all guides to furnish proof of liability
insurance, with a minimum of $300,000 general liability/occurrence for day-use guides and
$500,000 general liability/occurrence for overnight guides.120 Similar requirements have
previously been established at the regional level for FWS lands within Region 7 (Alaska
Region).121 However, no Service-wide policy exists that defines either minimum policy limits for
commercial guides and outfitters or risk-level assessments for the activity in question.
FWS does not have a Service-wide policy regarding the use of liability waivers for commercial
recreation operators. According to FWS, the Service neither general y requires nor general y
prohibits the use of waiver forms or acknowledgement-of-risk forms.122
Concluding Thoughts and Further Reading
The four major FLMAs issue permits to commercial guides and outfitters under multiple
authorities. Depending on the authority, a permit holder may be subject to different terms, fees,
and requirements to operate on federal lands. The processes established by the agencies to
determine the amount and type of commercial use authorized under such a permit must accord
with the multiple other existing statutes or authorities that guide federal land management. In

117 50 C.F.R. Â§36.41(e)(2) and Â§36.41(e)(10).
118 FWS Manual 264 Section 1. T his broad policy is in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Circular No. A-25, which established federal policy for executive agencies regarding fees assessed for government
services and for sale or use of government goods or resources (OMB, â€œ Circular A-25 Revised, T ransmittal
Memorandum #1, User Charges,â€ July 8, 1993).
119 50 C.F.R. Â§36.41(f).
120 FWS, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, â€œGuidelines for Commercial Guide Servicesâ€ at https://www.fws.gov/
uploadedFiles/2019Guiding_Guidance.pdf.
121 FWS, â€œLiability Insurance Requirements for Special Use Permits, Region 7,â€ at https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/
sup_insurance.pdf.
122 Personal communication between CRS and FWS Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs, June 24, 2019.
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addition, since the FLMAs often manage lands that are close or adjacent to one another, some
guide and outfitter operators may be subject to multiple permitting processes should their
operations cross agency jurisdictions. These factors and others can make it difficult to determine
how and when commercial guides and outfitters may operate in our nationâ€™s forests, parks, and
waterways.
The various FLMA permitting processes have been a focal point of interest for many in Congress,
the Administration, and the outfitting industry. As a result, understanding the considerations and
requirements outlined in this reportâ€”as wel as the broader role of commercial guides and
outfitters on federal landsâ€”may be helpful should Congress consider further legislative action.

Author Information

Mark K. DeSantis

Analyst in Natural Resources Policy

Disclaimer
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