Real Changes or Shift in Perception

SEELEY LAKE - The goal of the Seeley Lake Ranger District (SLRD) recreation event-permitting program is to promote and support recreation events consistent with the Forest Service mission. This includes recreation opportunity and enjoyment of public lands.

A recreation event is an organized, commercial event conducted by a private entity that is temporary in nature and that occurs on National Forest System lands. Some examples of recreation events that have been permitted by the SLRD include a cross-country ski race, snowmobile fun run, snowmobile demo ride, sled dog race, bike race, running race and triathlon.

A recreation event is considered a “special use.” It provides a public service the Forest Service does not customarily provide and must be authorized by the authorized officer, the district ranger or forest supervisor, for the administrative unit upon which the use is proposed.

The issuance of Recreation Event Permits by the Forest Service is not new. Recreation Event Permits are administered nationally across National Forest System lands and are required for all recreation events. The current fee structure for Recreation Event Permits is collected under the authority of the 2005 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Forest Service policy mandates the charging of fees for Recreation Event Permits.

The minimum special use permit fee is $72 or five percent of the adjusted gross receipts (gross revenue less cost to holders of prizes awarded), whichever is greater.

“It makes sense to the taxpayer,” said SLRD District Ranger Rachel Feigley. “It’s not fair for someone to make money off the land without covering the cost.”

Fee dollars come directly back to the SLRD. It helps them maintain the administrative capacity to support their partners in hosting recreation events and the prosperity they create for the community of Seeley Lake.

The permitting process allows the authorized officer to evaluate the proposed use and decide if it is an appropriate use of National Forest System lands. Liability insurance, tax ID and an operating plan are also required for all recreation events. When evaluating recreation event administration proposals and subsequent workload, other priority functions, which serve the general public, also need to be considered.

Upon authorization, the community can utilize National Forest System lands and host local events that contribute to the overall economic diversity on which the community depends.

There are several screening criteria considered in this determination. A Recreation Event Special Use Permit is required for organizing any use or activity on National Forest System lands that meets either of the following criteria, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit:

1. An entry or participation fee is charged (donations are considered fees if they exceed the direct costs of the event)

2. Where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service on National Forest System lands.

Proposals are evaluated based on resource impact, resource conditions in the proposed event area, availability of various types of events in the area, public need and compliance with the Lolo National Forest Land Management Plan.

Feigley said review and authorization of applications takes time and the SLRD has limited capacity to work with applicants, process applications and develop permits. The SLRD instituted an application deadline for Recreation Event Permits for the first time in 2013. In 2015, the District decided to have two application deadlines to better accommodate permit application requests throughout the year. The application deadlines are Nov. 30 for winter/spring events and March 31 for summer/fall events. Events of a complex nature and events seeking to advertise early are encouraged to apply early.

“We need to evaluate recreation event proposals in consideration with other priority functions and plan for the workload and lead time to do it,” said Feigley in response to the reason for the deadlines.

The community has likely seen changes in all the programs at SLRD. This has occurred for several reasons.

In the last two years, the Lolo National Forest underwent a reorganization of all its programs, including recreation, which resulted in a downsizing of the recreation personnel. One full-time, permanent management position was eliminated, reducing administrative capacity.

Within the last year there has been turnover in three of the four remaining permanent positions on the SLRD; three of the four current employees are permanent part-time. In addition, a new District Ranger and two primary staff positions (recreation and lands) were filled within the last year and the SLRD still has a vacant permanent front desk support.

Primary recreation funding has been steadily declining over the past five years. Trails funding, which helps support the recreation program, is also likely to be reduced over the next three years.

Lastly, the Northern Region, of which the Lolo National Forest is a part, developed a Regional Recreation Strategy for 2015-2020 that recognized the need to focus limited resources and reduced workforce within sustainable recreation programs. This document will help shape the SLRD work priorities in the near-term, including the administration of Recreation Special Uses.

The biggest changes Feigley thinks the public have noticed in the past two years was the fee was instituted for all recreation events. She said they may or may not have been applied in the past.

And secondly, while the application for the permit has not changed, Feigley said they are asking for more information including proof of liability insurance.

“We are asking for more completeness to be able to respond to safety or resource issues,” said Feigley.

“Working with recreation event proponents, the district will strive to balance our ability to continue permitting recreation events within the practical constraints of reduced capacity for administering special use permits and the over-riding principle of cooperation and community support,” said Feigley. “In turn, the district seeks understanding and cooperation from the recreation event proponents towards a successful partnership.”