Special Recreation Permits Special recreation permits are issued as a means to manage visitor use, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a mechanism to accommodate commercial recreational uses. There are five types of uses for which these permits are required: commercial, competitive, vending, individual or group use in special areas, and organized group activity and event use. 1. Commercial Use – Commercial Use is defined as recreational use of public lands and related waters for business or financial gain. When any person, group, or organization makes or attempts to make a profit, receive money, amortize equipment, or obtain goods or services, as compensation from participants in recreational activities occurring on public lands, the use is considered commercial. Examples: Outfitters and guides, jeep tours, horse trail and wagon train rides, cattle drives, and photography associated with a recreational activity. 2. Competitive Use – Competitive Use means any organized, sanctioned, or structured use, event, or activity on public land in which two or more contestants compete and either (1) participants register, enter, or complete an application for the event, or (2) a predetermined course or area is designated. Examples: OHV races, horse endurance rides, mountain bike races, rodeos. 3. Vending – Vendor permits are temporary, short-term, non-exclusive, revocable authorizations to sell goods or services on public lands in conjunction with a recreation activity. Examples: T-shirt sales in conjunction with a raft race, a hot dog stand at a motor-cross event, firewood sales in a BLM campground, and shuttle services. 4. Special Area Use – Special Areas are areas officially designated by statute or Secretarial order. Examples: Special areas in Nevada include the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Black Rock Desert/High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. 5. Organized Group Activity and Event Use – Organized group/event permits are for noncommercial and noncompetitive group activities and recreation events. Examples: A large scout camp out, a fraternity activity, a large family reunion, or a dual sport event. If you are not sure if you need a permit call the local office or check at http://www.nv.blm.gov/Recreation/recperm-need.html Back to Permits
Bureau of Land Management Ely Field Office 702 North Industrial Way HC 33 Box 33500 Ely, Nevada 89301 775-289-1800 This is a U.S. Government Computer System. Before continuing, please read this disclaimer and privacy statement. If you notice any Accessibility (508) errors on this site, please tell us!