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LEASES, LICENSES & SPECIAL USE PERMITS

ANR lands are generally open to the public without fee or formal authorization for a wide variety of educational, recreational, and other outdoor activities for individuals or small groups.  However, such activities and events, while legally and environmentally permissable, may alter a site or natural resources or may exclude other public uses, for varying periods of time.  For such activities and events, formal written authorization is required so that the Agency may better monitor, control and manage their impact and duration on ANR lands, natural resources, and the public.  Formal written authorization is typically by either Special Use Permit (SUP) or License.

When A Permit is Needed

Generally an SUP or License is needed for any use of ANR land when the activity:

1. is organized or publicized;

2. involves a fee (charged to participants);

3. alters a site or alters/removes natural resources; or

4. may conflict with other established uses such as hiking, cross country skiing, scientific research, hunting, etc.

For definitions of the different types of permits and specific activities requiring a permit, please refer to the Uses of State Lands policy.

Process for Obtaining a Permit

The process for obtaining permission to use ANR lands begins with completing the Permit Application for Use of ANR Lands.  The application is accompanied by instructions to help you through the process.  In addition, each District Office of the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation has a License Coordinator who can assist you.

Allowed Individual Recreational Uses: When a Permit is Not Required

There are a number of recreational activities by individuals that do not require an SUP or License.  Please refer to Appendix A of the Uses of State Lands policy for a list and an explanation of those activities.

Questions

If you have any questions about whether or not a permit is needed for an activity you are planning on ANR lands, you may contact the License Coordinator in your region of the state.