Link To Application (PDF File)
Do I Need A Permit?
How Do I Apply?

WHAT IS A SPECIAL RECREATION PERMIT?

Types of permits:

Special Recreation Permit (SRP) are authorizations which allow specified recreational uses of the public lands and related waters. They are issued as a means to manage visitor use, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a mechanism to accommodate commercial recreational uses. Authorized by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, 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. Financial gain includes gratuities, donations, gifts, bartering, etc.  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.

       Elko District Competitive SRP Policy 
       Elko District Competitive SRP Policy Appendix

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 motorcross 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.

Objectives of the BLM recreation permitting system are to satisfy recreational demand within allowable use levels in an equitable, safe, and enjoyable manner while minimizing adverse resource impacts and user conflicts. In issuing recreation permits to recreational users of public lands, the BLM authorizes permittees use of the lands and/or related waters for permitted purposes. This represents a privilege to use public lands and/or related waters which is subject to the terms and conditions of the permits.

Recreation permits are managed in a manner which is consistent with management objectives determined in resource management plans, recreation area management plans, or in their absence, through recreation management objectives resulting from analysis of resources and visitor use for each area.

If you need a permit, fill out the form at this site and mail it to:

Elko District Office
3900 Idaho Street
Elko, NV 89801
Attn: Outdoor Recreation Planner
(775) 753-0200

Commercial Outfitter & Guide Permits
Hunting and Guided Tours Only 

The following documents are required information for obtaining a special recreation permit to operate commercial guide operations on BLM lands in the Elko District.

The Special Recreation Permit Application must be completed for all new requests as well as for renewals of multi-year permits.

The Annual Operating Plan must be completed with updated information each year. The form can be opened and printed, or downloaded and filled in electronically.

The Estimated Use Report must be completed in advance for every guide trip that occurs on BLM lands, whether in the Elko District or another BLM district. The form can be opened and printed, or downloaded and filled in electronically.

The Post Use Report is to be complete by the permittee and submitted to the BLM Office in which use occurred. The report must be submitted within 30 days of the last day of use authorized under you permit. Complete the form for all trips taken under the authorization of the permit for all public lands in Nevada and submit to the appropriate office. 

Upon completion of the required information, please mail to the Elko District Office at 3900 Idaho Street, Elko, NV  89801. Please send mail to the attention of Outdoor Recreation Planner.  If you have any questions regarding the requested information, please call the main office at (775) 753-0200.

Thanks for your interest in the Special Recreation Permit Program.