[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 36, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 36CFR251.50]

[Page 283]
 
              TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
 
          CHAPTER II--FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 251--LAND USES--Table of Contents
 
                         Subpart B--Special Uses
 
Sec. 251.50  Scope.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 472, 497b, 551, 1134, 3210; 30 U.S.C. 185; 43 
U.S.C. 1740, 1761-1771.

    Source: 45 FR 38327, June 6, 1980, unless otherwise noted.


    (a) All uses of National Forest System lands, improvements, and 
resources, except those provided for in the regulations governing the 
disposal of timber (part 223) and minerals (part 228) and the grazing of 
livestock (part 222), are designated ``special uses.'' Before engaging 
in a special use, persons or entities must submit an application to an 
authorized officer and must obtain a special use authorization from the 
authorized officer unless that requirement is waived by paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (b) Nothing in this section prohibits the temporary occupancy of 
National Forest System land for the protection of life or property in 
emergencies, if a special use authorization for such use is obtained at 
the earliest opportunity.
    (c) A special use authorization is not required for noncommercial 
recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, 
hunting, horseback riding, and boating, as well as noncommercial 
activities involving the expression of views such as assemblies, 
meetings, demonstrations, and parades, except for:
    (1) Authorization of such use is required by an order issued 
pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50;
    (2) Authorization of such use is required by a regulation issued 
pursuant to 36 CFR 261.70;
    (3) Noncommercial group uses as defined in Sec. 251.51 of this 
subpart.
    (d) Unless otherwise required by order issued under Sec. 261.50 or 
by regulation issued under Sec. 261.70 of this chapter, the use of 
existing forest development roads and trails does not require a special-
use authorization; however, any such use is subject to compliance with 
all Federal and State laws governing the roads or trails to be used.

[45 FR 38327, June 6, 1980, as amended at 49 FR 25449, June 21, 1984; 53 
FR 16549, May 10, 1988; 60 FR 45293, Aug. 30, 1995]