Special Use Permits

As a steward of the national forests, the Forest Service has a duty to minimize resource impacts on national forest system lands. Large group gatherings in the national forests have significant adverse impacts on forest resources, public health and safety, and the ability of the agency to allocate space in the face of increasing constraints on the use of national forest system land. A permit system allows the agency to address these problems more expeditiously, more effectively, and more equitably.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area manages special uses consistent with National Forest Service Direction and that direction is found at www.fs.fed.us/specialuses/index.shtml

You may apply for a Special Use Permit by contacting Land Between the Lakes Administrative Office at 270-924-2000, or by email at LBLInfo@usda.gov.

Recreation Events

Any recreation event held at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area that charges a fee or any commercial operation requires a Special Use Permit (for example: bike races, trail rides, rodeos, etc.). Please contact the Administrative Office at 270-924-2000 or by email at LBLInfo@usda.gov to find out if your event requires a Special Use Permit, or for information on obtaining a permit.

Applicants for Special Use Permits should note that the permitting process can be time-consuming, may require multi-step National Forest Management Act analysis and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, and ultimately may not be approved. The Forest Service will evaluate Special Use applicants to determine if they comply with public interest.

At a minimum, these proposals should be consistent with Area Plan management objectives, standards, and desired future conditions; and be consistent with other applicable Federal, State, and local statutes and regulations. Most permits require at least 90 days for processing. Noncommercial group uses are any activity conducted on National Forest Service lands involving 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators, in which (a) no entry or participation fee is charged, and (b) the primary purpose of the activity is not the sale of a good or service. Examples of noncommercial activities include club or family recreation outings, reunions, and weddings. No permit fee, bonding, or insurance is required for noncommercial group uses. The permit holder is responsible for camping fees.

What are noncommercial group uses?

Noncommercial group uses are any activity conducted on National Forest Service lands involving 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators, in which (a) no entry or participation fee is charged, and (b) the primary purpose of the activity is not the sale of a good or service. Examples of noncommercial activities include club or family recreation outings, reunions, and weddings. No permit fee, bonding, or insurance is required for noncommercial group uses. The permit holder is responsible for camping fees.

Commercial filming and photography permits?

Information on Commercial Filming and Still Photography (.PDF)

Land Between the Lakes Commercial Filming and Photography Application (.PDF)

Completed applications for commercial filming/photography may be emailed to LBLInfo@usda.gov or mailed to:

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Attn: Special Use Permit- Commercial Filming and Photography 100 Van Morgan Drive Golden Pond, KY 42044

What is the policy for weddings at Land Between the Lakes?

Noncommercial Special Use Permits are required for weddings at Land Between the Lakes if the following criteria are true:

1. You have more than 75 people attending the wedding
2. You have live or recorded music for the event.
3. Note: The policy for 75+ group members and live or recorded music does not apply to any wedding held at Colson Hollow Group Camp because use falls under the group camp permit.
4. You serve a catered meal
5. No weddings can be held at the Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, and Stephen’s Church.
6. Weddings may be held in the pavilions at the Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, and Golden Pond Visitor Center.
7. You must coordinate with the facility manager and then reserve the pavilion by calling 270-924-2044.
8. Weddings may be held at Wranglers, Hillman Ferry, Energy Lake, and Piney campgrounds by coordinating with the facility manager

How do I apply?

You may apply for a Special Use Permit by contacting Land Between the Lakes Administrative Office at 270-924-2000, or by email at LBLInfo@usda.gov. You must complete an application providing:

1. applicant’s name and mailing address;
2. if the applicant is an organization, and the name of an individual authorized to receive notice of the decision on the application;
3. description of the activity;
4. location and description of the National Recreation Area lands and facilities you would like to use; estimated number of participants and spectators;
5. starting and ending date and time of the activity;
6. name of the person (or persons) 21 years of age or older who will sign the permit on behalf of the applicant.
7. The application must be received by the Administrative Office at least 6 months in advance of your activity.

How long will it take to get a permit?

If your application is approved, a permit will be issued prior to the start of your activity.

What will the Forest Service consider in evaluating my application?

Applications will be approved if they meet the following 8 evaluation criteria (for details on the 8 criteria, particularly on criteria 5 and 6, review the Code of Federal Regulations at 36 CFR 251.54 (h)(1)):

1. Authorization of the activity is not prohibited by rules or orders that apply to the national forests, or by federal, state, or local law related to the content of activity.
2. Authorization of the activity is consistent or can be made consistent with standards and guidelines in the Area Plan that apply to the area where the activity will take place.
3. The activity does not materially impact the characteristics or functions of environmentally sensitive resources or lands.
4. The activity will not delay, halt, or prevent administrative use of an area by the Forest Service or other scheduled or existing activities on National Forest System lands.
5. The activity does not violate state and local public health laws and regulations applicable to the site proposed for the activity.
6. The activity will not pose a substantial danger to public safety.
7. The activity does not involve military or paramilitary training or exercises by private organizations or individuals, unless such training or exercises are federally funded.
8. A person (or persons) 21 years of age or older has been designated to sign and will sign a permit on behalf of the applicant.
9. If your application is denied and an alternative time, place, or manner will allow you to meet all the evaluation criteria, the Forest Service will offer that alternative.