BLM Canyon Country District calls for Special Recreation Permit applications

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Canyon Country District Office

Media Contact:

MOAB, Utah – The BLM strives to be a good neighbor in the communities we serve, and facilitates opportunities for commercial recreation on public lands to help local communities grow. To streamline and improve management of its Special Recreation Permit program, the BLM Canyon Country District is establishing two periods each year for submitting and processing Special Recreation Permit applications, including applications to renew expiring permits.

The BLM will process all applications received by Dec. 1, 2018 for the 2019 spring-summer season (March 1, 2019 through Aug. 31, 2019). The BLM is requesting that interested parties submit applications for the 2019 fall-winter season (Sept. 1, 2019 through Feb. 28, 2019) by June 1, 2019. The BLM will maintain this schedule (Dec. 1 and June 1) for future years. The BLM will accept applications at any time and applicants are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance, especially if they have a specific event date in mind.

This new application schedule will:

  • Improve the BLM’s ability to complete environmental reviews in a timely manner by grouping application reviews for similar activities and areas;
  • Help ensure fair and consistent treatment of all applicants, given increasing demands for similar services and areas of operation; and
  • Enable the BLM to continue effective management of commercial recreation, competitive events, and organized group activities.

The Canyon Country District hosts over three million visitors annually who come to Grand and San Juan counties to explore public lands. In addition, each year the Moab and Monticello Field Offices administer over 450 Special Recreation Permits. Local outfitters, guides, and other businesses play a large role in helping the BLM serve local communities and visitors. The BLM uses Special Recreation Permits to manage commercial recreation and organized group activities on public lands, including competitive events.  General recreation by individuals and families does not require a Special Recreation Permit. 

It is often beneficial to stop by or phone your local BLM office to discuss your application. As the BLM implements this new schedule, requests for extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information visit or contact:

  • Moab Field Office:  82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532, (435) 259-2100
  • Monticello Field Office: 365 North Main, Monticello, UT 84535, (435) 587-1500

For more information please visit: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/special-recreation-permits. An application form is available for download here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/recreation_specialrecreationform.pdf.

Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24/7.  Replies are provided during normal business hours.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.