The Missoula Ranger District open season for recreation event proposals runs through Jan. 15, 2010. Interested individuals or groups are invited to submit proposals for permits to hold recreation events on the Missoula Ranger District in 2010. A recreation event special-use permit is required for events that charge a fee for participation, have paid staff or include the promotion of commercial products or activities. Outfitter and guide services are not included in the Recreation Event permitting process.

Interest for these permits has outpaced the district's staffing and management capacity, according to district ranger Paul Matter. "The open season is designed to meet the needs of the public as best we can with available resources," Matter said. "Our objectives are to provide ample opportunity for interested parties to apply for special use permits, provide appropriate, high quality recreation opportunities for the public, and meet our obligations for resource protection. Carefully screening and managing our recreation event proposals is another tool we're using to protect our resource and maintain recreation quality as the Missoula Valley grows and adjacent Lolo National Forest lands experience more use."

Missoula Ranger District Resource staff officer Andy Kulla said, "proposals are evaluated based on resource impact, resource conditions in the proposed event area, supply of different types of events, public need, compliance with the Lolo National Forest plan and whether a fee event is needed to meet the forest plan goals and objectives."

Kulla added: "Permitted events are typically required to provide garbage removal and in some cases rest-room facilities. Off-trail activities are not permitted and events may be limited during the wet times of the year to prevent soil and vegetation damage. Forest officials also try to manage the permitting process to avoid congestion at recreation areas that already receive heavy use and crowding."

Event proponents should submit a one-page proposal that includes the activity, proposed location, proposed date, number of participants, anticipated number of spectators, parking needs, a map identifying the location and any needed facilities. It's helpful if applicants are as detailed as possible in their proposals. Proposals should be directed to Al Hilshey at ahilshey@fs.fed.us or mailed to the Missoula Ranger District, Building 24A Fort Missoula, Missoula, MT 59804.