Natural Areas Permits#
Types of Permits#
A Special Use Permit is required for a variety of activities that would normally violate a natural area regulation or city code. The Natural Areas Department may permit activities that allow for a safe and enjoyable experience while minimizing impacts to natural resources and visitors. Learn more in the Special Use Policy. There is no charge for Special Use Permits.
Apply for a Special Use permit for the following activities:
- Groups of 15 or more persons, including organized school activities and group athletic activities
- Off-trail use at a natural area with an on-trail only designation
- After hours visits
- Removing, collecting, or depositing anything from or in a natural area
- Filming for educational, non-commercial purposes that supports the Natural Areas conservation mission
- Access across natural areas for hunting on adjacent public lands. Only applies to spring season turkey hunting access at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area when the Bar D road/FS Rd 153 is closed and all hunting seasons at Gateway Natural Area
Please do not apply for a permit for the following activities as they will not be permitted:
- Concerts or amplified sound
- Organized competitive sporting events on soft surface trails
- Motorized vehicular access or use
- Alcohol or smoking in natural areas
For-profit or business activities in Natural Areas sites or facilities require a Commercial Use Permit. This means fees or donations are charged by an entity other than the City, or the natural area or facility is used for marketing or promoting a commercial entity. There is a charge for Commercial Use Permits depending on the number of visitor days as detailed in the Commercial Use Policy.
Research Permits are for groups or individuals seeking to do long-term or short-term research in City of Fort Collins natural areas to obtain data or research information. Instructional courses or workshops that include a research component should apply for a Special Use Permit.
Research Permit applications are reviewed twice a year. The deadlines are the second Friday in February and the second Friday in August. Applications are accepted year-round and held until the next deadline. Applicants will be provided notice of acceptance/denial within 15 business days following the application deadline. There is no charge for Research Permits.
Application Tips
- Include the required documents which can include a research summary, maps indicating access points and research area, vehicles, persons included in the permit, dates and times of research, and timeframe for when data would be available.
- If you were granted a research permit previously and have not submitted your results and/or report, your application will be denied. If your research vests were not returned, your application will be denied.
Permit FAQs#
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If your permit is denied, the reasons will be explained in the denial email. Some common denial reasons:
- Your activity is not conducive to the Natural Areas Department’s conservation mission or vision.
- Negative impacts to the natural area or the visitor experience.
- You have been issued a citation or summons for violation of a Natural Areas Department rule or regulation.
- Scheduling conflicts at the site you want to visit.
- Your activity causes the natural area to be closed to other visitors.
- An incomplete permit application form.
- The permit application is not submitted 15 days prior to the activity. Fifteen business days are needed for permit review.
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No, applications for activities that will close the natural area to other visitors will not be granted. If your permit application is approved, it will not grant exclusive access.
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You will be required to park in an established parking area unless there are specific notations in your permit that allows a variation. Permits do not guarantee parking availability.