Contact Information Contact Information
- Dept Head: John Stokes
- 1745 Hoffman Mill Road
Fort Collins, CO 80524
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (M-F, except for holidays)
Natural Areas Newsletter Natural Areas Newsletter
Natural Areas Permits
Thank you for applying for a natural area permit to conduct your activity. By applying for a permit you help the Natural Areas Department track activities in natural areas to manage impacts, increase safety and avoid conflicts. Permit applications are reviewed and considered based on impacts to the natural area, agricultural and cultural resources, habitat and visitor experience. Please take the time to read the information below carefully to determine the type of permit you will need.
Permitting Process Has Been Revised
Special Use Permits
Special Use Permits
A special use permit is required for a variety of activities that would normally violate a natural area, county or state regulation. The Natural Areas Department may permit activities that allow for a safe and enjoyable experience while minimizing impacts to natural resources and visitors.
The following types of activities are not allowed without a special use permit:
- Any event or activity that violates a municipal, county or state law
- Groups of 15 or more persons
- Research projects
- Organized school activities for groups of 15 or more, not organized through Natural Areas' Education Program
- Off-trail use at natural areas where on-trail use is required
- Organized group athletic training exercises
- School activities, such as field trips and research
Please see the Conditions Table (56KB) for details.
Important Permit Requirements
Permit applicants must include specific access points, specific trail usage details, specific location of activity and full description (including dates and times) of activity. Please attach maps, research summaries and other materials. Research permits now require a $50 refundable (research vest) deposit be recieved prior to permit issuance. Research vests (provided by department) are required for all off-trail research.
It is your responsibility to know and obey the regulations of the areas you visit.
Please allow fifteen (15) business days for application review and processing (pending code change).
Commercial Use Permits
A Commercial Use Permit is required for commercial use activities on City of Fort Collins Natural Areas or facilities for which fees or donations are charged to a third party by an entity other than the City, such as:
- Guided activities
- Events
- Commercial filming
Once we receive your application we will contact you to review to application, conditions and arrange payment. a non-refundable $50 processing fee is required for all commercial use permits.
Please allow fourteen (14) business days for application review and processing (pending code change).