Dream of owning a cabin in the woods?
Understand the Forest Service Recreation Residence rules that affect you.
If you own a cabin on National Forest land, you need to know how to make sense of the laws, regulations, and policies that control your use and enjoyment of that cabin. This is the manual for you.
How do I find the laws that affect my recreation residence ownership on Forest Service land?
The Forest Service Manual and Handbooks that pertain to cabin or recreation residence ownership are notoriously difficult to navigate.
You need to understand the key laws that affect your recreation residence, like how to get a permit, what kinds of structures are allowed on your land, and the laws that govern how you can rent or sell your property.
We've put together a plain-language manual that allows you to quickly locate the most relevant sections of Forest Service policy that affect your rights as a recreation residence owner.
A cabin in the woods is a dream come true
But if you own a cabin on National Forest land, you need to understand the laws, regulations, and policy directives that apply to and control your use and enjoyment of that cabin.
These rules determine how you can access your cabin, obtain permits, maintain, alter, or sell it.
We've collected these various rules and put them in one place, in plain language, so you can make sense of them and know your rights as a recreation residence owner.
Download the Recreation Residence Manual now!
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Garden Law Firm reviews
Responsive and easy to work with
"We're a small nonprofit with no internal legal counsel. The Garden Law Firm was very responsive from the start, able to work within our budget, and exceeded expectations in advancing our cause with the USFS in a cordial, nonconfrontational way. As non-lawyers, we found Kevin to be professional and easy to work and communicate with. I would highly recommend his firm to other clients."
Nonprofit recreation user group on USFS lands
Provided clear legal guidance
“Kevin did an excellent job representing us with the USFS. We enjoyed and appreciated his straight-forward approach. His thoughts were spot-on as he presented the details with great clarity. He laid out the facts and costs and always stayed on track. We cannot express how much confidence we have in Kevin Garden's skills, ability, and approach in dealing with a difficult situation!”
USFS Term Permit Resort Operator
Gets results from the government
“Kevin Garden excels at navigating the complexities of governmental agencies and securing Special Use Permits. With a deep understanding of the intricate processes and subtle nuances involved, he consistently delivers results in successfully working with large-scale government entities.”
USFS Outfitter and Guide
Helped win our NPS concession contract
“Our company was recently awarded its first NPS concession contract. Kevin’s guidance, based on his many years of experience, was extremely helpful in our understanding of how the NPS concession program worked, as well as all the nuances of our contract obligations.”
National Park Service Concessioner
Specific knowledge to solve my NPS dispute
“I recently used The Garden Law Firm in a dispute I had with the National Park Service. It was a very specific situation and Kevin was well-versed and knowledgeable on everything that I needed. Kevin exhibited the correct amount of aggression while also being objective to what my needs were. He took time to explain things to me, so that I understood them completely before making any decisions, and he advised me on what I felt was the correct path. I was very happy with his services and will continue to use his firm going forward.”
National Park Service Concessioner
An invaluable legal partner
“Our Forest Service campground concessionaire company has been working with Kevin for over 20 years. He has helped us understand the requirements and limitations outlined in our government Special Use Permits. If there is ever a question on the legal ramifications of our operations, Kevin is readily available to assist with a knowledgeable, carefully articulated and balanced opinion on the best course of action to take. His calm demeanor, thoughtful listening skills and extensive knowledge of government contracts make Kevin an invaluable partner.”
USFS Campground Permit Holder
Expert advice, litigation, and advocacy
“I initially developed a great partnership with Kevin at the Garden Law Firm in 2018. His experience dealing with government agencies and the NEPA process has been invaluable in our efforts to keep public land access open for everyone in Colorado. Kevin has advised us on everything from FOIA requests to public comments during agency projects to objections and litigation. I highly recommend Kevin’s services to anyone seeking help to deal with the Forest Service and government process.”
Nonprofit recreation user group on USFS lands
The Garden Law Firm. Your Legal Compass.
If you need more help negotiating with the Forest Service or understanding your rights as a recreation residence owner, get in touch.