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Special Use Permits

Some commercial, recreational, or research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges only with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are compatible with the refuge’s congressionally mandated wildlife conservation goals. Special use permits may limit the scope, timing and location of the activity, as determined by the refuge where the activity would take place.

Prospective permit holders may fill out the corresponding permit application, sign it, and return it to the refuge for processing. Please submit by email to armloxahatchee@fws.gov. The permit is not valid until approved and signed by a refuge official. Allow for 30 working days to process the permit.

Commercial Activities Special Use Application (FWS Form 3-1383-C)
For commercial activities such as guiding hunters, anglers, or other outdoor users; for commercial filming (audio, video, and photographic products of a monetary value).

Research and Monitoring Special Use Application (FWS Form 3-1383-R)
For research and monitoring activities by students, universities, or other non-FWS organizations.

General Activity Special Use Application (FWS Form 3-1383-G)
For fishing tournaments, airboat use permits, and other miscellaneous events or any activity not mentioned elsewhere on this page.

Related: Filming Activities in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Silhouette of a person walking with a shotgun on the tundra

Some commercial, recreational and research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges only with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are...

Kayakers navigating a swamp full of trees and lily pads.

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Children in yellow shirts run down a path or trail at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Annual 4th Grade Pass

Cost: Free, non-transferable, valid for the duration of the 4th-grade schoolyear though the following summer (September-August).

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2023-2024 Federal Duck Stamp featuring three tundra swans painted by Joseph Hautman from Minnesota. (c) USFWS
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