Dear MOGA Members,


We’re pleased to share that the U.S. Forest Service has expanded the Outfitter & Guide Trail Stewardship Credit Program, making it available in all administrative units, including every National Forest in Montana. Acting Regional Forester Kristin Bail has confirmed this in recent guidance, emphasizing the program’s role in addressing trail backlogs through partnerships with outfitters and guides.

Message Sent to all Regional Forest Supervisors in September 2025

Good morning —

Section 7 of the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (NFSTSA) (Pub. L. No. 114-245), signed into law on November 28, 2016, required the Forest Service to establish a program on at least 20 administrative units to offset all or part of the land use fees for outfitting and guiding permits by the cost of construction, improvement, and maintenance performed by the holder of National Forest System (NFS) trails, trailheads, and developed sites that support public use.  The Outfitter and Guide Trail Stewardship Credit Program was expanded to all administrative units on August 16, 2022.

In that Act, Congress specifically called out the need for solutions to National Forest System trail maintenance needs that make efficient use of existing resources and noted the important role that volunteers, partners, and outfitters and guides play in maintaining National Forest System trails.  Our National Strategy for a Sustainable Trail System and the 10-Year Trail Shared Stewardship Challenge also emphasize partner capacity to address maintenance backlogs.  The authority provided in this Act provides an important opportunity and tool to address trail maintenance needs collaboratively with our Outfitter and Guide (OG) partners. 

To use this tool, permittees would complete an annual Stewardship Act fee-offset agreement (attached) that specifies projects, standards, schedules, and allowable costs. Once the work is inspected and accepted, the approved cost is credited against that year’s land-use fee. OG participation in the program is voluntary and is governed by the terms of the agreement.

The Act’s authority is narrow:  physical construction, improvement, or maintenance of designated system trails, trailheads, and developed sites that support public use are eligible for the land use fee offset.  Construction, improvement, and Government maintenance performed by OGs of NFS roads are not eligible for offset of outfitting and guiding land use fees unless the NFS road is also reflected in the NFS trail inventory (for example, when an NFS trail designated for over- snow vehicle use overlaps an NFS road).  Activities related to things such as staffing, equipment purchases that do not directly improve a site, or resource monitoring are also outside the scope.

In this time of staffing and fiscal constraints, it is increasingly important that we use all options available to provide a sustainable and enjoyable trail experience.  I ask each of you to meet with your OG community to discuss opportunities to use this authority and develop new partnerships for shared trail stewardship.  Carol Hennessey is available to assist you and your staff in the development of these agreements and to answer any questions you may have.

This means Montana outfitters can now receive compensation in the form of offsets against your land use permit fees for performing approved trail maintenance, improvements, or construction on designated National Forest System trails, trailheads, and developed sites.

Key Program Details:

  • Eligibility & Process: Outfitters and guides can offset up to 100% of annual permit fees by completing agreed-upon work that meets Forest Service standards. Use the attached Annual Stewardship Act Fee Offset Agreement form (FS-2700-4i) to specify projects, schedules, and costs with your local FS district.
  • What’s Covered: Physical construction, improvement, or maintenance of trails, trailheads, and developed sites supporting public use. (Note: Roads not in the trail inventory, equipment purchases, staffing, or monitoring are ineligible.)
  • Voluntary Participation: Work with your local Forest Service office to develop projects. Participation is at the discretion of local officers, but Region 1 leadership is encouraging partnerships amid staffing and budget constraints.
  • Benefits: This aligns with the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (2016), helps clear the $524M+ national backlog, recognizes your uncompensated efforts, and supports sustainable public access.

We’ve attached a sample offset agreement form and MOGA’s letter of support to Acting Regional Forester Kristin Bail for your reference. We encourage you to contact your local Forest Service district to discuss potential projects and start the agreement process. MOGA is here to assist, reach out if you need help communicating or coordinating with your local Ranger district.

MOGA Letter of Support NF System Trails Stewardship Act 
USFS Offset Agreement Form