Storage and Use of Explosives and Magazine Security on National Forest System Lands under a Special Use Authorization

Existing directives in the Forest Service Manual and Handbook are being revised to improve security and administration of explosive magazines and explosives use that are authorized under a special use authorization. The revisions clarify that all non-Forest Service storage and use of explosives, including use and storage of military weapons and ammunition for purposes of avalanche mitigation on National Forest System lands, must be authorized by a special use authorization that contains clause B-29 in Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, Chapter 50, section 52.2, on storage and use of explosives and magazine security. Clause B-29 requires authorization holders to comply with applicable United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state, or Department of the Army requirements and applicable Forest Service requirements. To allow the Forest Service to monitor holder compliance with clause B-29, the revised directives require holders of an authorization containing the clause to submit certain documentation annually as part of their operating plan. The required documentation includes copies of a log containing the date and type of magazine inspections (including inspections required every seven days) and the date all deficiencies identified in any magazine inspection report were corrected; copies of any magazine inspection reports; a copy of the holder's current ATF-issued federal explosives license or federal explosives permit, if applicable; and a copy of a log containing the date of the most recent magazine lock and key replacement.

The latest form for Storage and Use of Explosives and Magazine Security on National Forest System Lands under a Special Use Authorization expires 2026-06-30 and can be found here.