On February 2, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launched its updated Recreation and Permit Tracking Online Reporting (RAPTOR) system to implement Title III of the EXPLORE Act. RAPTOR is now BLM’s primary online system for Special Recreation Permit (SRP) applications, pre-consultation, and post-use reporting, and supports BLM’s transition to updated permit categories and more consistent permit assignments across field offices.
What Changed
- Clearer permit categories aligned with different recreation uses
- A systematic, fact-based approach to assigning permit types
- Revised application questions and documentation requirements
- Streamlined review pathways for low-impact, low-complexity activities
- Updated fee options for recreation service providers, including the ability to elect either a predetermined fee (minimum annual fee or per person/per day) or 3% of adjusted gross receipts for Category 4 permits (see table in this FAQ) person/per day or 3% of adjusted gross receipts for Category 4 permits.
What This Means for Your Operation
If you currently hold a BLM Special Recreation Permit, your existing permit remains valid and enforceable under its current terms and conditions. You may continue to seek annual reauthorization for remaining years on a multiyear permit without immediately converting to a Title III permit type.
For Category 4 permits (long-term permits, i.e., recurring recreation services), Title III provides updated fee structures and flexibility. To access these Title III benefits—including updated fee options, clarified visitor use allocation and surrendered use procedures, low-risk insurance discretion, and explicit authorization to use participant waivers—you will need to convert to a Title III permit through RAPTOR.
For such Category 4 Title III permits, Recreation Service Providers must elect their fee method: either (1) the minimum annual fee or 7 dollars per person per day, whichever is greater, or (2) 3 percent of adjusted gross receipts (with two different calculation methods to choose from). This election is made by the permittee, not BLM, and is intended to occur at or just before billing, once your season is complete and you have reported post-use data and gross receipts in RAPTOR. The intention is for RAPTOR to calculate both options from your reported data so you can see the numbers before choosing.
Important: BLM is managing this transition in phases based on local workload and operational considerations. Before reapplying, contact your local BLM office to confirm timing and next steps. Once coordinated, reapplying through RAPTOR is the pathway to accessing Title III benefits sooner.
Conversion will typically occur at natural transition points such as renewal, reissuance, or a requested amendment. Local BLM offices are prioritizing these transitions based on workload and program needs. If you are considering requesting conversion, factor in your upcoming operating season, whether your existing permit covers your use, and where you may fall in your local office’s queue.
Key RAPTOR Features
- Online applications at https://permits.blm.gov
- Pre-consultation requests to clarify requirements before submitting a formal application
- Real-time status updates
- Automatic fee calculation when reporting post-use data
- A 60-day acknowledgment requirement once BLM receives a complete application
BLM Resources
Member Guidance
If you operate on BLM lands, familiarize yourself with RAPTOR now. Early coordination with your local office can help prevent delays and ensure a smoother move into Title III compliance.
Join Us
We will discuss RAPTOR implementation and what it means for members during our upcoming BLM Member Town Hall on February 25 at 1:00 pm ET / 11:00 am MT.
Register to Attend