Permitting Reform and Categorical Exclusions

Title III of the EXPLORE Act modernizes how BLM handles recreation permits. For disc golf, this has immediate practical value — particularly for tournaments and organized events.

Section 312 — Categorical exclusions

Section 312 mandates that agencies develop new or modify existing categorical exclusions (CatEx) for special recreation permits. It also prohibits “needs assessments” as a condition of issuing SRPs, except in wilderness.

BLM adopted new categorical exclusions under this provision as of early 2026. Tournament SRPs on BLM land should qualify for categorical exclusion where similar recreational events have been authorized before.

A categorical exclusion means no Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement is needed — significantly reducing the time and cost of getting a permit approved.

Event permitting under Title III

For organized group recreation activities or events, the law requires BLM to make a nominal-effects determination in certain circumstances. In some low-impact cases, BLM may conclude no permit is required at all.

BLM’s updated SRP page (implemented February 2, 2026 through the RAPTOR system) specifically asks organizers:

• Whether there will be a competition
• Whether they will mark a course

These two questions map almost perfectly to disc golf tournaments and temporary layouts.

How to use this for disc golf events

If you’re planning a tournament on BLM land:

1. Check whether a permit is required. Under Title III, BLM makes a nominal-effects determination. Some low-impact activities may not need a permit.
2. If a permit is likely needed, contact the local BLM office or submit through RAPTOR for pre-consultation.
3. Coordinate early. BLM emphasizes that requirements vary by local conditions. Early coordination is the agency’s own guidance.
4. Prepare for categorical exclusion. If similar events have been authorized on the site before, a CatEx may apply.
5. Do not advertise, collect fees, or begin operations until written authorization is in hand.

RAPTOR system

The Recreation Activity Permit Tracking and Online Request (RAPTOR) system went live February 2, 2026. It enables electronic SRP applications under Title III reforms, replacing what was previously a paper-heavy process. This is the system disc golf event organizers should use.

Section 311 — Fee modernization

The Act also amends and reauthorizes the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) for 7 years, modernizing the fee structure for recreation permits. BLM implemented updated SRP processing on February 2, 2026 through RAPTOR.

What this means practically

For disc golf, the permitting reforms provide:

• Faster event approvals through categorical exclusions
• Lower barriers with the prohibition on needs assessments
• A digital process through RAPTOR instead of paper forms
• Potential no-permit pathway for small, low-impact events through nominal-effects determinations
• Clear guidance through BLM’s updated SRP page

This is the most immediately actionable part of the EXPLORE Act for disc golf. While permanent course installation requires a more involved process, running events and tournaments on BLM land is achievable now.