National Forest Homeowners

General Questions/Discussions

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Moderator(s): Doug Gann, Melody & Christopher Knox, Sharon Leach, Meredith A. Randall

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Topics		Replies	Score	Author	Latest Post
	Co-ownership	1		D. Skoor	The USFS determines who can hold a special use term permit, but does not restrict cabin ownership. A permit can be issued to an 1) individual, 2) married couple, or 3) the trustee of a USFS approved cabin trust. A permit holder must hold an equity (ownership) interest in a cabin, but can share ownership of the cabin with others. The permit holder accepts all responsibility for meeting the terms of a permit and all interactions with the USFS on behalf of the co-owners. Co-owners are not listed on the permit and no approval is necessary from the USFS to change the ownership of a cabin, as long as, the existing permit holder continues their role. A change of permit holder requires a new permit to be issued.NFH always recommends a formal ownership agreement among the owners, which spells out all responsibilities of the owners. This can be in form of a co-owner (partnership) contractual agreement, or a USFS approved single asset cabin trust.You can find more information on the Multiple Owners & Trusts page, under the Resources menu on the NFH website. The additional information include several example agreements. Doug Gann, NFH President by D. Gann Wednesday, December 22, 2021
	When does a cabin tract association need to purchase board insurance?	2		D. Brazelton	Thank you! Barb Brazelton by D. Brazelton Wednesday, September 1, 2021
	Transfer of Ownership Form	2		M. Randall	I do not have an attorney yet. Im in Northern California. Alison McDaniel (805)4903730DO you have recommendation by A. McDaniel Monday, August 30, 2021
	Have any Tracts Found Grants / Funding to Improve Community Water Systems?	1		C. Huber	Chuck,To my current knowledge, there are no funds for private-use water systems though I am not an expert in this area. Additionally, there is an often challenging prohibition that prevents federal agencies from getting grants from other public agencies. In the case of a Forest Service program with cabins on public lands, it may prevent eligibility for some kinds of funding. But that doesn't mean you can't look around, keeping in mind that it's a long shot. My suggestion might be to look at any funds or credits for replacement of old residential systems with conservation-oriented water systems. That's where the public good could be argued, perhaps, but it might be a stretch. We would appreciate hearing from others about their experience in this area. It may be instructive to hear about water system replacement in other tracts, especially in Arizona on the National Forests.I wish I had better suggestions. If we hear of anything helpful, we'll share it.Sharon Leach, NFH Executive Director by Thursday, August 12, 2021
	Example Articles and Bylaws for cabin association	4		S. Harbison	I've attached the restated articles from 2005 and amended bylaws from 2018 for the Stahlman Summer Home Association in Oregon. Rick Dwyer by R. Dwyer Friday, June 4, 2021
	Fire resistant decking	2		D. Towne	Thanks for the feedback, Doug. Our FS people are very intractable, and I know they won't consider this, based on reason.The District Ranger stated that she will not have Trex in her (!) recreational residences, so I guess I'll have to install a more flammable material and hope that doesn't come back to bite us., by D. Towne Wednesday, May 5, 2021
	Multiple Lots - One Permit	2		R. Hunt	Doug,Thanks for the reply. You are correct that your case does not exactly match my problem, but it does give me some ideas. Our second lot has a 1890s vintage cabin located on it that is used as a guest cabin. I am perfectly willing to take on a second permit, transferring my interest in one lot to an adult son. Part of estate planning anyway. However, it seems that issuing a new permit is problematic with the USFS , just as having a single permit with two lots is problematic. I am really not sure what they are willing to do.Bob Hunt by R. Hunt Tuesday, May 4, 2021
	Cabin Insurance Program - Non-Renewal	13		R. Rush	So glad you found insurance. ARM is an option for those who cannot find success elsewhere. This option will not meet everyone's needs but has helped a number of our members. The current climate for insuring cabins on National Forests is very challenging, to say the least. by S. Leach Friday, April 9, 2021
	Finding a real estate agent experienced in FS cabins	2		S. Hobbs	Hi Sue, if this is Sue Hobbs from Spring Creek Tract, I'd suggest putting a sign on the tract bulletin board or talk to Kathy Holden who will get the word out. Alternatively, post on the SCTA message board online. I gave get you the link for that.Jay Tripathi, Lot 42 Spring Creek Tract by J. Tripathi Thursday, April 8, 2021
	Sh***y Topic / Pit Toilet Maintenance	2		D. Klaiber	Thanks for your reply. by D. Klaiber Friday, February 19, 2021
	Advice for Gravity Fed Water System?	4		K. Mathews	I hope you don't mind but I am going t piggyback on Kaye's question.My 1930's Montana off-grid cabin is gravity fed from a spring and travels a crazy distance (1/4 mile+) with far more water pressure than is required.I believe I have holes in the buried galvanized pipe which causes dirty water for washing (we don't drink it) and especially when it rains.Two questions:1) Can anyone offer advice on a filtering system that could withstand the amount of water?2) Has anyone had any success convincing the FS to allow me to put in new pipe?ThanksSincerely,Doug by D. Klaiber Monday, February 15, 2021
	Please Share Your Best Winterizing Tips & Tricks	4		D. La Maggiore	Hi Ben, I'll send it off to you now! by Monday, February 15, 2021
	Out-of-state cabin ownership	2		B. Polk	Thank you! by B. Polk Monday, February 8, 2021
	USFS Objecting to our Tract Entry Sign	3		J. Sollitto	I assume the objection to the sign is the "Homeowner Access Only" phrase. As a general rule, the Forest Service encourages Tract entrance signs and for most tracts, the Forest Service provides the entrance sign. Because our permits are a non-exclusive use of the land, the Forest Service frowns upon any sign that appears to restrict or discourage general public access. As a compromise, you may need to consider revising that phrase to something the Forest Service won't objective to. I've seen signs that read "Cabins are private property of the owner under permit from the Forest Service" or something similar to identify the cabins as private property, but avoids the appearance of restricting public access to the land. by D. Gann Tuesday, December 1, 2020
	Winterizing and Windows	1		S. BROWNING	Hi Steve, I don't have any firsthand experience in this area - my cabin is below the snow line. However, when we were at the Tucson Fall Forum a couple of years ago, we visited the Greater Soldier Camp tracts and a few of the cabins at the top of Mt Lemmon had exterior rolling shutters that looked pretty interesting. I snapped a picture of a label on one of them - Tucson Rolling Shutters Inc. You can probably find other similar type manufacturers closer to your cabin. Cheers, Desiree by D. La Maggiore Tuesday, November 10, 2020
	Camping by the public on our lots	8		J. Primrose	I appreciate the above response. Our lot is in the Cave Creek tract, Portal Arizona . a bridge crosses the creek on our lot which we maintain . We have not had any issues until June of this year when a rare bird, the Quetzal decided to visit. Although we are not true birders, we enjoy them immensely. We were intruded upon by 20-25 birders a day, at times unwilling to give up their spot on the bridge or the driveway to allow us to exit or enter. They often blocked the roadway. They arrived at 5 am and stayed until 7pm will tripods and telescopes and cameras, and we often caught them looking our way. They set up in our yard, under the bridge , in the creek, and even on our porch using the table and chairs. They seemed well aware of "public use ". Unfortunately, they did not all honor "leave no trace". I guess we are lucky they did not camp on our lot or build a campfire. . Also of concern was their lack of mask wearing or social distancing during this pandemic. We felt such an intrusion on our privacy . We have prayed to the Quetzal gods that this lone male finds a mate elsewhere next year. I appreciate the above information, we have spoken with the Sheriff and will speak with the Ranger in charge of our district. Kristine Stone by K. Stone Monday, October 26, 2020
	Sheds	2		T. Bier	We are in Region 5 and they keep them to 40 soft unless you are grandfathered in. by T. Bier Saturday, October 10, 2020
	Adding wife to Special Use Permit	3		P. Hennes	Thank you both for your thoughtful replies. Since my wife and I acquired our cabin after our marriage, I think that I can safely conclude that there would be no transfer fee for adding my wife's name to our permit. by P. Hennes Monday, September 21, 2020
	Cabin Swap?	2		B. Polk	What a unique idea. As a former tract president, my wife and I have visited a couple of other cabin tracts in Oregon and are always amazed in the differences in locations and amenities. What I’d like to see is a database of tract locations. Most can’t be found on any map so a database with gps locations and Forest Service road designations would make the process of touring simpler. by R. Dwyer Tuesday, September 1, 2020
	Architect for Cabin in Inyo County	2		M. Baker	Hi Mark,If you haven't already selected an architect we would recommend Mike Britton too. Last summer we completely rebuilt a Forest Service cabin and Mike Britton was our architect. He was great to work with. He lives/works out of Mammoth Lakes. mike@brittonarchitecture.comKristi by J. Byer Tuesday, August 18, 2020

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