GLADSTONE — Due to a winter storm warning and concern for public safety, Hiawatha National Forest cancelled the special uses open house originally scheduled for Thursday. The event is being rescheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday at the USDA Forest Service office at 820 Rains Drive, Gladstone.

Hiawatha National Forest will host the open house to inform and assist the public regarding special use permits. To help people share and enjoy the National Forests, while conserving the environment for generations yet to come, the USDA Forest Service requires permits for several kinds of activities the public may wish to conduct on national forest system lands.

For example, permits may be needed for non-commercial events, like weddings, commercial activities, recreation events, commercial photography and filming, outfitting and guiding, transportation, energy, and forest products gathering.

“Our goal with these open houses is to help the public learn about the special uses program and assist with the permit application,” said Brian Hinch, a Forest Service recreation specialist who oversees recreation uses on the Hiawatha National Forest’s west zone.

Forest Service staff will be available to answer questions about the range of special uses — and if applicable, to help you get started on your permit application. For more information about this event call 906-387-2512.