Forest Service Hoots at Owl Symbol Business Rules
Published Date: 3/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The Forest Service is asking for your thoughts on renewing the rules for using the Woodsy Owl symbol in business. If you want to use this famous forest friend’s image, you’ll need to follow updated info collection rules by June 1, 2026. This keeps the symbol safe and ensures everyone plays fair, with no new fees but a fresh paperwork check.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Licensing Requires Detailed Quarterly Reports
If you want a license (or renewal) to use the Woodsy Owl symbol, you must provide business information such as tenure, products, physical location, projected sales, and marketing plans. Licensees must submit quarterly reports listing each Woodsy Owl item sold, projected sales, sales price, total sales subject to the Forest Service royalty fee, deductions, the new total royalty due, a running royalty total for the fiscal year, and a typed name and signature certifying the report.
Royalty Fees Due Based on Sales
Commercial use of the Woodsy Owl symbol is licensed and subject to Forest Service royalty fees. The notice says the royalty fee is due based on sales quantity and price and that the information collected will be used to determine the license or renewal and associated royalty fees.
What Counts as Commercial Use Defined
The Forest Service says commercial use includes reproducing the Woodsy Owl symbol on items such as tee shirts, mugs, pins, figurines, ornaments, stickers, and toys, and using the image or slogan in motion pictures, documentaries, TV, magazine stories, books, magazines, and other for‑profit paper products. If you do those activities for profit, they fall under the licensing and reporting rules.
Estimated Paperwork Burden and Respondent Count
The Forest Service estimates 21 annual respondents, 4 responses per respondent, an estimated annual burden of 1 hour, and an estimated total annual burden of 20 hours for this information collection. Comments on the collection must be received by June 1, 2026.
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Key Dates
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