COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PACKET
Park-Specific Provisions
CUAs apply only to those federal parks, preserves, monuments, and historic sites administered by the National Park Service (NPS).
CUA Fees
The authority for the National Park Service (NPS) to impose user charges to recover and retain costs associated with managing special park uses is found in 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 16 U.S.C. 3a. Fees for CUAs are non-refundable. Monitoring fees may apply. The monitoring fee is determined by tracking how much it actually costs the park to monitor and/or perform needed functions to properly manage the commercial use. If applicable, you will receive a bill for collection for the monitoring fee.
CUA Cost: This fee covers the costs associated with the administrative process of preparing and issuing the CUA, including National Environmental Policy Act and cultural compliance approval if applicable. This fee includes the cost of operating. The CUA fee should be submitted along with your application form. Make your remittance payable to the National Park Service.
The 2012 fee is $200. All CUAs will be written to expire on December 31, 2012.
Note: Motorcoaches, while required to have a CUA, are not charged the CUA fee. However, all motor coaches must pay the $150 commercial tour bus fee while operating in the park during each visit, regardless of entry point.
Liability Insurance
The NPS requires all permittees to carry liability insurance. A sample certificate is available in the list below.
Reporting Requirements
Annual Survey Report: The annual survey report (Attachment D of the permit) is due by December 1, 2011 (submit this form after your season of operation). Failure to return this form by the due date is grounds for revocation or non-renewal of your CUA.
