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The Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) authorizes businesses to provide certain commercial services not typically provided by concession contract within the boundary of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS).
The CUA is a privilege subject to the supervision of the park Superintendent. Specific terms and conditions apply.
Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are one method of authorizing commercial visitor services.
CUAs at APIS are authorized for two years.
There is no right or guarantee of renewal. Permittee must reapply for a new CUA for succeeding periods upon expiration of the current CUA.
A non-refundable application fee and a market price fee, based on gross receipts of the business applies.
CUAs are not considered concession contracts. These services need not be "necessary" but are "appropriate" services that may enhance the visitor experience, and have been determined to have minimal impact on resources and park values.
Commercial business activity is prohibited within the park unless a CUA has been granted by the park (36 CFR Sec. 5.3).
General CUA Information
What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?
36 CFR Section 5.3 states, "Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited."
CUAs fall under the authority of Section 418 of the National Park Service Concession Management Improvement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C 5966 Public Law 105-81). The section authorizes the National Park Service to issue CUAs to individuals, corporations, and other entities to provide commercial services to park visitors in limited circumstances.
Operating a commercial activity in the park without a CUA permit will result in the issuance of a legal warning, federal citation, or a mandatory federal court appearance.
What commercial activities are authorized at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
The following commercial activities are currently approved for CUA issuance at APIS:
Non-motorized Boat Tours: Guided Kayak Tours
Non-motorized Boat Tours: Guided Montreal Canoe Tours
Guided Backcountry Camping
Motorized Boat Tours: Sailboat and Motorboat Tours, plus Water Taxi
Fishing Charters
Guided SCUBA Diving Trips
What are the general criteria for the issuance of a CUA?
The authorization is issued to a qualified operator to authorize the provision of appropriate commercial services to park area visitors. A qualified operator is an organization that the Superintendent determines has the ability to satisfactorily provide visitor services and carry out the terms of the CUA.Authorized commercial services must:
Have minimal impact on park resources and values.
Be consistent with the purpose for which the park area was established.
Be consistent with all applicable park area management plans, policies, and regulations.
How to Apply
The CUA application window will open in January 2026.
All CUA applications must be submitted through the National Park Service’s newly launched online CUA portal. This streamlined platform is designed to make the process more efficient and accessible for all users. We encourage all interested parties to register their companies and familiarize themselves with the new system ahead of the application period. While operators can only apply during the designated application period, registration can be completed at any time by clicking on the “Sign in” button on the top right of the landing page and clicking “Create an account” on the following page. Please follow the instructions as outlined in this video when applying.
The Holder must agree to comply with all of the general and specific conditions described in the CUA conditions.
Before you spend $375 to apply for a CUA, you want to be certain you're willing and able to comply with all regulations and conditions. The application fee is non-refundable.
Application Checklist
The following documentation must be submitted through your online application:
Application checklist: initialed and signed.
Proof of Insurance – submitted in Acord Format (See Attachment A for instructions)
Completed and signed Commercial Use Authorization Application Form (Form 10-550).
Operations plan for your business (Document G - Operations Plan Instructions).
Proof that your business is registered with the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If you are a nonprofit organization or educational institution, please contact the Commercial Services Manager at (715)-209-2452 for guidance.
$375 non-refundable payment of application fee.
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified if your CUA has been rejected or tentatively approved.
By May 1, 2026, you must submit the following:
Submission of proof of liability insurance is required if any changes occur since original submission of insurance documents during the application process (i.e. new policy, renewal of policy, change in coverages, etc). Instruct your insurance company to send an insurance certificate naming the United States of America as an additional insured to the Commercial Services Office of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Refer to Attachment A: CUA Insurance Requirements within From 10-550 (Commercial Use Authorization Application and Instructions).
Employee/Guide List - attach copies of certifications and licenses required for the service you're providing. NOTE: It is recognized that you may not complete your seasonal hiring and training until mid-June. Please submit the Employee/Guide List and certifications for owners and permanent employees by May 1 and update as new employees are hired and trained. No employee may work in the park until the CUA Holder submits their name and certifications to the Commercial Services office.
Document E-1 for all other services (PDF - fillable form, 567KB)
Vehicle and Vessel Registration Form [Document D] (will be sent via email). All vehicles and vessels used to provide services under the terms of this CUA must be legally insured, registered/leased to the CUA Holder or the CUA Holders business (to which the CUA is issued.) Copies of registration and proof of insurance for vehicles must be included with this form.
Once the Commercial Services office confirms receipt of all required documents, the official Commercial Use Authorization [Form 10-115] will be issued, no later than May 15, 2026.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is implementing some changes to its Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program for the 2026 and 2027 operating seasons.
Updates
The CUA Application fee is $375.
The CUA will be issued for a two-season term (2026 and 2027).
The approved services are Non-motorized Boat Tours (Kayaking), Non-motorized Boat Tours (Montreal Canoe), Motorized Boat Tours (Sailboat, Motorboat, Water Taxi), Fishing Charters, SCUBA Diving Trips, and Guided Backcountry Camping. No new CUA activities will be approved during this application period.
The National Park Service (NPS) is required to collect a reasonable fee for CUAs at an amount at least sufficient to recover the costs to the NPS in administering and managing CUAs (Public Law 105-391, Section 418). The following will be billed to the CUA holder at the end of the operating seasons in 2026 and 2027:
Non-motorized boat trips with up to 10 trips per season - $250 or 1% of gross receipts, whichever is greater
Non-motorized boat trips with more than 10 trips per season - $500 or 3% of gross receipts, whichever is greater
All other approved CUA activities - $500 or 3% of gross receipts, whichever is greater
For Guided Kayaking:
Each guide must undergo a skill assessment and certification conducted by a qualified Senior Lead Guide/Instructor, using new guide classification criteria developed by the National Park Service.
CUA Holders conducting more than ten (10) Guided Kayak Tours per season will no longer need to submit trip itineraries. They will submit a simple monthly report instead. CUA Holders conducting ten (10) or fewer Guided Kayak Tours per season are still required to submit trip itineraries in advance of each trip.
