Commercial Use Authorizations

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes appropriate commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. The term of a CUA may not exceed two (2) years and no preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal may be provided. The term of a CUA at Buffalo National River is for one year. Commercial Use Authorizations are NOT concessions contracts and are not transferrable. CUAs are intended to provide a simple means to authorize appropriate commercial services to visitors in Park areas. CUAs at Buffalo National River, as a general rule, (1) do not use fixed commercial facilities within a National Park unit, (2) the commercial activity originates and terminates outside the park area, (3) no money changes hands on park lands, and (4) no commercial solicitation occurs on park lands.

Laws, Regulations, and Policies
Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998, Sec. 418 - see page 20 of PDF
NPS Management Policies, Sec. 10.3
Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Interim Guidelines
Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, Denial Policy (CUA)
Buffalo National River Superintendent Compendium 2012
RM83F Backcountry Food Service Guidelines

Buffalo National River offers CUAs for the following activities:
Land based activities are Guided Camping, Guided Hiking, Guided Rappelling and Guided Photography. Water based activities are Guided Fishing and Guided Sightseeing.

For general information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CUAs at Buffalo National River click here.

CUA Applications and Conditions:
Application for Water Based Activities: Guided Fishing and Sightseeing
Application for Land Based Activities: Guided Camping, Hiking, Rappelling and Photography Standard Conditions for All Commercial Use Authorizations, Attachment A
Guided Fishing and Guided Sightseeing Specific Conditions, Attachment B
Guided Camping Specific Conditions, Attachment B
Guided Hiking Specific Conditions, Attachment B
Guided Rappelling Specific Conditions, Attachment B
Guided Photography Specific Conditions, Attachment B
Acknowledgement of Risk Form, Attachment C

CUA Reports
As a condition of the CUA, the permittee is required to submit monthly activity reports and an annual gross receipt report.

CUA Monthly Activity Report
CUA Annual Gross Receipts Report

CUA Application Procedure
Requests for a CUA application may be made in person at park headquarters, via telephone, email or letter. The application form may be downloaded from the park website (see above). A completed application and the non-refundable application fee are required before an application can be processed. Park contact information is:

Commercial Services	Telephone: [phone]
Buffalo National River	FAX: [phone]
402 N. Walnut St., Suite 136	Website: www.nps.gov/buff
Harrison, AR 72601	Email: e-mail us

Applications will be returned to the applicant if submitted incomplete.