National Park Service Accepting Applications to Provide Visitor Services to Dry Tortugas National Park

Date: October 5, 2009
Contact: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Contact: Linda Roehrig, 305-242-7744

The National Park Service is accepting applications for a Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) from businesses or individuals interested in providing visitor services from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park for the two year period starting January 2010 and ending December 31, 2011. Applications are being accepted between October 1 and November 25, 2009. All applications must be received by Special Use Program Manager at park headquarters in Homestead, Florida, by 4:30 p.m. October 30, 2009 along with a $250 non-refundable application fee. .

This CUA is being offered in accordance with section 418 of the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998(16 USC 5966). As outlined in the act, applicants should be aware that a CUA with the National Park Service is a permit that authorizes suitable commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. These circumstances include a service that:

* is determined to be an appropriate use of the park,

* will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and

* is consistent with the purpose for which the national park unit was established, and

* meets all criteria set for in the park management plan and park policies and regulations.

A total of thirty (30) CUAs will be awarded to provide services within Dry Tortugas National Park. The categories of service include (1) guided fishing trips, (2) dive and/or snorkel trips, (3) guided wildlife viewing trips and (4) sailing charters to the Dry Tortugas. Each activity requires a separate permit.

Additional information and the application packet are available on the Dry Tortugas website, www.nps.gov/drto. For additional information or concerns, please may contact Linda Roehrig, Special Park Uses Program Manager at 305-242-7744 or via email at [e-mail].

-NPS-