Proposed Changes to CUA Program

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Date: April 2, 2015
Contact: Andrew White, 307.739.3431

Proposed Changes to Commercial Use Authorization Program
 Open for Public Review and Comment

MOOSE, WY — Grand Teton National Park is seeking feedback from the public on proposed changes to its Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program. Among the proposed changes is the implementation of a CUA permit fee structure based on the amount of business a CUA holder conducts in the park. The park also proposes allowing new applications for Guided Bicycle Tours and Youth Group Guided Day Hiking. The proposals are available for public review and comment from April 2 through May 15, 2015. The park will host a public open house on April 16, 2015 to discuss these proposed changes.
 
The CUA program allows the park to issue permits to individuals, corporations, non-profit organizations, and other entities for the purpose of providing appropriate commercial services to park visitors in limited circumstances. Permitted CUA categories include Guided Bicycle Tours, Youth Group Guided Day Hiking, Road Based Tours, Photography Workshops, Painting Workshops, Auto Shuttle Services, Transit Services, Towing Services, and Hunt Outfitter Services to support the Elk Reduction Program. In 2014, the park issued 91 CUA permits for these activities.

Among the proposals is a change in the way CUA permit fees are assessed. Currently, CUA holders are charged an annual processing fee of $300 for their permit. Under the proposed fee structure, CUA holders would be charged a reasonable fee based on the amount of business they conduct in the park as measured by gross receipts. This reasonable fee would be charged in addition to the $300 annual processing fee. All revenue from CUA fees remains in Grand Teton and is used to manage these programs.

Another proposal is the acceptance of new CUA applications for commercially Guided Bicycle Tours and Youth Group Guided Day Hiking. CUA applications for these commercial services are not currently accepted. The park also proposes updated operating plans for all CUA categories. These proposals are all to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies and to provide for the protection of park resources and values.

Details of the proposed changes can be viewed at parkplanning.nps.gov/cua. Park staff will be available to answer questions about the proposals at a public open house on April 16, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Teton County Library in Jackson, WY. The general public, current CUA holders, and prospective CUA applicants are all encouraged to attend.

Comments on the proposals can be submitted online at parkplanning.nps.gov/cua or by writing to: Grand Teton National Park, Planning Office, P.O. Box 170, Moose, WY 83012. Comments submitted online may be entered through May 15, 2015. Comments submitted via U.S. Postal Service must be postmarked by May 15, 2015. Comments can also be submitted in writing at the public open house. Comments cannot be accepted by email or any other means.

Anyone choosing to submit a comment is advised that the identities of commenters and the content of their comments could be made public at any time in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

—NPS—
www.nps.gov/grte



Last updated: April 2, 2015

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P.O. Box 170
Moose, WY 83012

Phone:

307-739-3399
Talk to a Ranger? To speak to a Grand Teton National Park ranger call 307–739–3399 for visitor information Monday-Friday during business hours.

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