Commercial Use Authorizations

For questions about Commercial Use Authorizations, or CUAs, please email the park coordinator at [e-mail].

 

Diablo East Viewpoint: landscape with boats; Recreation/Landscape: Figueroa Trail, Hunt Area1; and Recreation: boat on glassy lake in front with ocotillo and other spring blooms of bridges

NPS Photos

 

Definition

Federal regulations prohibit 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. As in other National Park Service areas, commercial visitor services or other commercial activities may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the United States.

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) may be obtained from the National Park Service to authorize companies or individuals to conduct business in Amistad National Recreation Area on an annual basis. A CUA provides a business a non-exclusive authorization to offer services to park visitors.

Policy

Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.6(a) - Permits and 5.3 - Business Operations 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 such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited."

CUA Permit Requirements

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a National Park Site. Amistad National Recreation Area only issues CUAs for activities that:

• are an appropriate use of national park areas.
• will have minimal impact on park resources and values.
• are consistent with the park's purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

You must have a CUA if you or your organization provide services that:

• take place at least in part in the national park area.
• use park resources.
• result in monetary gain.

Each activity requires a separate CUA. Currently, the following activities are permitted under Amistad National Recreation Area's CUA program:

• Boat Rental – motorized
• Boat Rental – non motorized
• Boat Tours – motorized
• Boat Tours – non motorized
• Fishing – spin/fly
• SCUBA/Snorkel Tours
• Towing – vehicle and vessel

If you are unsure which CUA your activity falls under or have a new activity you would like to provide in the park, do not apply. Email Commercial Services at [e-mail] to clarify. You may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA. You must always carry a printed or digital copy of your Commercial Use Authorization with you while operating in the park.

Updates for the 2025 CUA Season

As part of a larger effort to streamline and modernize the National Park Service (NPS) commercial use authorization (CUA) program, the NPS has developed on online system designed to process CUA applications and collect required CUA reports. NPS hosted a public comment period from July 26, 2023, through September 20, 2023, to solicit comments about the online system. Thank you to all who provided comments. NPS began using the online CUA system in 52 parks for the 2024 CUA season. That initial launch was very successful and provided NPS with the information needed to identify and implement system changes leading to an even better user experience. NPS will initiate its online system in all parks for the 2025 CUA season. For the 2025 CUA season, the standard CUA application fee for all CUAs except road-based commercial tour CUAs will be $350 for the first application submitted by the applicant and $250 for subsequent applications from the same applicant to the same park.

Amistad National Recreation Area will begin accepting applications for the 2025 CUA season (calendar year 2025) in the fall of 2024. Paper and email applications will not be accepted for the 2025 CUA season.

To Apply for a 2025 CUA

1. Visit the new NPS CUA website and search by location for Amistad National Recreation Area.
2. Apply for desired CUA activities.
3. Create login.gov account if you don't already have one.
4. If the CUA is approved, you will be notified through the online system. Additional communication will also come from [e-mail].
5. If you had a 2024 Amistad National Recreation Area CUA, submit your 2024 Annual Report by email to [e-mail]. It is due no later than January 31, 2025. CUAs for 2025 will not be issued until the park has received the 2024 Annual Report.

Links to required documents:

• Annual Report from previous year
• Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk, if used. Forms cannot be a waiver of liability, insurance disclaimer or indemnification agreement.

Additional Information:

Watch a video on how to use the new CUA online system. Certain high-risk activities may require a higher insurance minimum: $1,000,000 per occurrence. Other activities require a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence. Payment and documents are submitted through the online system.

Questions?

Email us through [e-mail].

Thank you for your interest in commercial use in Amistad National Recreation Area.