News Release

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Accepting Applications for Commercial Use

Date: October 1, 2019
Contact: Lynne Dominy, 715-779-9100
Contact: Julie Van Stappen, 715-779-9119

Bayfield, WI – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is now accepting applications for Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) for the 2020 and 2021 operating seasons. The deadline for submitting a completed CUA application with all supporting documentation is 4 pm CST, November 30, 2019. Application forms and instructions may be downloaded from the park website at http://www.nps.gov/apis/getinvolved/commercial-use-authorizations.htm. An application packet may also be requested by calling park headquarters at [phone].
 
“The Commercial Use Authorization is a permitting tool used by the National Park Service (NPS) to authorize short-term business activities within park boundaries,” explains Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Lynne Dominy. "Any business wanting to operate within the park must have an operating plan that demonstrates their ability to meet NPS professional and safety standards for serving park visitors without damaging natural and cultural resources that have been entrusted to the care of the National Park Service."
 
“Local residents know that the “Lake is the Boss,” adds Dominy. “Kayakers must recognize that a higher level of skill, more advanced cold-water equipment, and extensive understanding of changing weather and currents on Lake Superior are needed to safely operate boats here.”
 
"We know that people are entrusting their lives and the lives of their families to the kayak companies operating in the Apostle Islands. We take kayak safety very seriously by requiring CUA applicants to provide current documentation for their guide training, equipment, insurance, and professional standards before authorizing their operations in the park," said Dominy.
 
Dominy's commitment to visitor safety is reflected in the new Guide Classification Criteria being implemented for Guided Kayak Tours in the park. The Guide Classification Criteria requires all kayaking guides to pass a skill assessment conducted and certified by a Senior Lead Guide/Instructor with extensive paddling and outdoor leadership experience and a Level 4 Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor or Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer certification from the American Canoe Association (or equivalent certification from a reputable credentialing organization.)
 
"For the first time in park history, CUAs will be issued for a two-year term, the maximum term length allowed for CUAs under federal regulation. Reviewing CUA applications and issuing new authorizations every year is a time consuming process. By granting a two-year authorization, we reduce the administrative workload for the park and simplify the application process for potential commercial users," explains Teri Gage, Chief of Business Services.
 
Other changes in the CUA program at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore include assessment of an annual management and monitoring fee of $500 which will be billed to the CUA holder at the end of each operating season. This is in addition to a $175 non-refundable application fee for the two-year authorization. Public Law 105-391, Section 418 requires the National Park Service 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.
 
All companies interested in applying for a CUA are encouraged to visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/apis/getinvolved/commercial-use-authorizations.htm. Additional questions may be directed to [e-mail]. For more information about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, please visit www.nps.gov/apis.