News Release

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Opens Applications for Commercial Uses

Date: August 11, 2021
Contact: Lynne Dominy, 715-779-3398
Contact: Julie Van Stappen, 715-779-9119

Bayfield, WI – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore will soon open the application process for Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) for the 2022-23 operating season. Beginning October 4, 2021, application forms and instructions may be downloaded from the park website or an application packet may be requested by calling park headquarters at [phone]. The application period will run from October 4 through November 30, 2021. The deadline for submitting a completed CUA application with all supporting documentation is 4 pm CST, November 30, 2021. Applications delivered or postmarked after this deadline will not be accepted.

The following are updates to the application process for the 2022-23 season:

• The CUA will be issued for two operating seasons (2022-23) when annual documentation requirements are met for each season.
• A CUA non-refundable two-year application fee of $175 is required.
• The National Park Service (NPS) is required to collect a fee that is sufficient to recover the costs incurred by the NPS to administer and manage CUAs (Public Law 105-391, Section 418). The Implementation of a Market Price fee scale, based on gross receipts of the CUA business, for approved CUA holders begins in 2022. New fees for 2022 are as follows:
  • Guided kayak trips (up to 10 trips per season) – fee of $250 or 1% gross receipts of trips conducted within the park (whichever amount is greater).
  • Guided kayak trips (over 10 trips per season), sailboat charters, fishing charters, water taxi, motorboat tours, SCUBA diving, and backcountry hiking/camping – fee of $500 or 3% gross receipts of trips conducted within the park (whichever amount is greater).

“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 or non-profit (e.g., University program and camps) wanting to operate within the park must obtain a CUA and have an operating plan that demonstrates their ability to meet NPS professional and safety standards for serving park visitors without damaging the park’s natural and cultural resources."

Visitation statistics show that Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is seeing over a 50% increase in visitation in 2021 from 2020. This is creating more demand for businesses operating boat services in the park, with twenty businesses operating in 2020-21. Fees are being implemented to assure that the park can support and manage this growing demand for commercial services in the park.

The NPS’s commitment to visitor safety is reflected in the Guide Classification Criteria 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.) All companies interested in applying for a CUA are encouraged to visit the park website. Additional questions may be sent by email. 

For more information about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, please visit our website or call [phone]. Join Apostle Island’s online conversations on Facebook and YouTube. For information about the Apostle Islands 50th Anniversary, visit our website. Send 50th Anniversary inquiries via email to [e-mail]. To add an event to the 2021 Anniversary calendar, become a sponsor, or partner with “Friends” to create an anniversary logoed product, visit the website for Friends of the Apostle Islands.