Commercial Use Authorizations

For questions about Commercial Use Authorizations, or CUAs, please email Commercial Services at [e-mail]

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 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on an annual basis. A CUA provides a group a non-exclusive license to offer services to park visitors.

An organization is considered a business if you provide goods, services, activities, or other things to the public using National Park Service lands. If you receive any form of compensation for the things you provide, you are conducting a business or commercial activity. The National Park Service's definition of a business or commercial organization does not distinguish between for-profit and non-profit organizations.

CUA holders have their base of operations outside the park. All of the commercial aspects of the activity must occur outside of National Park Service (NPS) lands. This includes marketing, advertising, use of permanent or temporary structures, and negotiation with customers. Compensation or payment for services may not occur on NPS lands.

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. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 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 Black Canyon of the Gunnison's CUA program:

• Guided Bicycle Tours
• Climbing/Mountaineering – Day Trips
• Climbing Certification
• Equipment Rental (such as RV/Camper drop-off services)
• Guided Hiking/Walking
• Guided Wildlife Viewing (such as bird watching tours)
• Art/Photography Instruction

Road-based tours may currently operate without a CUA. We are not accepting applications for road-based tours until 2026. Do not apply, but please email Commercial Services at [e-mail] for more information.

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. Show your CUA at the entrance station upon arrival.

 

Application Forms and Further Information

All applications will be handled in the order they are received. Requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, and coordination with other NPS divisions or visitor activities may require 90 days or more to process.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park requires the following for a CUA application:
1. The $350 CUA application fee. Application fees will be paid via www.pay.gov during the application process.

2. A completed CUA application. All applications for 2024 and onward will be submitted via the online portal. If needed, watch the NPS video "How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit," which shows how a business can apply for a CUA permit through the online system.

3. Proof of adequate general liability insurance and automobile insurance. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park must be listed on the General Liability Insurance as a co-insurer or an additional insurer. It should read as follows:

United States Government
Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
102 Elk Creek Gunnison, CO, 81230

• General comprehensive liability: $500,000 occurrence as a minimum or if the policy is written as a combination policy covering bodily injury and property damage. Climbing guide service will require $1,000,000 per occurrence at a minimum.
• Automobile coverage minimum requirements (required for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used by the permitted) including cars, vans, or buses:

Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Passenger Transport (bodily injury and property damage) --- Minimum per Occurrence Liability Limits*

15 or fewer passengers - $1,500,000
16 or more passengers - $5,000,000

4. Annual Reporting Forms are due January 31st for the prior year.  Annual reports will be submitted through the online portal.

5. At least one guide must have an American Red Cross or American Heart Association First Aid card, or its equivalent, and a current CPR card in their possession while in the park. A written list of guides with copies of their cards, showing expiration dates, must be sent in with your application. Climbing guide service requires instructor certification.

6. A current brochure of your rates or your website that has the current information, such as rates, and trip dates. Please include an operating plan and/or itinerary of the specific dates, areas of the park, and number of clients you are planning on using for the guided activities.

7.If you require an "Acknowledgment of Risk" form to be signed by your clients, please include a copy of the form that you have your clients, guests, and campers sign before participating in the guided activity. Forms cannot be a waiver of liability, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement.

 

Fees

The National Park Service is authorized to recover, at a minimum, associated management and administrative costs associated with CUAs.

The annual fee is $350.00 per each CUA and is non-refundable. The CUA fee covers costs of processing and administering your CUA. These include overseeing the operational requirements stipulated in the permit.

The per person entrance fee (16 years and older) is $15.00 (each) and will be collected upon entrance to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Entrance fees for guide and driver are waived. If entrance station is not open, fees shall be paid at the visitor center or when exiting. The permit is valid for 7 days for the group present upon purchase. Groups who have previously paid the entrance fee must show proof of prior payment. Any new group(s) needs to purchase a new entry permit, even if within the same 7 days.

To apply, please visit the website. For questions about CUAs and the application process, please email the Commercial Services office at [e-mail].


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