Fishing & Sight-Seeing

Description

The Guided Fishing and Guided Sightseeing Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) consists of providing guided fishing trips and/or guided sightseeing tours by escorting visitors/clients to destinations on Buffalo National River between Carver and the White River by john boat or drift boat.

Applications are only accepted between October 1 and November 15 every other year. Please contact the Commercial Services office at buff_concessions@nps.gov to inquire when applications will next be accepted.

Required Documentation

  • Insurance Certification

  • Employee List providing the names and titles of all persons associated with the CUA

  • Operating Plan including guide qualifications/certifications, safety plan, any methods that will be utilized to prevent pollution and to reduce waste, and sample of a typical trip plan/itinerary

  • Copy of valid Guide Fishing License(s)

  • Copy of valid Registration for each boat

  • Each boat authorized under the permit must be stickered with the appropriate NPS decal. Commissary boats: however, are exempt from the decal requirements. A maximum of ten (10) decals may be purchased. This may included up to five (5) portable (transferrable) decals. You will be asked how many decals will be affixed (stickered) to boats and how many portable (transferrable) decals you would like.

 

Park Specific Conditions

Area of Operation

The area of operation is from Carver to White River. Holder’s boat(s) are not authorized upriver (west) of Carver.

Trip Plan

Prior to the trip, Holder will file a trip plan with the Midwest Region Ozark Communication Center (MROCC) prior to trip. Trip plan must include name of Holder, name of guide(s), number of people on trip, and date and locations in park. Trip plan must be filed with MROCC via telephone (888-692-1162), via fax (870-741-5667), or via email (BUFF_Dispatch@nps.gov).
Failure to file a trip plan with MROCC may result in suspension or revocation of the CUA.

Authorized Guides

When operating within the park boundaries, the Holder and registered employees, when approached by any NPS Park Ranger must announce that they are an authorized CUA guide.

  • Holder must inform the National Park Service within 24 hours when an employee (those working under this Authorization) is added or is no longer an employee of the business.

  • A fully executed copy of the CUA must be with the Holder and their employees when operating in the park unit and must be presented to any park employee on demand.

  • This authorization does not authorize the Holder to advertise, solicit business, collect any fees, or sell any goods or services on lands owned and controlled by the United States. The authorization is for the incidental use of park area resources by operations that provide commercial services originating and terminating outside of the park unit (or within an inholding).

Licenses

  • All guide(s) conducting Guided Fishing Trips under this Authorization are required to possess a current resident or non-resident fishing guide license (as applicable) issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as required by Arkansas state regulations.

  • The Holder must ensure that current copies of the Guide License(s) are always on file with the Commercial Services Office at Buffalo National River.

  • All visitors/clients receiving guided fishing services under this Authorization must have a valid fishing license in their immediate possession.

 

Trip Specifics

  • The Holder or registered guide(s) of the business will maintain a required continuous presence with the visitors/clients from put-in to take-out for all guided trips.

  • The Holder shall inform clients of the general park regulations and safety concerns before beginning trip. Information will include but is not limited to:

    • Life Jackets Required: All vessels must have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD (lifejacket) for each person on board. One Type IV (throwable) USCG-approved PFD must be onboard vessels 16 feet or longer, in addition to the above requirement. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG-approved PFD securely fastened to their persons at all times while in any vessel. Besides being USCG-approved, all PFD’s must be: 1) in good and serviceable condition; 2) readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency; and 3) of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for the PFD’s is based on body weight and chest size.

    • Styrofoam: The possession of polystyrene coolers, (commonly known as Styrofoam) is prohibited while floating or camping along the Buffalo River, except in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, landings, roads and parking lots. This prohibition includes coolers, ice chests, and containers. High-density bait containers, used solely for the purpose are allowed.

    • Glass is prohibited: The possession or use of glass containers in caves, on trails or waterways or within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of any river or stream in the park is prohibited except in designated campgrounds, picnic sites, or in vehicles on designated roads and parking areas.

  • Trips are to be scheduled so as not to conflict with NPS-conducted activities.

  • The area(s) authorized for use under this authorization must be left in substantially the same condition as it was prior to the activities authorized herein.

  • Fishing will be conducted in accordance with current state/federal laws and/or restrictions.

  • Dragging any weighted device that contacts the riverbed is prohibited. Anchoring is authorized

Leave No Trace

All trips within park boundaries must be conducted utilizing “Leave No Trace” principles. Holders are responsible for ensuring that all guides working for them under this permit are knowledgeable of and all clients adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Transportation (Shuttle) Services

Shuttle services that include moving customer’s vehicles within park boundaries or dropping people off and picking them up at locations within the park are specifically prohibited under this Authorization. All shuttle services must be provided by a Buffalo National River Canoe Concessioner. Please refer to our current list of concessioners for more information.

Boat Specifications and Quantity Limits
  • Maximum number of boats: The maximum number of boats authorized under this Authorization is ten (10). Of this number, up to five (5) decals may be portable (aka transferrable) decals which can be temporarily assigned to guides operating with their privately owned boats.

  • Boat Identification: Each boat authorized under this Authorization must be stickered with the appropriate NPS decal or have a valid portable (aka transferrable) decal on board the boat. Commissary boats, however, are exempt from the decal requirement.

  • Transferrable/Portable Decals:

    • The Holder must ensure that their insurance liability policy will cover the independent guide and their boat(s).

    • Accountability for the portable decals is absolutely critical, and Holders must be able to account for portable decals at all times.

    • Independent guides operating under the CUA must have the portable decal on board each boat (except commissary boats) and have a copy of the CUA with all park specific conditions in their possession whenever they are conducting trips under the CUA.

    • If approached by a park ranger, guide(s) must identify themselves as a guide operating under a CUA and present the portable/transferrable decal(s) for each boat and the copy of the CUA.

  • Types of Authorized Boats: The types of boats authorized are john-boats and drift boats. Canoes, kayaks, and rafts are NOT authorized for use under this Authorization.

  • Horsepower Limits: Boat motors are limited to 10-horsepower.

  • Carrying Capacity: The Holder shall not exceed any carrying capacity per vessel type in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard standards.

  • Personal Floatation Device (PFD): All vessels used under this Authorization must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD for each operator and passenger. Boat cushions (Type IV throwable devices) are not to be used as personal flotation devices.

  • State Registration: Current state registration decals will be properly affixed and displayed at all times.

  • Boat Condition: Boats will be in sound mechanical condition, and in safe and serviceable order.

Vehicle and Tow Trailers

  • When towing registered boats into the park, the motorized tow vehicles(s) will be mechanically sound and of sufficient size, horsepower, and brake power, commensurate to the size of the boat being towed to adequately and safely complete the two from the Holder’s place of business, to the launch site within the park, and return.

  • Vehicles used to provide this service will be street legal and have current insurance, registration, and license in accordance with state law. The license place will be properly affixed and displayed as required by state law.

  • Trailers used to transport boats/vessels within the park will have current insurance, registration, and license in accordance with state law. The trailer will be in sound mechanical condition, appropriately sized and configured for the type of boat/vessel being towed, with all lights and equipment in good working order. The trailer will be properly connected to the tow vehicle at all times. A current state license will be properly affixed and displayed at all times.

Overnight Fishing Trips

Sightseeing Tours are not approved for overnight stays unless they obtain a guided camping / overnight backpacking CUA. Guided Fishing Trips are authorized to conduct overnight camping trips under the following terms:

  • Trip Plan: Holder must notify the Midwest Region Ozark Communication Center (MROCC) toll free at 888-692-1162 with overnight trip itineraries. i.e.: dates, put-in and take-out areas, camp locations, number of people, etc.

  • Length of trip: Overnight stays are limited to fourteen nights in any one location.

  • Base Camps & Equipment: Permanent base camps are not authorized. Equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

  • Campfires: Unless otherwise indicated, campfires are permitted in all areas of the backcountry. Only dead and down material may be collected for firewood. Open fire may be prohibited during periods of extreme fire danger or in specific areas. Burning of garbage, food scraps or other refuse is prohibited.

  • Generators: Use of generators in the Lower Wilderness is prohibited. In all other areas, generators may only be operated between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

  • Campsite Locations:

    • Historic districts, hay fields, private lands, and all structures are closed to camping.

    • Camping is prohibited within ½ mile (805 meters) of any NPS developed area unless it is in a designated campsite.

    • Camping is prohibited in all caves and rock shelters within the park.

    • Except for gravel bars on the Buffalo River, camping is not permitted within 100 feet of a flowing stream, river or body of water.

 

Public Health

  • Food/Water Service: In as much as practicable, food service and water provided shall be in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service Food Code and the National Park Service’s Reference Manual 83A for Backcountry Operations. Permittees are responsible for ensuring all event staff under this permit are knowledgeable of NPS Reference Manual 83A, Chapter 5 for Backcountry Operations which can be found online at Reference Manual - 83A PUBLIC HEALTH: Protection and Prevention (nps.gov) The Backcountry Operations manual is located on Page 104 of the PDF document or by contacting the Commercial Services office at 870-365-2724 or 870-365-2702 or via email at e-mail us.

  • Potable Water: Filtration and disinfection are both required for the treatment of water unless the water is obtained from an approved public water source or is boiled. It must be emphasized to all backcountry users that non-potable water is not safe to drink following filtration without disinfection. Page 4 of Chapter 5: Backcountry Operations in Reference Manual 83A provides the three pre-approved methods of providing potable water for drinking and culinary uses. Reference Manual 83A, Chapter 5 for Backcountry Operations can be found online at Reference Manual - 83A PUBLIC HEALTH: Protection and Prevention (nps.gov) The Backcountry Operations manual is located on Page 104 of the PDF document or by contacting the Commercial Services office at 870-365-2724 or 870-365-2702 or via email at e-mail us.

  • Human Illness Reporting: Information on human illnesses associated with food or water sources within park boundaries will be immediately reported to the Midwest Region Ozark Communication Center (MROCC) at (888) 692-1162, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Waste Management

Refuse and trash must be transported to a place where the materials may be safely and lawfully disposed. Carry out all items taken on the river or into the backcountry. Burying trash is prohibited. In non-developed areas solid human waste must be: deposited in fixtures provided for that purpose; buried in a cathole 6” to 8” deep and at least 200’ from water, camp, and trails; packed out in a disposable biodegradable bag toilet system approved for landfill disposal (WAG bag or similar system); or packed out in a self-contained washable, leak-proof, reusable toilet system. Unless designated for that purpose, bathing and washing clothing or dishes at public water outlets or in or within 100 feet of streams is prohibited. All other activity generated debris will be collected and disposed of outside of the park.

Damage to Natural/Cultural Resources

The Holder and Guides registered under this Authorization will ensure that no visitor/client disturbs, climbs on, damages, or removes any natural/cultural resources, archeological or historic artifacts. Entering any closed area is prohibited by law. If artifacts are discovered, the Holder will ensure they are left in place undisturbed, and will immediately report the discovery to the Buffalo National River Cultural Resources office at (870) 365-2792 or to the Midwest Region Ozark Communication Center (MROCC) at (888) 692-1162.

Exotic Species Prevention

The Holder, Guides, and visitors need to be aware that aquatic diseases and invasive species can be easily spread from one body of water to another through boats, equipment, and gear. The Holder and

Guides are responsible for knowing what waters any boat providing services under this Authorization has been exposed to in the 40-day period prior to entering the park. The Holder will make every effort to ensure their boats being brought into the park under the services of this Authorization known to have been exposed to waters containing exotic species such as Zebra Mussels, Eurasian Watermilfoil (aquatic plant), Didymosphenia geminata (rock snot diatom), etc., are free from infestation as outlined below:

  • Clean — The Holder is responsible for ensuring a visual inspection and thorough cleaning of any boat that has been in any waters in the 30-day period is conducted prior to entering Buffalo River. Rinse and remove any mud, sediment, and/or plant debris from all gear, boats, boat trailers, and anything that comes into contact with the water. Separate all pieces of wading footgear and waders (remove liners, etc.) to check for and remove visible mud, sediment and/or plant debris before entering the park. Use a stiff bristle brush to clean all fishing gear. The cleaning will include all live wells, hull, props, shafts, trim tabs, outdrives, outboard engines, and trailers as well as flushing motor/engine cooling systems.

  • Drain — Empty all water from coolers, bilge pumps, buckets, and wring out gear before entering the river or boat launch. Live wells will be drained and plugged before entering the park. Once in the park the live well may be unplugged.

  • Dry — Completely dry gear between waterbodies or trips. Equipment that remains damp can harbor small particles of invasive species that can remain viable for weeks. If drying gear completely is not possible-decontaminate!

  • Decontaminate —Wash gear in 170°F hot water scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush. If drying or heating gear is not feasible, use a 2% bleach solution to clean gear away from the river. Spray or rinse gear for one minute. A 2% bleach solution can be made easily by mixing 2.5 oz. of chlorine bleach with tap water to make 1 gallon of solution.

    NOTE: Bleach solutions may degrade gear made of absorbent materials. Please rinse gear on land, away from freshwater fishing areas and dispose of disinfectants as indicated on the label.

Upon request, the Holder is responsible for clearly identifying to the NPS those boats being brought into the park area under the services of this Authorization that have been in waters known to contain exotic species, and state for the record that a thorough cleaning has been conducted.

Research on invasive species pathways conclude that felt soled waders are an effective means for transmitting invasive organisms. The absorbent felt material can trap sediment and living organisms deep within the fibrous matrix. Viable invasive organisms could be found within the fibers of felt soles even after various decontamination protocols were implemented. Furthermore, rubber boots and felt alternatives trap significantly fewer organisms than felt and can be cleaned, dried, and decontaminated much more effectively. To reduce the potential for invasive species to be moved to or between bodies of water felt soled wading footwear is not recommended.

Questions concerning cleaning methods, or requests for assistance in determining possible infestation should be directed to the Buffalo National River Resource Management Division by phone (870) 365-2778.

Breeding Birds (Eagles) Mitigation

The Holder and Guides registered under this Authorization will make every effort to minimize or avoid impacts to breeding birds (eagles) when passing by boat:

  • Give potential and actual eagle nests a wide berth of 330 feet, if possible, when passing by boat.

  • Keep noise to a minimum.

  • Maintain 330 feet minimum distance for viewing and photography.

 

Operating Plan / Itinerary

The Holder is required to submit an Operating Plan to the National Park Service (NPS) summarizing the operations to be conducted, safety plan of action, previous experience, current certifications, guide qualifications, and a typical itinerary for the activity type. The plan is reviewed and approved/disapproved by the NPS. The operating plan will be kept on file and will become part of the record regarding the performance of this Permit. However, it is a separate document and will not become part of the Permit. The operating plan will specifically include a safety plan of action the Holder will implement in the event of accident or injury.

Emergency Response

All emergency situations such as accidents, fires, and search and rescues will be reported to the Midwest Region Ozark Communication Center (MROCC) at (888) 692-1162, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Prohibited Activity

The Holder and employees registered under this Permit are specifically prohibited from providing, conducting, engaging in, or effecting by any method of delivery, including by land, by water or by air, the following:

  • Engaging in an activity for which you are NOT specifically permitted is prohibited.

  • Traversing by vehicle anywhere other than on designated roads.

  • Causing any damage and/or harm to any natural, cultural and/or historic resource or facility, including removing posted signs.

  • Feeding, molesting, or harming wildlife.

  • Cutting and/or creating new trails in any form or by any means.

  • Marking trails by flagging, rock cairns, vegetation or dead wood, or by use of marking paint of any kind or by any means.

  • Pets of any kind are prohibited on guided hiking trips.

  • Entering any closed areas.

  • Guided hiking service to any film production, research entity, or any agency without first ensuring the entity or agency possesses a valid Special Use Permit issued by the Buffalo National River.

  • Providing alcohol products of any kind to any visitor/client.

  • Live vegetation shall not be cut neither shall any soil be excavated.

  • Maintaining equipment or food caches with park boundaries.

  • The use of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides), or toxic materials, except for personal insect repellents labeled for that purpose, is prohibited unless they are specifically approved by the Superintendent.

  • Glass is prohibited. The possession or use of glass containers in caves, on trails or waterways or within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of any river or stream in the park is prohibited except in designated campgrounds, picnic sites, or in vehicles on designated roads and parking areas.

  • Entry into caves is prohibited except for those caves along the Lost Valley trail and those caves along the Buffalo Point Trail system.

Last updated: January 6, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

402 N. Walnut Street
Suite 136

Harrison, AR 72601

Phone:

870 439-2502

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