Update for the 2025 CUA SeasonAs 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. Application fees for road-based commercial tour CUAs will not change for the 2025 CUA season. Capitol Reef National Park 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. I. PolicyCommercial Use Authorizations are limited authorizations to provide specific visitor services within the boundaries of national parks. Commercial Use Authorizations are documents used by superintendents of national park areas to ensure that business activities in parks are conducted in a manner that complies with regulations, protects resources, enhances visitors' experiences, and helps ensure safety. Commercial Use Authorizations are issued on an annual basis at Capitol Reef National Park. II. AuthorityCommercial Use Authorizations fall under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 5966 (P.L. 105-391, Section 418) which authorizes (but does not require) the NPS, upon request, to issue Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to persons (referring to individuals, corporations, and other entities) to provide commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. In addition 36 CFR Section 5.3 states:
Commercial Use Authorizations are not concessions issued under the Concessions Policy Act of 1965 (79 Stat. 969, 16 USC 20). This is an important distinction because it generally limits the services for which CUA's can be used. Commercial Use Authorizations - General Criteria:Criteria which must be met for activities to be considered a commercial use operation are:
Commercial Use Authorizations - Other Considerations:Criteria which must be met for activities to be considered a commercial use operation are:
In addition, the CUA in which you are interested contains special conditions with which CUA holders must comply. Copies of these conditions are listed in the application. Permitted ActivitiesAt Capitol Reef National Park, the following business activities will be considered for permits:
We have enclosed provisions for Commercial Use Authorizations in Capitol Reef National Park. This document will give you further information on the requirements for business operations in the park. Commercial Use Authorization - Fees
Applying for a PermitIn order to apply for a permit, you should send the following materials to the Special Park Uses Coordinator (email is preferred):
Emailed applications are preferred. Send all application materials listed above to: care_commercialservices@nps.gov. Special Park Uses Coordinator Once received, your application will be reviewed by our staff. If acceptable, a permit will be drafted and returned to you for signature. The signed limited-time permit then must be returned to the park with a payment of $100 permit fee to process the permit. (2024 ONLY) Commercial Use Permit payment may be made at pay.gov. Do not submit payment until receiving authorization from the Park. If you have questions regarding Commercial Use Authorizations, you may receive additional information by contacting Ann Ehler. We look forward to working with you. Commercial Tours & FeesCommercial Tours that are road-based are subject to the Commercial Tour Fee. Road-based tours may or may not need a CUA. Restriction on Idling:Commercial vehicles (buses, vans, school buses, etc.) are only allowed to idle while actively (passengers are physically getting on or off) loading and unloading passengers. All operators must turn off vehicle engines when parked or when not actively loading or unloading. This restriction does not apply to vehicles stopped on roadways in obedience to traffic control devices or orders, or as needed in response to legitimate traffic safety concerns.Determination:Commercial tour bus operators have a tendency to idle their engines while parked. The primary reason is that tour operators like to keep their buses cool with air conditioning while their clients are away from the bus. Idling occurs in the visitor center parking lot and in other parking areas where large numbers of visitors congregate. Idling engines produce noise pollution and exhaust that impacts clean air. This limitation will minimize the impacts to natural resources and visitors. (Superintendent’s Compendium). |
Last updated: August 17, 2024