What is a CUA?
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:
- Are determined to be an appropriate use of C&O Canal National Historical Park;
- Will have minimal impact on C&O Canal National Historical Park’s resources and values; and
- Are consistent with C&O Canal National Historical Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
A CUA may be required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
- take place at least in part in C&O Canal National Historical Park,
- use park resources, and
- result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
The Following Services Require CUAs in C&O Canal National Historical Park Bicycle Tours, Boating, Climbing, Mountaineering, Fishing, Guided Interpretive Tours, Hiking, Horseback Riding, etc.
How do I apply for a CUA?
- Home - Commercial Use Authorization
- NPS is excited to announce the development and deployment of the online CUA system. The system is designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and pay CUA fees.
What are the CUA Reporting Requirements?
- CUA holders must submit an annual report via the online CUA system each year by January 31 for the operations that occurred during the preceding year. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts.
- Failure to submit the required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in the inability to submit subsequent CUA applications via the online CUA system or the suspension of active CUAs.
CUA Office Contact Information
e-mail us
301-739-4200
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm
