The National Park Service requires commercial businesses seeking to operate within national parks to obtain specific authorizations, usually in the form of a Commerical Use Authorization.
What is a Commercial Use Authorization?
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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 the park,
- will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and
- are consistent with park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations
A CUA is required for any individual, organization, or company seeks to provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other functions for members, clients, or the general public that:
- takes place at least in part within the park,
- uses park resources, and
- results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA, or in a manner that is inconsistent with the terms of an issued CUA.
