Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)

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Commercial Use Authorization

 

 

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) allows you to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for park visitors that take place at least in part on lands managed by the NPS; use park resources; and result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to you, when a concession contract is not necessary.

• The park issues CUAs only for activities and services that:
• Are determined to be an appropriate use of the park.
• Have minimal impact on park resources and values.
• Are consistent with the park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

A CUA is a privilege. Previous issuance does not guarantee approval of a future application. Each application and its supporting documents are evaluated for consistency with the park’s purpose, mission, and applicable requirements.

When Is a CUA Required?

A CUA is required when an individual, organization, or company provides goods, activities, services, or other commercial offerings that meet all three of the following criteria:

• Take place, at least in part, within Joshua Tree National Park.
• Use park resources.
• Result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

You must possess a valid CUA before conducting commercial activities authorized under that permit. Businesses and individuals must operate in accordance with all CUA terms and conditions.

Approved Activities

CUAs are available for the following activities and services:

• Astronomy
• Bicycle tours
• Backcountry camping
• Frontcountry camping
• Climbing certification
• Climbing and mountaineering day trips
• Environmental education
• Event services
• Fitness
• Guided interpretive tours using vehicles with a passenger capacity of 1–15
• Backcountry hiking
• Frontcountry hiking and walking
• Horseback and mule riding day trips
• Motorcycle and scooter tours
• Outdoor skills education
• Photography instruction
• Road-based commercial tours using vehicles with a passenger capacity of 16 or more
• RV delivery and setup
• Road transportation services, excluding tours, using vehicles with a passenger capacity of 16 or more

Backcountry and frontcountry camping reservations are required through Recreation.gov.

How to Apply

Submit your application and supporting documents through the NPS Commercial Use Authorization Online Portal.

Please allow 45–60 days for application processing.

Review your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting it. Missing documents, expired certifications, and outdated information delay processing and create additional review and follow-up work for the Commercial Services Office.

Required Supporting Documents

Submit the following documents, as applicable to the services you intend to provide:

• Certificate of liability insurance: Submit a current certificate. CUA holders must carry appropriate liability insurance and provide the NPS with proof of that insurance. General commercial liability in the amount of $500,000 per occurrence is required, though some activities are higher risk (e.g., guided rock climbing, Horseback Riding Tours) and may require increased coverage.
• Guide qualifications and training: Submit current training certificates appropriate to the terrain and activities offered. The CUA holder is responsible for ensuring that group leaders and guides meet minimum qualifications. Certifications must be issued by a recognized accrediting organization or a certifying organization that follows industry-recognized standards, such as AMGA, PCIA, or PCGI.
• Climbing guide and instructor qualifications: Submit current certifications for individuals providing climbing guide services or climbing instructor training courses. Certifications must meet the accreditation or industry-standard requirements described above.
• First Aid and CPR: Submit current certifications for each guide.
• Leave No Trace: Submit certification for each guide.
• Food handler card: Submit a current card if preparing or providing food for clients. Food services, including catering, must comply with applicable public health, inspection, and sanitation requirements.
• Safety plan: Submit a plan for the permit year for which you are applying.
• Operating plan: Submit a Joshua Tree National Park operating plan for the permit year for which you are applying.
• Pricing information: Submit a copy of your current pricing.
• Visitor Acknowledgment of Risk (VAR): If your company requires clients to complete a VAR form, use the park-provided form available on the park’s CUA webpage.

All required documents and certifications must be current and unexpired. Safety and operating plans must cover the applicable permit year.

Reporting Requirements

CUA holders must submit monthly reports and an annual report documenting their commercial activities within Joshua Tree National Park.

Trip Preparation and Visitor Safety

Before leading a trip, ensure that all participants understand applicable park regulations and review the park’s safety guidelines.

CUA holders are responsible for ensuring that their guides and employees understand and comply with the terms and conditions of their authorization.

 

CUA Fees

Application Fees
The application fee is $350.00 for the first service activity and $250.00 for each additional service activity. Each service activity requires a separate CUA.

Vehicle Placards
Vehicle placards cost $15.00 each. All guides operating within Joshua Tree National Park must have a park-issued placard while conducting authorized activities.The Permit Office will email the CUA holder an invoice based on the number of placards issued to the company. Payments must be submitted through Pay.gov.

Market Price Management Fee
In addition to application fees, the park collects a management fee to recover costs associated with administering and managing the CUA program. The fee is calculated using gross receipts earned from park-based operations. Application fees are credited toward the management fee.

Gross Receipts from Park-Based Operations	Market Price Fee
Less than $250,000.00	3% of gross receipts, less the application fee credit
$250,000.00–$500,000.00	4% of gross receipts, less the application fee credit
More than $500,000.00	5% of gross receipts, less the application fee credit

Park Entrance Fees
The park entrance fee is $15.00 per person. Alternatively, clients may use their own valid entrance pass to cover themselves and the number of additional individuals permitted under the terms of that pass.

 

Violation of CUA Terms and Conditions

Failure to comply with CUA terms and conditions may result in a Letter of Caution, Letter of Warning, suspension, or revocation, as described below.

First Offense: The Permit Office will review the violation. If the violation is determined to be minor, an interview will be scheduled with the CUA holder. A Letter of Caution may be issued based on the outcome of the review and interview.

Second Offense: The Permit Office will review the violation and submit its findings to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. An interview will be conducted with the CUA holder, and a Letter of Warning may be issued based on the outcome.

Third Offense: The Permit Office will review the violation and submit its findings to the Superintendent. An interview will be conducted, and an additional meeting may be scheduled if necessary. Based on the findings and outcome, the CUA holder may be suspended from operating within the park for 30 days.

Fourth Offense: The Permit Office will review the violation and arrange an interview involving the CUA holder, Permit Coordinator, Chief Law Enforcement Officer, and Superintendent. Based on the outcome, the CUA may be revoked for the remainder of the permit year.The Regional Office will be notified of the revocation, which may affect approval of future CUA applications.

Major Offenses and threat to visitor safety will result in the immediate loss of the CUA and may impact future CUA approval.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the general criteria for the issuance of a CUA?

For what length of time is an activity- or service-based CUA issued?

When is the application period?

Why does the park charge a fee for a CUA?

When are Annual Financial Reports and fees due?

How are CUA fees processed?

 

Permit Office

Contact the Commercial Services Office for questions about CUA applications, required documents, or vehicle placards.

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