Commercial Use Authorization

You must be in possession of a valid CUA to conduct business in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

Katahdin Woods and Waters issues Commercial Use Authorizations and Non-Profit Special Use Permits to provide for business opportunities in several types of visitor services. Examples include, but are not limited to: backpacking and day hiking trips, bicycling tours, kayak and canoe trips, commercial photography and filming workshops, trailhead shuttles, fishing trips. Follow the directions below to apply!

How do I apply for a CUA?

Find the application forms below and learn the steps on how to apply for a CUA.

 

Step 1. Download and fill out a CUA form

• Will your company be operating in the park year round? If so, please use this application for CUA.
• Will your company be operating in the park on a seasonal basis? If so, please use this application for CUA.

Step 2. Submit Forms and fees

• Submit your filled out CUA Application to [e-mail]

Submit Proof of Insurance

• A Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance .

• A Certificate of Commercial Automobile Liability coverage when applicable.

• Your insurance must name United States of America, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, PO Box 446, Patten, ME 04765 as an additional insurer.
   

Please note that all CUA holders must carry appropriate liability insurance and provide the NPS with proof of that insurance. You also may be required to hold other types of liability insurance depending on the type of CUA you have (e.g., commercial automobile insurance). Refer to the CUA Insurance Guidance for more information regarding these additional requirements and refer to the application materials for the specific type of CUA for which you are applying for more information.
CUA holders cannot require visitors to sign a waiver of liability statement, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement. If you provide high-risk services, you may advise visitors of risks associated with the activity through the use of a visitor acknowledgement of risk form (VAR). If you wish to modify the VAR you may not include "waiver of liability" language and must have park approval before using the modified form.

 

• Acknowledgement of Risk (if applicable)

Step 3. Payment and How to pay

An E-Bill will be created in www.pay.gov when the CUA application is received by the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument's office. When you submit your CUA application, you will indicate your payment method. The current application fee is $150.

How to pay:
Indicate your payment method. We are only accepting digital forms of payment.

• Credit Card www.pay.gov (preferred).
  • When the CUA application is received by the ACAD Commercial Services Office, and an E-Bill will be created in www.pay.gov.
  • Once the E-Bill is processed, an email from [e-mail] will be sent to the email that is on file for your organization, and in the email from pay.gov there will be a link to submit your credit card number.

 

Carry your CUA with you at all times!

Businesses and any of their representatives must have in their possession a complete copy of the CUA at all times when conducting business in the park; random monitoring of CUA holders is conducted.

Submit an annual report

Annual reports must be submitted by December 31^st of each year.

 

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:

1. Are determined to be an appropriate use of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

2. Will have minimal impact on Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument's resources and values.

3. Are consistent with Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument's purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

A CUA is 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 Grand Canyon National Park,

• use park resources, and

• result 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 inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

Do I need a CUA?

A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:

1. take place at least in part on lands managed by the National Park Service,
2. use park resources, and
3. result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

This commonly covers:

• Tour operators
• Guide services including: biking, hiking, climbing, nature tours
• Water-based activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, boating
• Commercial photography and filming. The use of models and props may require a separate permit. 
• Painting workshops; photography or painting tours.
• Motorcoach operators
• Any other service a business entity which wishes to perform the service in the park (this requires prior park approval).

Why does NPS require CUAs?

The requirement is in 36 CFR 5.3 - It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Additionally, Public Law 105-391 Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management.
Application fees are to recover costs associated with managing and monitoring the CUA Program for Acadia National Park. Public Law 105-391 Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management. One hundred percent of the CUA application fee collected stays within the park.

When do I apply for a CUA?

• Businesses must apply for a new CUA each year.
• Businesses must submit applications Twenty-one (21) days in advance.
• Applications are accepted year round.
• CUAs are issued for one calendar year and expire on December 31st of each year.

 

Do you have more questions? Read more about FAQs on CUAs on our website or contact us at 207-456-6001