![]() NPS Photo What is a Commercial Use Authorization?Kenai Fjords National Park allows commercial activities on park lands by issuing Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) for outfitters and guides. A CUA is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or 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:
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:
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. What about filming, photography and special events?These activities require a different permit path, check out the Permits page to learn more. Applying for a CUAApplications are accepted annually between November 1st and April 30th.
Fees for a CUAIn addition to the application fee outlined in the CUA Application Instructions, beginning January 1, 2025, Kenai Fjords National Park will change to the cost recovery model under which a daily user fee will be charged for services conducted within Kenai Fjords National Park. This Monitoring Fee will be assessed at $6.00 per visitor per day for all approved commercial activities. CUA holder employees are excluded from the visitor use fee calculation. There will no longer be a Management Fee due when applying for a CUA. Reporting RequirementsCUA holders must submit an Annual Report and Activity Reports each year by November 15. Recreational use of backcountry areas, including Aialik and the Harding Icefield Trail appears to be growing every year, resulting in increased resource impacts. Registration allows us to collect information on visitor use that helps with park planning and management, such as determining where bear boxes are placed or where impact monitoring should be conducted. Registration also allows us an opportunity to give basic resource protection and safety information to ALL overnight visitors. ![]() Permits
Learn more about permits for filming, photography, research and special events. ![]() Rules & Regulations
There are a variety of rules and regulations that help us protect park resources and provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience. ![]() Current Conditions & Alerts
Alerts, closures and conditions including Exit Glacier Road status. |
Last updated: September 16, 2025