Sitka National Historical Park - 2017 CUA Update

2017 Letter to CUA Holders and Applicants

Dear Commercial Use Authorization Holders and Applicants:

In the fall of 2017, Sitka National Historical Park will be making administrative changes to the Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program. In order to better facilitate the program, Sitka NHP will change the methodology under which CUA fees are calculated and collected.

Public Law 105-391 and NPS policy require the Superintendent to charge a reasonable fee “to recover associated management and administrative costs” for CUAs. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-25 defines reasonable fee as either “market price” or “cost recovery”. Both fee collection methods are described in detail in OMB Circular A-25.

Sitka NHP currently only charges an application fee and is not recovering program costs as required by law. In 2018, Sitka NHP will change to the cost recovery model under which a Monitoring Fee of $3 per person per day will be charged for services conducted within Sitka National Historical Park.

Important information about CUA program reminders:

• Applications
  Applications will continue to be submitted through the Alaska Regional Office.

• Application Period
  The application period for all CUAs in the Alaska Region is November 1 to April 30 with the exception of Road Based Winter Vehicle Tours (year-round) at Denali. CUA applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

• CUA Monitoring Fess - Applicable to All Activities
  A per person Monitoring Fee will be implemented in 2018. A $200 non-refundable Application Fee is due with each one year application or $300 with each two year application.

• CUA holders are required to maintain an accounting system that documents income earned and number of people served as a result of operating within Sitka NHP and pay the Monitoring Fee. The End of Year reporting and Monitoring Fee for the calendar year is due to the Park by October 31st.

Thank you for your involvement in our program and for providing our visitors with meaningful experiences in the park. We will host a meeting in the early Fall to go over the proposed changes for 2018 and beyond. If you have questions or would like additional information please contact Chief Ranger, Sean Brennan at [e-mail] or call 907-747-0127.

Sincerely,

/s/ Sean Brennan
Sean Brennan
Chief Ranger, Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Coordinator
Sitka National Historical Park