Commercial Use Authorization

 

What is a CUA?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service (NPS) 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 Mammoth Cave National Park;

• will have minimal impact on Mammoth Cave National Park’s resources and values; and

• are consistent with Mammoth Cave National Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

Do I Need a CUA?

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 Mammoth Cave 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. You must be in possession of a valid CUA to conduct business in Mammoth Cave National Park.

How much does a CUA cost?

Application Fee (application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE): $350 for first application, $250 for subsequent applications to same park in same calendar year.

Management Fee: In addition to the application fee, The NPS must charge CUA holders a management fee that, at a minimum, recovers the costs of all CUA management after application approval. CUA management includes, but is not limited to, correspondence with the CUA holder, in-the-field monitoring, and mitigation of resource impacts caused by commercial activity.

• The Management Fee varies by permit type and is described on the NPS Commercial Use Authorization Page for Mammoth Cave National Park.

• Application and management fees must be paid through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

 

How do I apply for a CUA?

• All CUA applications must be submitted through the online CUA system.

• For guidance on how to apply, watch a video on the online CUA Application and Report System: How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit.

Descriptions and Conditions of Activities and Services Authorized under a CUA

CUA conditions, park specific conditions, insurance requirements, reporting requirements, required documentation, and CUA Fees are described for each service on the NPS Commercial Use Authorization Page for Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave National Park issues CUAs for following authorized commercial activities:

Authorized Activity	Activity Name in the Online System	Activity Defined
Bicycle Livery	Transport (non-tour) – road, air, water based	Bicycle and passenger pick-up and delivery to river access points on the Green & Nolin rivers.
Bicycle Tours	Bicycle Tours	Guided bicycle trips on roads and trails that are authorized for bicycle use.
Canoe/Kayak Livery	Transport (non-tour) – road, air, water based	Canoe, kayak, and passenger pick-up and delivery to river access points on the Green & Nolin rivers.
Guided Canoe/Kayak Trips on Green or Nolin Rivers	Boat Tours – non-motorized	Guided kayak or canoe tours on the Green and Nolin Rivers. Day trips only.
Guided Horseback Rides	Horseback/Mule/Other Livestock Rides or Services – daytrip	Guided horseback rides along designated backcountry trails where equestrian use is permitted. Day trips only.
Passenger Shuttle Service	Transport (non-tour) – road, air, water based	Passenger shuttle service of 16 passengers or less on park roads to public visitor areas and trailheads. This service does not include interpretive tours.

 

Additional Information

What Laws Govern CUAs?

What Policies Govern CUAs?

 

CUA Office Contact Information

Email us at: [e-mail]

Mailing Address:

Mammoth Cave National Park
Commercial Services
Attn: CUA Coordinator
P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

 

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