Commercial Use Authorizations

Superintendent's Compendium

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. The National Park Service (NPS) issues CUAs to manage a wide-range of commercial visitor services in addition to road-based tours.

Federal law mandates the NPS issue CUAs only for commercial activities and visitor services that:

•are determined to be an appropriate use of the park,
•will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and
•are consistent with the park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

The CUA 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.

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

•take place at least in part on lands managed by Mesa Verde National Park
•use park resources and
•result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

CUA holders have their base of operation outside the park. All the commercial aspects of the activity must occur outside of NPS lands. This includes marketing, advertising, use of permanent or temporary structures, and negotiation with customers. Compensation or payment for services (even tipping) may not occur on NPS lands.

What Activities are authorized in Mesa Verde National Park?

The following activities are authorized in Mesa Verde National Park under a CUA permit:

• Road-Based Commercial Tours of 16 passengers or more
• Guided Interpretive Tours of 15 passengers or less
• Guided Hiking Tours – Front country only
• Photography and Art Instruction Workshops

Commercial businesses wishing to do any of these activities must procure a Mesa Verde CUA in advance and follow the terms and conditions of the authorization.

For what length of time is a CUA issued?

CUAs are valid January 1 – December 31.

How much does a CUA cost?

The application fee for a CUA at Mesa Verde is $350 for the first application for a calendar year, and $250 for all subsequent applications for the same calendar year.

Why does the park charge a fee for a CUA?

National Park Service Policy requires the Superintendent to charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. The park retains such fees to help pay for the cost of the CUA program, including administration, evaluations, monitoring and training.

Do CUA holders have to pay park entrance fees?

•Yes. Road-based commercial tour operators pay the commercial tour entrance fee each time they enter the park based on the park’s length of stay.
•Other types of CUA holders pay the park per person entrance fee for their clients.

How To Apply For a CUA

All CUA applications and fees are processed through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

Watch this instructional video on how to use the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

When are Annual Financial Reports due?

February 28 - Annual Reports due for previous calendar year of operation. If your Annual Report is late, your current CUA will be suspended until we receive your Annual Report.

How long does it take to obtain a CUA?

A minimum of 30 days is required for issuance of a CUA. Delays will occur if application materials are not submitted accurately or completely, or if authorizations needing operator signature are not returned promptly.

Contact Mesa Verde/CUA Office
Sarah Moppin
Permit Office
[phone] Office

email