Water Access CUA

 

Overview

This CUA authorizes commercial access to Yellowstone River by traveling through National Park Service property for the purpose of providing guide tours and trips.

General Provisions

1. Guides must unload equipment and clients in an expedient manner and vacate the access area as soon as possible (15 minutes). The unloading area for all river access will be the cul-de-sac of Park Street in Gardiner, Montana.
2. Parking is only allowed for active loading and unloading (approximately 15 minutes). Vehicles may not block traffic in the process. Parking is not permitted along Front or Park Streets. Please see the attached map with shows park boundaries along the North Entrance.
3. Traffic into and around the Gardiner Service Center and the Xanterra bunkhouse is restricted to authorized vehicles and personnel only. CUA holders are not authorized to use this area.
4. Guides must not create a disturbance in residential and administrative areas.
5. The CUA holder shall be liable for any damages to any property of the United States and Xanterra resulting from the use authorized hereunder.
6. Portrait services that occur in areas along the Yellowstone River between the Gardiner River and Reese Creek confluence, are authorized under this CUA and do not require additional authorization if sold individually or as part of a tour package for visitors on trips associated with the water access CUA.
7. CUA holders are not authorized to store vehicles or equipment in the parking areas highlighted in yellow on the attached map.

 

How to apply for this CUA activity

1. Complete CUA application packets should be submitted via email to [e-mail].
2. Complete application packets include the documents listed below (click on the blue links below to download each document):
   • NPS Form 10-550—CUA Application
   • Signed operating plan(s) for each activity
   • Application questions
   • Receipt for application fee payment made at Pay.gov
   • Commercial general liability insurance certificate (certificate example)
   • Auto liability insurance certificate
   • Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk (if clients are required to sign one; this includes participant agreements, liability waivers, indemnification agreements, etc.)
   • Guide card request form (can be submitted after CUA approval if guides are unknown at the time of submittal)
3. If your application is missing any components listed above, we will inform you via the email address or phone number listed on the application. Any incomplete applications will be placed on hold until all required documentation is received.
4. Once your application packet has been reviewed and approved, we will send the CUA, NPS Form 10-115, via the email address listed on the application.
5. The CUA holder will then sign and return the CUA form(s) to [e-mail]. The CUA is not final until the signed form(s) are received by our office.
6. Submit a guide card request for any guides/employees that will be entering the park under this CUA at least two weeks prior to their first trip in the park.
7. Complete and submit Annual Report Forms—Due by January 31^st following the operating year.

 

Resources

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
Main CUA page Apply for a CUA FAQs CUA Annual Reports Guide Card Requests	CUA Law and Policy CUA Denial and Revocation Policy Special Use Permits Backcountry Permits
Plan Your Tour	Learn About the Park
Park roads Accessibility Bear Management Areas Fishing Regulations Boating Regulations	Superintendent's Compendium Vital Signs Reports Resources for Commercial Guides Resources and Issues Handbook Foundation Document