Commercial Use Authorizations

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:

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

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 Kenai Fjords;
• 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.

For more information and questions, contact the Commercial Use Authorization Coordinator by e-mail or phone: (907) 422-0500.

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 CUA

The application period is November 1st through April 30th. The National Park Service, Interior Region 11 has established a specific time period for submitting applications for Commercial Use Authorizations. See NPS Memo for details on the application period.

A fully completed application package including insurance, fee payment, and other required documentation must be received or postmarked by the April 30th deadline.

CUA applications for Kenai Fjords are centrally managed by the Interior Region 11. With one form, applicants may apply for all park units in the Region (except Denali). are available on the Interior Region 11 website. Please review the application, instructions, checklist, and additional information carefully to ensure your package is completed properly. Applications are accepted annually between November 1 and April 30. A fully completed application package including insurance, fee payment, and other required documentation must be received or postmarked by the April 30 deadline. Completed application packages should be emailed to akro_cua_admin@nps.gov or mailed to:

Commercial Services
National Park Service, Interior Region 11
240 West 5th Avenue, Room 114
Anchorage, AK 99501

Kenai Fjords only accepts CUA applications for the commercial activities listed below. Please note that some activities have additional requirements in addition to the National, Regional and Park-specific stipulations that apply to all activities within a park unit. Stipulations and conditions may be updated annually.

Air Taxi, Charter Boat, Commercial Vehicle Tours, Guided Backpacking, Guided Bicycle Tours (roadways only), Guided Hiking (includes walking on Exit Glacier), Guided Kayaking, Guided Mountaineering, Guided Paddleboarding, Guided Photography, Guided Winter Backcountry Trips (Skiing, Sledding, Snowshoeing), Snowcoach Tours. No permit required for Taxi/Shuttle Bus Service.

Fees for a CUA

In addition to the application fee outlined in the Application Instructions, Kenai Fjords charges a Management Fee of $100 (one-year CUA) or $200 (two-year CUA). All fees are due at the time of application.

Reporting Requirements

CUA 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.