Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

The National Park Service (NPS) requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks, usually in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). A CUA is necessary before conducting any form of commercial use activity in the park. A commercial tour or service consists of individuals traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that profits from providing that service. A CUA authorizes companies or individuals to conduct business in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park on an annual basis.

When is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) required?

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 within the boundaries of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

• Use park resources.

• Result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

The following indicators will be considered by the CUA Office to determine if a CUA is required:

1. Commercial Advertising: High visibility, range, and cost of advertising indicate a commercial service.

• Unpaid advertising in niche publications (e.g., campus newsletters, church bulletins) is not considered commercial.
• Commercial advertising includes exposure in national/regional publications and web-based ads for open-audience paid services.

2. Charging Rates: Fees that exceed direct costs signal a commercial service.

• Trip rates surpassing actual costs suggest financial benefit for leaders/organizations.
  • Tuition must not exceed regular campus rates to avoid being deemed commercial.
  • Trips qualifying for academic credit likely do not represent a commercial service.

3. Compensation for Trip Leaders and Staff: Monetary or in-kind compensation indicates a commercial service.

• Salaries from accredited educational institutions imply non-commercial service.
• Compensation from grants/donations suggests the trip is not commercial.

4. Frequency of Use: Higher frequency of trips suggests a commercial service.

• Organizations with multiple trips per year are more likely to be commercial than those with only one trip annually.
  
  

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 Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. If an activity does not fall under the definition of a Commercial Service stated above, it may instead require a Special Use Permit. Not sure if your activity requires a permit, or which type it requires? Please contact the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Permit Office for assistance.

Activities and Services Authorized Through a CUA

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park currently issues activity-based CUAs for the following services:

• Guided Hiking/Walking (Front-Country): Offer guided day hikes, nature tours, birding, fitness classes, or yoga on park trails and carriage roads from May to November.

• Art Instruction: Host art, writing, or photography workshops in the park's inspiring surroundings.

• Horseback Day Trips: Offer guided horseback riding adventures on designated trails.

• Horse Drawn Tours: Provide guided tours via horse-drawn carriage or wagon on our scenic carriage roads.

• If you have other activities in mind, please reach out to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Permit Office to discuss details.

Commercial Use Fees

• Application Fees: All activity-based CUAs are issued for up to one year, with the CUA operating year running from January 1 to December 31. A non-refundable, $350 application fee is required. An additional $250 application fee is required for additional CUAs within the same calendar year.

• Management Fees: Beginning in 2025, all CUAs will be subject to a management fee.

  • The management fee is due at the end of the operating year and is based on a percentage of the operating year’s gross receipts. This fee must be paid to the park after the park has reviewed and approved the annual report, which is submitted by January 31st, after the operating year has ended.

  • Management fee is based on percentage of gross receipts:

    • Less than $250,000 earned from park-based operations - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)

    • $250,000 to $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)

    • More than $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)

How To Apply

• Applications for the 2025 season are now open! Visit the CUA Application Portal to get started.

  • For a step-by-step guide, check this instructional video for help applying for a commercial use authorization. The online CUA system is designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and pay CUA fees.

Contact Information

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Permit Office
MABI_SAGA_Permits@nps.gov
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