Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

Quite simply, a Commercial Use Authorization is a permit that allows a business to provide commercial services, like guided tours, to visitors within a national park.

CUA will be issued for commercial activities that are determined appropriate, minimal impact to the park, and consistent with the mission of the NPS.

Public Law 105-391, Section 418, which was signed in 1998, provides for the issuance of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide suitable commercial services for park area visitors in limited circumstances

What activities are authorized in Nez Perce National Historical Park Through a CUA?

Guided Services: This activity allows CUA holders to conduct formal interpretive programs in the park led by certified guides or park rangers. Programs offered must align with park-wide interpretive themes and be relevant to the mission of Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Hop On Hop Off Services: This activity allows CUA holders to provide informal interpretive services in the park led by certified guides or park rangers. Informal services are limited to question-and-answer sessions and facilitating a visit to the visitor center where guests may watch the park film, visit the museum, and peruse the bookstore.

Length of time a CUA is issued

All CUAs are issued for up to one year. The CUA operating year is from January 1 to December 31. Please submit a complete application packet 60-days before your first trip in the park.

Fees associated with 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. All CUA activities require a $300 application fee due with the application. This fee is not refundable.

Annual Financial Reports due

Annual Financial Reports which cover the operating year and require reporting of gross receipts, are due by January 15 following the end of the operating year. Annual Financial Report forms will be available by October 1st of each operating year. Returning organizations must submit the Annual Report for the previous year before a new CUA will be issued.

Insurance Requirements for CUA Holders

Commercial General Liability Insurance All CUA holders are required to maintain comprehensive general liability coverage in the amount of $500,000 minimum per occurrence and must list the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA as additionally insured.Commercial Automobile Liability CoverageIn addition to general liability coverage, the CUA holder must also maintain commercial automobile liability coverage for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used to carry clients within the park for a trip under the CUA or if you utilize a vehicle in the performance of your CUA within the park. The minimum amount of commercial automobile liability coverage required is based on the number of passengers a vehicle was originally manufactured to carry and is shown in the table below. The policy shall be underwritten by a United States company and must list the following address as an additional insured party:

United States of America
39063 U.S. Highway 95
Lapwai, Idaho 83540

How to apply for a commercial use authorization

Starting in 2025, Nez Perce National HIstorical Park applications will be submitted through the new Commercial Use Authorization Application and Reporting System.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the CUA application process or requirements, please contact the CUA coordinator at 208-843-7009 or by email.