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 Saint-Gaudens 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 Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.
• Use park resources.
• Result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

The following indicators will also be considered by the Permit Office:

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 Saint-Gaudens 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 Saint-Gaudens Permit Office for assistance.

Activities and Services Authorized Through a CUA

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park currently issues activity-based CUAs for the following activities:

• Guided hiking/jogging/running (when there is no snow on the ground)
• Guided horseback riding (when there is no snow on the ground)
• Wagon rides on carriage roads
• Art or photography workshops
• Other workshops (e.g., yoga)

All activity-based CUAs are issued for up to one year, with the CUA operating year running from January 1 to December 31. A $350 administrative fee is required and must be paid prior to the issuance of the permit.

How To Apply

To inquire about a CUA or to submit an application, please contact the Permit Office at MABI_SAGA_Permits@nps.gov.

Contact Information

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park Permit Office
MABI_SAGA_Permits@nps.gov