A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) allows for an individual, group, organization, or other entity to conduct commercial activities and provide visitor services within National Park Service boundaries. CUAs are only issued for commercial activities and visitor services that:
are determined to be an appropriate use of the park,
will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and
are consistent with the park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
Individuals, groups, and entities conducting commercial activities and services must pay fees to hold a valid CUA.
Learn more about what to do if you're a fishing guide looking to do business within Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.
Commercial Use Authorizations in National Park Sites
Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391, mandates the National Park Service (NPS) to issue Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to permit private individuals, corporations, or other entities to provide commercial services within national parks. Approval from the area superintendent is necessary through a CUA before any commercial operations can commence in a park. For additional information about this program, please visit the National Park Service CUA website.
2025 CUA Fee Structure
There are two types of fees associated with the issuance of a Commercial Use Authorization:
CUA Application Fee: $350 one-time fee every two-year cycle. Non-refundable, even if application is not approved.
CUA Management Fee: Amount is determined based on a percentage of park-dependent gross receipts (PDGR).
2025-2026 CUA Cycle: CUA holders will pay 1.5% of PDGR per year, minus the $350 application fee.
2027-2028 CUA Cycle: CUA holders will pay 2.0% of PDGR per year, minus the $350 application fee.
Boat Decal Fee: For fishing guides only. The current cost is $30 for 5 decals.
Commercial River trip services must have a CUA
NPS
Fishing guides are the most common CUA holder
NPS
River equipment rental companies require a CUA
NPS
CUA Application Process
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River accepts and processes CUA applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, so applicants can apply at any time. However, you must have an approved CUA prior to operating commercial activities on the Upper Delaware River. Please be advised that we will start reviewing applications in January 2025.
Scroll down and locate the type of CUA service you wish to apply for (e.g. Boat Rental, Food and Beverage, etc.) Click the green dropdown arrow button under the CUA service type. This will reveal a link to "View Details and Conditions." Click this link.
You will be brought to a new webpage outlining the insurance requirements and conditions of the commercial use authorization that are applicable to the specific service you intend to offer.
After reviewing the information, you can select the "Apply" button at the bottom of the webpage.
If this is your first time applying for a CUA through the online portal, a pop-up window will appear with a message stating you are not signed in and you will be redirected to sign in. After clicking "ok," you will be redirected to a new webpage to create an account. Once an account is created, you will be able to save your application progress and return to your application at your convenience.
Step 2: Upload Necessary Documents into Application Portal
Different documents are required depending on what type of service you are applying for. All Commercial Use Authorization applications require a certificate of insurance. More detail on specific documentation requirements are provided in the CUA Application Portal, on the page for each specific service type.
Required Documentation by Service Type
Certificate of Insurance for Commercial Liability
Certificate of Insurance for Automobile Liability, if applicable
NPS Acknowledgement of Risk (AOR)
Certificate of Insurance for Commercial Liability
Certificate of Insurance for Automobile Liability, if transporting customers in an automobile
NPS Acknowledgement of Risk (AOR)
US Coast Guard Captain's License, if utilizing a motorized vessel
Certificate of Insurance for Commercial Liability
Certificate of Insurance for Automobile Liability, if transporting customers in an automobile
NPS Acknowledgement of Risk (AOR)
State Fishing Guide License, New York State and/or Pennsylvania depending on river access locations utilized
State Fishing License, New York State or Pennsylvania
US Coast Guard Captain's License, if utilizing a motorized vessel
Certificate of Insurance for Commercial Liability
Business License
Food Service Permit
Health Department Permit
If your service if not listed, please contact us. Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River is happy to work with you to discuss qualifications and requirements and input new service types into the CUA Authorization Portal as needed.
Important Notes on Your Insurance
When submitting your proof of insurance, you must include the "United States of America" as an additional insured party.
Larger multi-employee operations such as outfitters that want to use independent contractors and maintain a CUA must list these contractors as 1099 employees on the Certficate of Liability Insurance (COI) and ensure they are written as additionally insured.
Screenshot of an example of a Certificate of Liability of Insurance which lists the United States as an additional insured party.
NPS
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
The final step is to officially pay the application fee. Your application will not be completed until the application fee has been paid. The National Park Service has the authority to implement user charges to recover costs associated with managing commercial operations as outlined in 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 16 U.S.C. 3a. Please note that the application fee is $350 per application and is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application and its accompanying documents are approved.
After submitting your application, we will conduct a review. We will either approve the application or return it if additional information is required.
CUA Reporting Requirements
CUA holders must submit an annual report via the CUA Authorization Portal each year by January 31 for the operations that occurred during the preceding year. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts.
CUA holders may also be requested to provide monthly reports via the CUA Authorization Portal by the 15th of each month for operations that occurred during the previous month. However, at this time, Upper Delaware does not mandate monthly reports.
Failure to submit the required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in the inability to submit subsequent CUA applications via the CUA Authorization Portal or the suspension of active CUAs.
Reporting Requirements by Type of CUA Operation
Multi-employee operations: The primary CUA Holder will be responsible for reporting their own park-dependent gross receipts (PDGR) as well as the revenue generated from all independent contractors or authorized agents operating under their authorization in their annual report.
Solo operations: Any solo operators must report their own park-dependent gross receipts in their annual report.
Suspension and Revocation Policy
It is essential for all Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders to thoroughly read and understand the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Suspension and Revocation Policy. This policy outlines the circumstances under which a CUA may be suspended or revoked and the procedures that will be followed in such cases.
Understanding this policy ensures that you are aware of your responsibilities and the expectations for compliance with all terms and conditions set forth in your authorization. Familiarity with the Suspension and Revocation Policy will help you avoid potential issues that could impact your ability to operate within the park.
