Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) are a permitting tool used by the National Park Service (NPS) to allow private business to be conducted within a national park for up to two years. The type of service provided by a CUA holder must be considered appropriate by the NPS, such as chartered fishing trips and various types of guiding services. Operators are held to specific standards to assure client safety and the protection of cultural and natural resources. Because of these high standards, Isle Royale National Park has new requirements for services provided by commercial operators as stipulated in the CUA application form (10-550).
Isle Royale National Park now offers one or two-year CUAs in an effort to reduce the administrative burden for commercial operators and NPS staff. Applications are accepted between January 2 and May 15, annually. Application forms, with instructions can be obtained at www.nps.gov/isro/learn/management/commercial-use-authorizations.htm. Application packets may also be requested through the contact information provided above.
Other changes to the CUA program include an increased application fee, as required by Public Law 105-391, Section 418. This law requires the National Park Service to collect a reasonable fee for CUAs at an amount at least sufficient to recover the costs to administer and manage the CUA program. A two year CUA application fee is $600 and a one year CUA application fee is $500. Application fees are non-refundable and can be paid by check mailed to Isle Royale National Park at the address above, or by credit card. Credit card payment may be made by calling the park Visitor Center at 906-482-0984 Monday through Friday.
Two-year CUAs are available only to returning operators who are applying for an approved service type. If you have a business idea that is not already included in Isle Royale’s list of approved service types (found on the application form), or if you are a new operator to the park, you will only be eligible for a one year CUA.
If you applied for a CUA in 2020 and paid an application fee but were unable to operate in the park due to COVID- 19, additional information regarding transfer of application fees and application requirements will be sent to the email address that you have previously provided.
Safety concerns surrounding COVID- 19 will still impact operations in 2021 in this remote wilderness park. The CUA Administrator will be in close contact with all CUA applicants to communicate anticipated changes to park operations. Additionally, please monitor www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and www.nps.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information.
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