Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that: 

• Are determined to be an appropriate use of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve; 
• Will have minimal impact on Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’s resources and values; and 
• Are consistent with Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations. 

A CUA may be 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 in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 
• use park resources, and 
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. 

Learn more about approved service types, how to apply for a CUA, reporting requirements, and more.

 

 

The Following Services Require CUAs in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

• Camping - frontcountry
• Climbing/Mountaineering - overnight Fairweather Range
• Ferry - passenger only Juneau-Bartlett Cove-Juneau
• Fishing - spin or fly
• Hiking/Walking - backcountry
• Hiking/Walking - frontcountry
• Photography Instruction
• Rafting
• Skiing/Snowshoeing Tours
• Transport (non-tour) - air
• Transport (non-tour) - ATV

How do I apply for a CUA? 

• Home - Commercial Use Authorization
• The National Park Service is excited to announce the development and deployment of the online CUA system. The 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.
• Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’s CUA application period is November 1 through April 30. CUAs are currently issued for one- or two-year periods. The operating year is from January 1 to December 31.

What are the CUA Reporting Requirements?

• CUA holders must submit an annual report via the online CUA system 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. 
• Failure to submit the required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in the inability to submit subsequent CUA applications via the online CUA system or the suspension of active CUAs.

CUA Office Contact Information

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Commercial Services Office
PO Box 140
Gustavus, Alaska 99826
[phone]
[e-mail]

Important Links

• CUAs - Frequently Asked Questions
• Insurance Requirements for CUAs in Glacier Bay
• Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Form (Template)
• Pay.gov
• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training and Certification
• State of Alaska Business Licensing
• CUA Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, and Denial Policy
• Superintendent's Compendium.