Concession or Commercial Use Authorization?Most businesses, including non-profit organizations, operating in the park are covered under two types of legal instruments – a commercial use authorization or a concessions contract.
Please contact the Concessions Management Specialist at 207-288-8735 at any time if you have any questions or require more information. About Commercial Use AuthorizationsWhat is a CUA?A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other non-profit entity to conduct business activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. The National Park Service (NPS) issues CUAs to manage a wide-range of visitor services in addition to road-based commercial tours. For Acadia National Park, this includes transportation providers, tour operators, guided hiking, bike tours, kayak trips, summer camps, art and photography workshops, and much more.
Why does NPS require CUAs?The requirement is in 36 CFR 5.3 - It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Additionally, Public Law 105-391 Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management. Do I need a CUA?A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
In Acadia National Park, this commonly covers:
Apply for a CUAWhen to apply?
What to submit
CUA Application
|
Sedan | 1-6 Capacity | $25 |
Van | 7-15 Capacity | $50 |
Mini Bus | 16-25 Capacity | $60 |
Bus/Motorcoach | 26+ Capacity | $150 |
Notification of Entrance Fee Increase for CUA Holders Effective 2024
The National Park Service (NPS) approved an increase in the weekly and annual entrance pass fee for private vehicles at Acadia National Park effective April 1, 2023. CUA holders that are charged the pedestrian/cyclist fee as part of their entrance fee will be charged the new fee of $20/person effective June 1, 2024. Entrance Fees are required at Acadia year-round.
Prior to the approval of increase, the NPS solicited public feedback on the proposed fee increase during a 30-day comment period, which closed on December 30, 2022. The public comments were predominantly supportive of the entrance fee increase. The NPS also consulted with the Congressional delegation and other key partners and stakeholders before approving the fee increase.
The majority of Acadia’s entrance fee revenue is retained locally to fund the Island Explorer bus system and other projects that directly benefit visitors and protect park resources. The increased fee revenue will allow Acadia to expand Island Explorer service over the coming years to help alleviate traffic and parking congestion and parking in the park, which is a key part of implementing the park’s Transportation Plan. Visitors under 16 years of age are exempt from paying an entrance fee.
Carry CUA with you at all times
- Businesses and any of their representatives must have in their possession a complete copy of the CUA at all times when conducting business in the park; random monitoring of CUA holders is conducted.
Follow Special Park Conditions at all times
- Special park conditions will be sent to you with your CUA. You must follow these special park conditions at all times.
- Examples of Special Park Conditions include:
- Special Park Conditions for Transporation Operators and Tour Operators to Include Motor Coaches, Buses, Taxis, Limousines, Vans, and Passenger Vehicles, Shore Excursions, Limousine/Van/Taxi Tour Operators, Step-on-Guides
- Examples of Special Park Conditions include:
Submit annual report
- Annual reports must be submitted by December 31st of each year. Failure to return this form by the due date will result in non-renewal of the CUA.
Vehicle Reservations for CUA Holders
Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders will be required to have a CUA vehicle reservation to access Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October. Visit our Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations for Commercial Use Authorization Holders page for details.
Questions?
If you need additional help or have any questions, please contact our Concessions Management Specialist or call (207) 288-8735.
More News for Our Business Partners
Last updated: December 20, 2023