Doing Business With The Park

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park System. As in any other National Park Service area, commercial visitor services may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the United States. Larger visitor service operations are provided under concession contracts. Smaller, single-service businesses are issued a Commercial Use Authorization, if certain requirements are met. Visit our Commercial Use Authoization page for more information.

Concessions Management
The National Park Service will provide, through the use of concessions, those commercial facilities and services within the parks necessary for visitors' use and enjoyment. Concession development will be limited to that necessary and appropriate for public use and enjoyment of the parks and be consistent, to the highest degree possible, with their preservation and conservation.

When the National Park Service was established in 1916, a provision granting the privilege for the use of land for visitor accommodations was included. The National Park Service Concession Management Improvement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391) articulates comprehensive legislative direction with respect to the management of the concessions program by the National Park Service.

Concession operations throughout the national park system are subject to the provisions of the above legislation and to NPS regulations governing concession contracts and permits (36 CFR 51), NPS Concessions Management Guideline (NPS-48). 2001 NPS Management Policies - Chapter 10: Commercial Visitor Services.

More Information
For more information about Concessions at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, please contact the Chief Ranger by phone at: (307)-548-5401, or by e-mail, or stop by the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center in Lovell, Wyoming, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who needs a CUA?

A CUA is required if an entity provides a good, activity, service, or other function to visitors in a NPS managed area, uses park resources and results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit.

Is what I’m planning defined as a “commercial activity”?

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area defines “commercial” services or activities as those that use park resources (including roads and trails) and result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit to an individual, organization or corporation whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under local, state, or federal law. Gain is further defined as compensation beyond actual cost. A service or activity is considered “non-commercial” only if there is a bonafide equal sharing of actual expenses for the activity or service where there is no compensation, gain or means of barter accruing to the leader, group or organization.

What about Non-Profits?

Non-commercial activities, even when provided by a non-profit organization, may require a Special Use Permit (depending on the type of activity). Please contact our Special Use Permit Office at 307-548-5429 for additional information.

I have more questions. Can you explain a bit more?

We realize that these regulations are sometimes difficult to understand. If you think your activities might be “commercial,” or if you have questions about how your activity will be defined, would like clarification about the need for an authorization, or think your activity might conflict with rights already granted to a park concessioner, please contact our commercial services office at [e-mail].