What is a CUA?
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:
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Are determined to be an appropriate use of Dinosaur National Monument;
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Will have minimal impact on Dinosaur National Monument’s resources and values; and
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Are consistent with Dinosaur National Monument’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:
List of Approved Services for CUAs
How do I apply for a CUA?
Dinosaur National Monument accepts CUA applications between the dates of October 1 – December 31 for the upcoming year. Permits are valid until the end of the calendar year for which they are granted.
The NPS 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.
To apply for a CUA in Dinosaur National Monument:
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Navigate to the online Commercial Use Authorization System Homepage.
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If you have not already done so, you must create a Login.gov account by clicking the “Sign In” link at the top of the page. If you already have an account you should sign in before continuing.
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At the top of the homepage click “Opportunities” and select “Search by Park.”
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Enter “DINO” into the search bar and hit search. Select “Dinosaur National Monument.”
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You should see a list of available services that can be applied for. For the service you would like to apply, click the arrow to the right of the service and then click “View Detail and Conditions.”
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This page will provide you an opportunity to read the required conditions to be met, documentation needed, and fees that will be required to apply.
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Click “Apply” at the bottom of the page and follow the prompts to complete your application. Reminder: You will need to create a Login.gov account if you have not already done so to apply.
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Follow the prompts to provide the necessary documents and pay the required fees and submit your application.
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Applications are processed in the order they are received. If your application is approved you will be provided a copy of the CUA document for review and approval. A copy of the signed CUA must be obtained by the Monument.
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CUA Holders must ensure that a signed copy of the CUA is kept on-hand at all times by the lead staff member while operating in Dinosaur National Monument and available for review on the request of NPS staff. Failure to do so may result in non-entry, suspension, or even the revocation of the CUA.
What are the fees to apply for a CUA?
- Application Fee:
- $350 for the first application
- $250 for each subsequent CUA filed ($100 discount is applied thereafter)
- Administrative Fee:
What park entrance fees must I pay?
Refer to your CUA conditions. You can also find information about entrance fees on the Fees & Passes webpage.
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.
To complete the annual reporting process:
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Visit the online CUA system to access the annual report.
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Follow the step-by-step instructions found on the website to finalize and submit annual reports.
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NPS staff will evaluate your submitted reports, either approving them or requesting revisions.
Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Form
CUA holders providing authorized services are allowed to warn or advise visitors of the risks associated with a certain activity but does not allow operators to have visitors sign a waiver of liability statement, insurance disclaimer and/or indemnification agreement. The NPS provides CUA holders with an approved Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk (VAR) form that can be edited to list potential risks.
CUA Office Contact Information
CUA/Special Permit Office: 970-374-2468, dino_permits@nps.gov
Important Links
