Commercial Use Authorization

 

The Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permit program authorizes businesses to provide certain commercial services not typically provided by the concessioners within the boundaries of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Commercial Use Authorizations are two-year permits granted through the Business Management Office. Specific requirements for certifications and insurance must be met and maintained for the duration of the CUA.

“An Individual group, company, or other for-profit businesses play an important role in helping the National Park Service by providing commercial activities and visitor services in limited circumstances.”

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)? It is a one-year business permit that authorizes a private person, corporation, or other entity that provides goods, or services to park visitors. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GLCA) will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:

• are determined an appropriate use of GLCA.
• will have minimal impact on GLCA’s resources and values; and
• are consistent with GLCA’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

CUAs are issued by the NPS pursuant to authorities contained in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 5.3 and the 16 U.S.C. 5966 (P.L. 105-391, Section 418).

Program Changes

Beginning with operations in calendar year 2020, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area CUA permits will convert back to 2-year CUA permits, with operating years from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, Permit holders will be required to update CUA documents annually. Applications for CUA permits will be accepted at other times during the year, but all permits will expire on December 31, 2021. Application Fees for the first CUA Service Type will be $300 and each additional CUA type cost will be $100 for each year, regardless of when you apply.

 

Program Updates

The National Park Service (NPS) has developed an online CUA system designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process for NPS staff and applicants. The opening of the online system was launched and tested by parks who opted in during Phase I; the application was a success!

All NPS units will be using the online system for the 2025 CUA season. GLCA will begin accepting applications for the 2025 CUA season in the fall of 2024.

Additionally, the online system has implemented a standard CUA application fee. For the 2025 CUA season the application fees will increase to $350 for the first CUA service type, any additional service types submitted to the same NPS unit during the same CUA season will be $250 each. The application fees are non-refundable and due at time of application submission via the online system.

How to Apply for a CUA

• Apply for a CUA by accessing the online application portal found here Online CUA Application and Reporting System.

• Companies will be required to set up an account and upload all the required documents and pay the application fee through the CUA Portal.

• Watch this Video on how to apply for a CUA

• CUA Applications will be accepted year-round, all permits will expire on December 31^st, regardless of when they were issued.

• Complete applications should be submitted a minimum of 45 days in advance of first trip to allow time for processing.

• Applications will no longer accepted through the GLCA CUA Office. Beginning in 2025, applications must be submitted through the online portal. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

Apply for a New Permit

The first step in obtaining a CUA is the submission of a CUA application request form (pdf file). For more information, please contact the Commercial Use Authorizations Coordinator at 928-608-6325 or email to [e-mail]

 

Authorized Services Available in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

1. Land Based Tours

2. Guided EFoils

3. Guided Fishing Service – Colorado River

4. Guided Fishing Service – Lake Powell

5. Guided Hiking/Backcountry Service

6. Guided Canyoneering Service

7. Guided Hiking with Packstock Service

8. Guided Hunting

9. Guided Off-Road Vehicle Tours

10. Guided Photography Workshop & Instruction – Land Based

11. Guided Photography Workshop & Instruction – Water Based

12. Guided Waterski/Wakeboard & Instruction Service

13. Marine Salvage Service

14. Mobile Food and Beverage Service – Lone Rock

15. Mobile Food and Beverage Service – Lees Ferry

16. Scuba Instruction

17. Vessel Caretaking

18. Minor Vessel Repair

19. Launch & Retrieve – Houseboats (Privately Owned Only)

20. Launch & Retrieve – Motorized Vessels (Commercially Owned Only)

21. Launch & Retrieve – Human Powered Vessels (Commercially Owned Only)

22. Guided Kayak/Canoe Service

23. Guided Standup Paddleboard Service

24. Vehicle Towing

25. Rental Anchoring Service

26. Alternative Anchoring with Piloting

27. Spa and Massage Service

 

 

For Current CUA holders

All CUA Holders must fill out the following forms:
All services, these forms are necessary for your business operations: Visitor's Acknowledgement of Risk
plus one of the following:
Guided Services: Fishing-Lake Powell, Land Tours, Hiking, Photography, Hunting, Kayak/Canoe, Kayak/SUP, Scuba Instruction, Waterski Wakeboard Instruction: Guided Service Annual Report
Guided Colorado River Fishing and Backhaul: Guided Colorado River Services Annual Report
Private Vessel Services - Caretaking, Minor Repair, Launch and Retrieve, Marine Salvage: Vessel Service Annual Report
Commercial Vessel Services - Launch and Retrieve-Motorized Vessels, Launch and Retrieve - Human Powered Vessels: Commercial Vessel Service Annual Report
Retail Services - Mobile Food & Beverage Service: Retail Service Annual Report

Information for Commercial Tour Groups Entrance Fees in Glen Canyon.

Additional Information

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Revocation And Suspension Policy

The NPS may terminate a CUA upon violation of any of the CUA conditions or at the discretion of the Superintendent, at his or her discretion, may take actions other than those identified and retains the authority to immediately suspend, restrict or revoke a CUA or deny a future CUA application for reasons not covered in this policy memorandum. This policy memorandum is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy).

Pet Policy

We apologize for any inconvenience; we kindly remind all clients of Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit Holders that pets are not allowed on any CUA Trips. This policy is to protect the health and safety of all people in the area, as well as animals themselves.

It is important to abide by these rules, as animals are unpredictable and can cause harm to other individuals. It is also important to note that this rule applies to any kind of animals, such as domestic pets, wild animals, and exotic pets; excluded are service animals.

Definition of Service Animal: A service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

The service animals may accompany visitors with disabilities in areas of Glen Canyon open to the public.

 

Market Price Fees

Gross Receipts	Market Price Fee
<$250,000	3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000 - $500,000	4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000	5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)

Larger CUA business models will see lower application fees, but could see increased Management Fees based on the Market Price Fee Table.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CUA?

The Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permit program authorizes businesses to provide certain commercial services not typically provided by concessioners within the boundaries of a unit of the National Park Service.

What are the different types of CUA fees?

There are two types of CUA fees. An Application Fee is a non-refundable fee assessed to recover administrative costs associated with reviewing and approving or denying applications for CUAs. The Management Fee is a type of fee to recover the actual costs incurred by all park divisions involved in support of the use, monitoring, clean-up, and restoration resulting from use. The Management Fee will be a “market price fee”, which is based on the percentage of gross receipts earned in-park or from park-dependent operations.

 

Road-based Commercial Tour CUAs (RBCT CUAs)

There is currently a moratorium on issuing RBCT CUAs. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area did not historically issue RBCT CUAs prior to May 28, 2020, therefore will not be issuing RBCT CUAs at this time. For updates visit the National Park Service's RBCT CUA page.

 

Learn more about CUAs

Commercial Use Authorizations in the National Park Service

click here