Do Business With Us

If you are a business operator and want to conduct business within Obed WSR, you are required to obtain a commercial use authorization permit (36 CFR Sec. 5.3). Failure to obtain this permit may result in the issuance of a fine and/or removal from the park. As in any other unit of the National Park System, commercial visitor services may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the National Park Service.

Larger visitor service operations are provided under concession contracts. Smaller, single-service businesses are issued commercial use authorization, if certain requirements are met.

Note: If you are a nonprofit organization without taxable income, under the new National Park Service guidelines you may not be required to obtain a commercial use authorization. For more information, refer to guidance available on this site: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cua/cua-law-and-policy.htm.

 

MORE INFORMATION

• Applications
• Insurance Requirements
• Packet Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Current Commercial Services Providers
• NPS Commercial Services Website

Providing Commercial Visitor Services

The National Park Service must determine what types of commercial activities are necessary and appropriate at Obed Wild & Scenic River. All commercial activities must operate in a manner that is consistent with the mission of the park and the National Park Service. That is to say, all commercial activities operating within the park should provide high quality visitor experiences while protecting important natural, cultural, and scenic resources.

Operating any type of commercial visitor service within Obed without written authorization from the United States is a violation of Title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations. It is a citable offense. If you are in doubt, please contact the park, either by mail, telephone, or in person.

The authorization is issued to a qualified operator to permit the provision of appropriate commercial services to park area visitors. A qualified operator is an organization that the superintendent determines has the ability to satisfactorily provide visitor services and carry out the terms of the CUA.

Authorized commercial services must:

• Have minimal impact on park area’s resources and values;
• Are consistent with the purpose for which the park area was established;
• Are consistent with all applicable park area management plans, policies, and regulations.

The holder must agree to comply with all of the general and specific conditions described in the CUA conditions. You should familiarize yourself with these documents before applying for a CUA.

 

When can I Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization?

In an effort to provide as much opportunity for conducting business in the park, Obed will now accept applications for commercial use authorizations year-round. A late fee will apply after the open period for applications, which is January 1 through February 28. 

Applications received during the following dates will incur a corresponding late fee*:
March 1 through June 30—$100
July 1 through September 30—$200
October 1 through December 31—$300
*The above late fee is in addition to regular permit fees. 

Applications for one-time business operations or special event vendors will be accepted year-round without any late fees applied.