Commercial Use Authorizations

Please Note

Starting January 1, 2025 all CUA applications must be received using the new online system Home - Commercial Use Authorization.  

 

Commercial Use Authorization Overview

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:

• Are determined to be an appropriate use of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area;
• Will have minimal impact on Whiskeytown National Recreation Area's resources and values; and
• Are consistent with Whiskeytown National Recreation Area'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:

• Take place at least in part in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area,

• Use park resources, and
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

Do I need a CUA?

The Following Services Require CUAs in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area:

• Fishing (Commercial Use Authorization Valid Fishing Guides for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area)
• Food and Beverage
• Diving
• Boat Tours - Motorized and Nonmotorized
• Retail Sales (when done in conjunction with a Special Use Permit event) 
• Frontcounty Hiking

You may not conduct commercial activities in Whiskeytown without a valid CUA!
You need to have a current CUA on file prior to your first trip to the park.
A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:

• take place at least in part on lands managed by the National Park Service,
• use park resources, and
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

Why does the National Park Service 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.

Where do I apply for a CUA?

Applications beginning January 1, 2025 can only be recieved online. To apply go to: Commercial Use Authorization Application.

How much does a CUA cost?

Application Fee
The first application cost $350 and is non-refundable. Payment is required when you submit the application packet. Any additional applications cost $250.

 

How long does it take to get a CUA?

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area requires 6-8 weeks from time application is recieved to be processed. Applications can be submitted year-round. CUA Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. 

What am I responsible for after I get a CUA?

All CUA holders must submit an annual report via the online CUA system each year by January 31 for the operations that occured during the proceding year. This report provides the park with viisitation 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 subswquent CUA applications via the online CUA system or the suspension of active CUAs. 

Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Each CUA will require you to also fill out this Visitor Acklowledgement of Risk Form. 

 

Contact Information

Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Office Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm