Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial Services

A business (including non-profit organizations) or an individual must obtain either a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) or Concession Contract prior to conducting any commercial activity in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. These permits and contracts are issued and administered by the National Park Service (NPS).

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is necessary to conduct commercial activities such as air taxi services, big game transport, boating trips, guided hiking and more. Please review the application, instructions, checklist, and additional information carefully to ensure your package is completed properly. Applications are accepted annually between November 1 and April 30. A fully completed application package including insurance, fee payment, and other required documentation must be received or postmarked by the April 30 deadline. Completed application packages should be emailed to [e-mail].

The National Park Service (NPS) issues prospectuses to solicit offerors for concession contracts. Contracts are awarded through a competitive selection process and are generally for a term of ten years or less. Concession contract opportunities in Wrangell-St. Elias include sport hunting guide services in the preserve and historic tours of the buildings in the Kennecott National Mines Historic Landmark.

Visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/index.htm if you are interested in becoming a NPS concessioner

Tools https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/cti.htm and forms https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/afr.htm are available for authorized concessioners at Wrangell-St. Elias.

A directory of CUA holders and concessioners can be found at https://www.nps.gov/locations/alaska/services.htm. For more information on CUA's or concession contracts please contact the Wrangell's Concessions Management Specialist at 907-822-7206 or email us.

Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks.

As regulations regarding commercial filming permits are being reassessed, those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the park's Special Use Permit Coordinator at 907-822-7206 for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Do I need a permit to film?

All commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available at: Filming & Still Photography Permits (nps.gov)

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, and other staff associated with commercial filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors still apply to filming activities even if no permit is needed for their activity. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Restrictions

Drone Use: Launching, landing, or operating of drones (i.e., unmanned aircraft) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

 

For more information regarding Commercial Use Authorizations in Wrangell-St. Elias, please contact Janice Maslen at [phone] or email.

You can find information about commercial visitor services in all Alaskan national parks on the Alaska Regional Office website. Information includes types of commercial visitor services authorizations, a directory of providers in Alaska, and info about contracts and leases.