Commercial Use Authorizations

The National Park Service requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks, usually in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization.

A Commercial Use Authorizations permit (CUA) is required before conducting any form of commercial use activity in the park. A commercial tour or service consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes by an organization that profits from providing that service.  A CUA authorizes companies or individuals to conduct business in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park on an annual basis.

A CUA is required when an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that

1. take place at least in part in the park

2. use park resources, and

3. result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. Examples included guided hikes and art or photography workshops. 

Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

To inquire about a CUA or submit an application, please contact the Special Park Uses office at [e-mail].

Commercial Use Authorization Application

What Activities and Services are Authorized Through a CUA?

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park currently issues activity-based CUAs for the following activities:

• Guided hiking/jogging/running – when there is not snow on the ground

• Guided Horseback riding - when there is not snow on the ground

• Art or photography workshops

• Other Workshops (i.e. yoga)

All activity-based CUAs are issued for up to one year. The CUA operating year is from January 1 to December 31. A $250 administrative fee is required, due prior to issuance of the permit.

COVID-19 Operating Information

All commercial operators are independently responsible for understanding and complying with the most current applicable laws, regulations, orders, ordinances and other requirements and for conducting their operations in a manner that is safe and protects the health of employees, customers and the public.

This guidance could change if COVID-19 conditions become less favorable. Operators are responsible for staying up-to-date on the latest guidance.

The following list outlines some (but not all) applicable laws, public health orders, and guidance CUA holders and commercial tour bus operators must follow:

• NPS Requirements and Guidance: Public Health Information for the Park Partner Community (U.S. National Park Service)
• CDC Requirements and Guidance: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance

Face Masks
Face masks are optional in NPS-administered buildings and facilities for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Masks are strongly recommended on all forms of commercial transportation.

By signing the CUA Application (NPS form 10-550), the holder certifies their ability to meet and uphold all applicable state and local public health orders, to follow the guidance provided by the CDC and NPS for the authorized activity, and to adjust operations as necessary should guidance change.