Changes Coming to the Commercial Use Authorization Application Portal with the National Park Service

Isle Royale Teen Artist Program Commercial Use Authorization applications with the National Park Service are changing in 2024. The CUA application is a required tool used by the National Park Service to allow private businesses within a national park. Such as for charter boat fishing, park tours, or other guide services. Starting in February the Isle Royale National Park will participate in the CUA online system’s initial rollout. The 2024 CUA season will accept applications from February 1st to the 29th. Future application periods will take place every two years between November 1st and December 1st for water-based operations on even years, and land-based operations will renew on odd years. Additionally, the CUA application fee for two years will be reduced from 600 dollars to 500 dollars. A one-year application will cost 350 dollars.

Find more details below:

Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Program

Commercial Use Authorizations – Isle Royale National Park

Other program changes that will begin for the 2024 season include:

• The application fee for a two-year CUA will be reduced from $600 to $500.
• The application fee for a one-year Seaplane CUA will be $350.
• Annual management fees will no longer include gross revenue deductions for in-park purchases (e.g., transportation and lodging).
• CUAs involving motorized vessels and sailboats will be required to obtain general liability insurance in the amount of at least two million dollars ($2,000,000 USD).

For the 2025 CUA season, the standard CUA application fees will be consistent across all national parks. These fees will consist of a base rate for the first application and a moderately reduced rate for each subsequent application from the same applicant to the same park. Application fees will be collected through the system upon submitting the application.