Analysis of Commercial Use Management Policies in the National Park Service

Private companies, or commercial services, provide goods and services within national parks including lodging, food, transportation, and guided activities. One way for commercial services to operate within a national park is by applying for a commercial use authorization (CUA), which is a short-term permit that "authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit." Due to the NPS Centennial celebration and record-breaking visitation, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park have experienced an overwhelming increase in CUA applications over the last few years. This paper uses a literature review of NPS policies and semi-structured interviews conducted with NPS employees to analyze how CUA programs operate at 10 other parks. Findings from this study will provide guidance and recommendations to Arches and Canyonlands on long-term strategies to improve the management of their CUA program.