The National Park Service will be accepting applications for Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) from individuals or businesses wishing to offer visitor services in Dry Tortugas National Park for the two year period starting Jan. 1, 2012 and ending Dec. 31, 2013.
Commercial Use Authorizations may be issued pursuant to section 418 of the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998(16 USC 5966). A CUA is a permit that authorizes suitable commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. These circumstances include (1) a service that is determined to be an appropriate use of the park, (2) a service which will have minimal impact on park resources and values and (3) services which are consistent with the purpose for which the unit was established, as well as all applicable management plan and park policies and regulations.
A total of thirty (30) CUAs will be awarded to provide services within Dry Tortugas National Park. The categories of service include (1) guided fishing trips, (2) dive and/or snorkel trips, (3) guided wildlife viewing trips and (4) sailing charters to the Dry Tortugas. Each activity will require a separate permit.
Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 1, 2011. All applications must be received by the close of business (4:30PM) on November 4, 2011. A non-refundable application fee of $250 must accompany the application package.
All applicants will receive a response whether or not they are awarded a CUA.
Additional information and the Application packet are available on the Dry Tortugas website, https://www.nps.gov/drto/parkmgmt/businesswithpark.htm, from Oct. 1, 2011 to November 4, 2011.
For additional information or concerns, you may contact Linda Roehrig, Special Park Uses Program Manager at 305-242-7744 or via email at linda_roehrig@nps.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
