1: Closures and Public Use Limits:  The Superintendent reserves the right to,1) Impose restrictions on group size, 2) delay, cancel or reschedule any trip, 3) limit the operation of the Holder in a specific area or during a specific time period, and/or 4) schedule use of or close any area of attraction in the interest of preventing adverse environmental or sociological impact, to protect park resources, to ensure visitor safety, to facilitate research projects, or to respond to any unforeseen circumstances that may have an unfavorable impact upon the nature or purpose of such trip. No reimbursement for canceled reservations will be provided to the Holder. See condition #14 for communication information. 

2: Group Size:  The Superintendent reserves the right to limit the size of any commercial group. 

1. Holders are limited to 20 participants per hour. Participants will be sent out in groups no larger than 5.  

3: Non-compliance or Non-adherence: Failure to comply with any of the Special Park Conditions of the Commercial Use Authorization per 54 USC sec 101925 may result in the immediate suspension or termination or non-renewal of the Holders’ application by the Superintendent. There is no appeal process to this determination.

4: Hazards: Hazards such as woody debris and strainers exist throughout the Cuyahoga River which are not maintained by park staff. The Holder may scout the river prior to sending trips downstream. Major hazards such as a full river obstruction should be reported to the Communications Center at 440-546-5945. 

5: Storage: Any equipment used in this operation must be stored outside the boundaries of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

6: Unattended Equipment: In accordance with 36 CFR 2.22, leaving any equipment used in your operation unattended within Cuyahoga Valley National Park for longer than 24 hours is prohibited. The National Park Service bears no responsibility for equipment left unattended. National Park Service staff and/or storage facilities shall not be used to care for unattended equipment used in conjunction with the operation. 

7: Carrying Commercial Use Authorization at All Times:  CUA Holder shall ensure that each of their employees receives a copy of the CUA and understands the content, conditions, and stipulations. Additionally, CUA Holder ensures the signed authorization, or at a minimum, the Special Conditions section, will be carried by the CUA Holder and/or their staff at all times when on National Park Service property. The National Park Service retains the right for the CUA Program Manager, Superintendent, law enforcement Park Rangers, and any other person designated by the CUA Program Manager to request an Authorization check at any time on National Park Service property, including during peak use.

8: Payment Rendered for Services: Holder and their employees are not permitted to collect any form of payment—plastic,  paper, or digital—tip, refund, or price adjustment for services rendered on National Park Service property for any reason. 

9: Visitor Safety: CUA Holder and their employees shall brief the participants on safety concerns relevant to each day's activity at the beginning of the trip. Staff must be well-acquainted with park regulations and support compliance with all regulations:

1. Safety Checklists in Shuttle Vehicles: CUA Holder and their employees shall post a single, standardized Safety Checklist in each vehicle transporting passengers on National Park Service property. The Safety Checklist must be mounted in a location where everyone is capable of seeing the information (e.g., windows, doors, dashboard). The Safety Checklist can be mounted in multiple locations, but the Safety Checklist should be affixed in a semi-permanent manner with no other documents or decals within 3-inches on any side. 

2. Accidents:  CUA Holder and/or staff must notify law enforcement immediately following any accident or injury by calling the Communications Center at 440-546-5945. 

3. Reporting Accidents: In addition to immediately reporting accidents and injuries, near-misses, accidents and injuries are required to be reported on the Annual Report (Form 10-660). The Annual Report is due each year for the preceding year by the end of the season or January 31st, through the CUA Portal.

4. First-Aid Supplies: First-aid kits shall be carried by all guide(s) on single or multi-day activities. The contents of the first-aid kit should be appropriate to activity level. 

5. Flotation Devices:  A minimum of one (1) Coast Guard approved Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) of the proper size will be distributed to each client regardless of the type of vessel. Children under 10 are required to wear a properly fitted, serviceable PFD at all times when the vessel is in motion. 

6. Pets:  Pets accompanying CUA staff or their guests in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park must be physically confined at all times.  Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a six-foot or shorter leash is prohibited while within the boundary of the Riverway.  Refer to the Superintendent’s Compendium at https://www.nps.gov/cuva/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm for more detailed information.

7. Alcohol: Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The Holder is responsible for notifying customers that alcoholic beverages are prohibited. 

10. Only human powered vessels are allowed on the Cuyahoga River. All vessels will be steerable. Inner tubes, air mattresses, float tubes, and similar individual swimming/fishing flotation devices are prohibited

11: Holder Administrative Requirements:  CUA Holder is required to ensure state and federal laws are adhered to regarding the administrative functions outlined below. Applicable state laws are based upon the legal address of the Holder’s business. As such, CUA Holders are responsible for notifying the CUA Program Manager within 15 calendar days if their business address changes, or the business is sold to another party. Requirements of state park concessioner contracts or similar permits are not managed by the National Park Service.

1. Vessel Registration: 

   1. Watercraft must comply with State of Ohio registration requirements. 

      • https://ohiodnr.gov/rules-and-regulations-by-division/state-parks-and-watercraft/boating-rules/01-register-ohio-boat 

2. Vessel Markings: 

   1. Canoes, kayaks (single and tandem) will be clearly marked above the waterline with the name of the Holder’s business as it appears on the CUA permit. The lettering will be using Arabic letters between 3 and 5 inches in height. The letters must be placed either within 4 inches to the left or right of the state boat registration decal, or no more than 12 inches from the bow of the vessel. The lettering must be typed or printed using color-fast inks—handwritten markings are not acceptable. The letters must be in clear contrast to the color of the hull. 

3. Fair Market Price Fee: A fair market price fee will be charged for all Holder’s operating on the Cuyahoga River. 

   <$250,000	3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
   Between $250,000 to $500,000	4% of gross receipts
   >$500,000	5% of gross receipts

d. Transportation: Out -of-park CUA Holder’s customers shall park at the Holder’s facilities to receive Holder’s services.

e. Shuttle Vehicle Markings: 

1. CUA applicants must list all vehicles that will be used in shuttling passengers, shuttling equipment, or conducting reviews or supervising their staff on their application in the CUA Portal at the time of application. After the issuance of a CUA, the Holder is required to receive approval in writing from the CUA Program Manager prior to utilizing a vehicle not previously listed on the application. The CUA Program Manager will modify the application to list any post-application vehicles added at the request of the Holder. Only vehicles included on the CUA Holder’s account in the CUA Portal and shown as insured on the Holder’s auto insurance statement can be used on National Park Service property.

2. All approved vehicles shall comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number and https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/carrier-safety/motor-carrier-safety-planner.. If the standards do not apply to the vehicle type used by the Holder, then the vehicle shall display the name and phone number of the Holder’s business as it is shown on the CUA permit in Arabic letters at least 3 inches tall, but not taller than 10 inches on both sides of the vehicle. The letters must contrast with the vehicle coloring. The lettering can be printed and applied by decal or vinyl wrap, magnet, or any other semi-permanent application—handwritten lettering is not acceptable.

f. Contracted Shuttle Vehicles: In the event the Holder needs to augment their fleet of shuttle vehicles or replaces their fleet with contracted services, Holders are permitted to do so with written permission by the CUA Program Manager in advance of use of contracted vehicles. The following requirements must be met:

1. The contractor must comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number and https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/
   carrier-safety/motor-carrier-safety-planner.

   1. Adhere to all requirements of the Park Special Conditions, including but not limited to bearing a copy of the CUA Holder’s permit, meeting insurance requirements and displaying the Safety Checklist while on National Park Service property.

   2. Post the name of the CUA Holder’s business in the front window or passenger door in letters at least 3 inches tall, but not taller than 5 inches.

g. Harassment: The National Park Service is committed to a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment and hostile work environments. This policy extends to its commercial service providers. The National Park Service will not tolerate harassment, in any form, of staff or visitors, nor the creation of hostile work conditions. Violation of this policy may result in suspension or termination of the Authorization.

h. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control: Controlling the human transport of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is critical to protecting the Cuyahoga River. CUA Holders will follow all required procedures to prevent the introduction of AIS to park or associated waters, including tributaries. 

1. Holder will ensure all equipment used in providing services under this permit is clean, drained, and dry (or otherwise decontaminated) in accordance with all applicable State of Ohio laws prior to first launch on the Cuyahoga River. Equipment includes vessels, trailers, tow vehicles, tools, boating equipment (e.g., anchors and anchor lines), and other items associated with permitted activities under the Authorization.

2. Holder will inspect vessels before and after trips for attached aquatic plants, animals, or mud; remove all attached plants or animals, drain all water from vessels, containers, and gear; never move live fish. 

3. Holder will be familiar with all applicable state AIS laws.

i. Reporting:

1.  Monthly reporting: NPS Form 10-660A CUA Monthly Report must be completed for each month the CUA holder is operating. Monthly reports are due by the end of the first week of the next month.

2.  Annual Gross Receipts Report:  Annual reporting of the Holder’s monthly statistics, and gross receipts for business conducted within the park boundaries for the prior authorized year are required by January 31of the subsequent calendar year, or the end of the season. Failure to report gross receipts prior to January 31 may result in the non-consideration of an application in the subsequent year.

12: Professional Excellence and General Permit Requirements: CUA Holder is expected to behave in a manner appropriate to represent the United States government and the National Park Service as an authorized commercial vendor. As such, the Holder is expected to participate in monitoring activities but is also afforded certain rights.

1. Monitoring:  The Superintendent, CUA Program Manager,  and any of the Park’s law enforcement officers shall have the right to monitor Holder's activities for compliance with all aspects of this authorization.  Monitoring may be announced or unscheduled but will always be linked to the General Conditions or Park Special Conditions. Feedback on the monitoring event will be distributed to the Holder within 7 calendar days by the CUA Program Manager. Standardized forms will be used by National Park Service staff when assessing CUA activity. The cost of monitoring CUA activity will be paid for by Management Fees collected from CUA Holders. Management Fees will be assessed once per year after the CUA Program Manager receives the CUA Holder’s Annual Report. Management Fees are based upon the reported gross receipts of the CUA Holder’s activity(ies) that take place in the Park and should be paid using Pay.gov by February 28 or submission of an Application for the following year, whichever comes first.

2. Uniforms: No uniforms mimicking National Park Service uniform or displaying the “Arrowhead” are permitted. CUA Holder personnel may be required to wear uniforms to represent the business. Regardless of uniform status, all CUA Holder personnel are required to wear, a shirt, a namebar or nametag bearing the staff person’s name and company they work for, pants or shorts, and footwear appropriate to the task at all times when representing the CUA Holder’s business on National Park Service property.

3. Advertising:  Commercial aspects, such as advertising (apart from company identification on vehicles), negotiation of compensation, and receipt of money/compensation cannot occur on National Park Service property. 

4. Engagement with Other CUA Holders: CUA Holders may encounter other competing businesses or CUA Holders within operation of their own business. In this regard, CUA Holder is expected to maintain professional appearance and appropriate dialogue. Discrepancies are expected to be resolved at the lowest possible level, and without mediation by the National Park Service. Where appropriate, however, the CUA Holders may contact the CUA Program Manager only, and by email for assistance.

5. Creating Hazardous Conditions: No CUA Holder or their staff can create a situation or environment that violates state or federal law, or perpetuates or creates hazardous conditions such as “bridge jumping,” failure to train staff in safety measures, improper loading of canoe trailer, etc. (Aforementioned examples are not all-inclusive.)

6. Special Use Permits: CUA Holders shall be notified by the CUA Program Manager at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of any Special Use Permit event occurring in the areas for which the CUA Holder has a CUA. 

13: Visitor Orientation Information: 

1. Resource Preservation Requirements: A resource preservation message relevant to each activity must be given at the beginning of each trip, posted on the organization’s website within the text describing the activity, or both. Holder shall be familiar with and promote “Leave No Trace” principles to reduce impact on resources. 

2. Trash Bags: One trash bag and a method for securing the trash bag to a vessel (e.g., carabiner or hemp string) shall be distributed to CUA Holders’ customers for each rented vessel. The trash bag will measure at least 12 inches on each side and have a drawstring top.. The Holder and customers must pack out all trash associated with their trip. 

3. Wildlife: CUA Holder will abide by basic principles associated with treatment of wildlife, which include but are not limited to: 

   1. Conduct all activities in a manner that prevents any individual animal from becoming habituated.  For example, do not feed the wildlife, as this disrupts natural processes the National Park Service is trying to preserve. 

   2. Collecting freshwater mussels or mussel shells is prohibited.

14: National Park Service Correspondence and Communication:  Correspondence between National Park Service staff and CUA personnel should remain professional and appropriate to servicing the general public. The window for reporting administrative concerns is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Law enforcement and maintenance concerns should be reported as soon as possible. The appropriate method for directing communication from CUA Holder to the National Park Service is described below.

1. Administrative:  All general correspondence (e.g., questions related to the application and reporting process) should be routed to CUVA_Permits@nps.gov. For more immediate assistance please call the CUA Program Manager, Stephen Erkelenz at 440-546-5927.

2. Law Enforcement:  All emergencies or situations needing law enforcement attention should be directed to the Communications Center at 440-546-5945, and local law enforcement via 911. The Communications Center is the park’s designated dispatching office and serves several other parks. CUA Holders or their staff should notify the Dispatch Officer of their name, that they are at “[name of landing] at Cuyahoga Valley National Park,” and the nature of the emergency. The nearest working Park Ranger will be dispatched as soon as possible. CUA Holder is not authorized to call personal cell phones or desk phones of any other employee to request emergency support. Calling local law enforcement (e.g., Cuyahoga Falls PD, Peninsula PD is acceptable but may result in longer response time.

3. Emergency Communications to CUA Holder: In situations identified in Section 1 above (“Closures and Public Use Limits”), only the CUA Program Manager listed in 12(a), the Business Management Specialist, and law enforcement rangers are authorized to communicate opening and closure information to the CUA Holder. Any other direction from park staff, news agency, website, or internal CUA Holder communication is not valid. Violation of emergency closures identified in Section 1 above will be grounds for immediate suspension or cancellation of Authorization.

​You are required to submit an annual report (Form 10-660) through this system by February 28 for the previous calendar year operations. Monthly reports, if required for your CUA, are due by the 15th of each month for the previous month operations. You also must submit any required activity specific reports and should refer to the regional and park specific CUA conditions for those requirements prior to submitting an application. Notification for due reports will be provided via email. You are responsible for monitoring your email account. 

Insurance Certification

Proof of Vessel Registration

Operating Plan

First Aid Certificate

Driver's License (for shuttle drivers) 

The management fee for this CUA is a market price fee based on a percentage of your revenue earned from in-park or park-dependent operations. The fee is not based on your overall revenue or on revenue earned from services not authorized by the CUA that do not occur in-park or are park-dependent. The NPS defines park-dependent operations as those commercial activities that are packaged and sold, marketed to include, or coincidentally include, entry into the park boundaries for part or all of the activity duration.

• Less than $250,000 earned from park-based operations - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee).  

• $250,000 to $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 4% of gross receipts.  

• More than $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 5% of gross receipts.