Please read the terms and conditions of the park by by selecting each heading to expand. Select Apply below to begin a CUA application.

The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements.  CUA Conditions apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations.  Park Specific Conditions are specific terms and conditions based on the services provided at that specific park. These may include but are not limited to limits on locations, times, group size, and employee licenses and certifications. Providing such information to the park superintendent for approval.

North Cascades National Park
Air Tours

Commercial activities permitted under this Authorization are Air Tours/Transportation and docking on Federally owned or controlled docks, lands, waters and marina facilities designated by the Superintendent to be used for commercial air services within Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.   This activity permits water landings only in Lake Chelan or Ross Lake.
 
Applications are accepted through March 14th for the 2025 season.

CUA Conditions

​​​Additional Information:  The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements.  The following terms and conditions will apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations.  There may be additional terms and conditions based on the services provided.  These may include but are not limited to limits on locations, times, group size, and employee licenses and certifications and providing such information to the park superintendent for approval.

CONDITIONS OF THIS AUTHORIZATION

  1. False Information:  The holder is prohibited from knowingly giving false information. To do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation: [RE: 36 CFR 2.32(a) (3)].
  2. Legal Compliance:  The holder shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the area Superintendent. The holder shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the area and terms and conditions of the authorization. The holder must acquire all permits or licenses of State or local government, as applicable, necessary to provide the services described above, and must operate in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, all applicable park area policies, procedures and regulations. All vehicles/vessels/aircraft are required to be registered and the operators are required to have the proper licenses to operate them commercially, as required by law or regulation.
  3. Employee Conduct:  The holder must ensure that its employees are hospitable and exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public. The holder must establish appropriate screening, hiring, training, safety, employment, termination and other policies and procedures. The holder must review the conduct of any of its employees whose action or activities are considered by the holder or the Director to be inconsistent with the proper administration of the Area and enjoyment and protection of visitors and must take such actions as are necessary to correct the situation. The holder must maintain, to the greatest extent possible, a drug free work environment.
  4. Rates:  The holder shall provide commercial services under this authorization to visitors at reasonable rates satisfactory to the area Superintendent.
  5. Operating Conditions: The holder shall provide the authorized commercial services to visitors under operating conditions satisfactory to the area Superintendent. 
  6. Liabilities and Claims:  This authorization is issued upon the express condition that the United States, its agents and employees shall be free from all liabilities and claims for damages and/or suits for or by reason of any injury, injuries, or death to any person or persons or property of any kind whatsoever, whether to the person or property of the holder, its agents or employees, or third parties, from any cause or causes whatsoever while in or upon said premises or any part thereof during the term of this authorization or occasioned by any occupancy or use of said premises or any activity carried on by the holder in connection herewith, and the holder hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the United States, its agents, and employees from all liabilities, charges, expenses and costs on account of or by reason of any such injuries, deaths, liabilities, claims, suits or losses however occurring or damages growing out of the same. 
  7. Insurance:  Holder agrees to carry liability insurance against claims occasioned by the action or omissions of the holder, its agents and employees in carrying out activities and operations under this authorization. The policy shall name the United States of America as additional insured.  Holder agrees to have on file with the park copies of the above insurance with the proper endorsements. 
  8. Exculpatory Agreements: Any exculpatory agreement used by the CUA holder or entity providing services authorized by the CUA must comply with applicable state and federal law and NPS policy. The exculpatory agreement must not waive liability or preclude claims against or require indemnifying the CUA holder or entity providing services authorized by the CUA for gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct. The exculpatory agreement must waive liability against the United States by including the following language: “The undersigned further waives liability of the United States and acknowledges and agrees that the United States and its officers and employees are fully released from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses that the undersigned sustains as a result of or in connection with the undersigned’s participation in this activity.” The Service will not as a matter of standard practice, collect, review or approve the exculpatory agreement. The CUA holder may consider consulting with their own counsel in the development of its exculpatory agreement to ensure they comply with NPS policy and Applicable Law. However, the Service reserves the right to review the exculpatory agreement and any modifications or replacements of the agreement at any time during the term of the CUA and require any revisions to ensure all the requirements of NPS policy are met. The NPS also reserves the right to require changes to the exculpatory agreement or, to the extent permitted by law, revoke the allowance to use the exculpatory agreement, if the Service determines the agreement is not compliant. Any determination by the Service that an exculpatory agreement is policy-compliant does not convey the NPS’s view that the agreement is valid, enforceable, or otherwise endorsed by the NPS for any purpose.
  9. CUA Fees:  At a minimum, the holder shall reimburse the park for all costs incurred by the park as a result of accepting and processing the application and managing and monitoring the authorized activity.  Administrative costs for the application process must be paid when the application is submitted.  Monitoring fees and any additional costs incurred by the park to support the commercial activity will be paid annually or on a more frequent basis as determined by mutual agreement between the Holder and the area Superintendent.
  10. Benefit:  No member of, or delegate to, Congress, or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this authorization or to any benefit that may arise from this authorization.  This restriction shall not be construed to extend to this Contract if made with a corporation or company for its general benefit.
  11. Transfer:  This authorization may not be transferred or assigned without the written consent of the area Superintendent. 
  12. Suspension and Revocation: This authorization may be suspended or revoked upon breach of any of the conditions herein or at the discretion of the area Superintendent. 
  13. Preference or Exclusivity:  The holder is not entitled to any preference to renewal of this authorization except to the extent otherwise expressly provided by law. This authorization is not exclusive and is not a concession contract. 
  14. Construction:  The holder shall not construct any structures, fixtures or improvements in the park area. The holder shall not engage in any groundbreaking activities without the express, written approval of the area Superintendent. 
  15. Reporting:  The holder must submit annually the CUA Annual Report (NPS Form 10-660) by February 28 for the prior CUA season and also must submit upon request the CUA Monthly Report (NPS Form 10-660A). The holder is to provide the area Superintendent upon request any other specific information related to the holder’s operations that the area Superintendent may request, including but not limited to, visitor use statistics, and resource impact assessments. 
  16. Accounting:  The holder is to maintain an accounting system under which its accounts can be readily identified within its system of accounts classification. This accounting system must be capable of providing the information required by this authorization. The holder grants the United States of America access to its books and records at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the terms and conditions of this authorization.

  17. Paid Sick Leave: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13706 of September 30, 2016, (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 C.F.R. part 13, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization. 

  18. Intellectual Property of the National Park Service: Except with the written authorization of the Director of the National Park Service, the Holder shall not assert any legal claim that the Holder or any related entity holds a trademark, tradename, servicemark or other ownership interest in the words "National Park Service", the initials "NPS", or official name of any unit or part thereof, including but not limited to any facility, logo, distinctive natural, archaeological, cultural, or historic site, within the National Park System, or any colorable likeness thereof, or the likeness of a National Park Service official uniform, badge, logo, or insignia.
  19. Nondiscrimination:  The holder must comply with Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination in providing visitor services to the public and with all equal employment opportunity provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended.
  20. Notification of Employee Rights: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13496 of January 30, 2009, (Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 CFR part 471, appendix A to subpart A, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.

Park Specific Conditions

SPECIAL PARK CONDITIONS FOR ALL SERVICES
 
These conditions apply to all commercial use authorizations in North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area regardless of activity.
 
1.  Under this CUA, the holder must not collect any fees, or sell any goods or services on lands owned and controlled by the United States.
 
2.  The holder is responsible for knowing and complying with specific laws and regulations for guided visitor use in North Cascades National Park Complex are outlined in the Superintendent’s Compendium, which is periodically updated and can be found at https://www.nps.gov/noca/learn/management/superintendent-compendium.htm
 
3.  It is the holder’s responsibility to obtain prior approval from landowners and/or other county, state or federal agencies for access to or across lands adjacent to the park complex
 
4.  Accidents involving personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, or threatening incidents involving wildlife must be reported as soon as possible to the nearest ranger station, which will ensure the proper individuals and Superintendent are notified. [36 CFR 2.33, 4.4]
 
5.  The National Park Service reserves the right to close areas, trails, campsites, or structures within the park complex due to safety or resource concerns.
 
6.  The holder shall pay the United States for any damage resulting from this use which would not reasonably be inherent in the use which the holder is authorized to make of the land described in this authorization.
 
7.  The holder is subject to field monitoring inspections to ensure compliance with all authorization conditions. NPS monitoring and reporting may cover the following areas: understanding of wilderness values and designation; Leave No Trace; safety; and park regulations. The holder is responsible for ensuring that both the guides and the clients can demonstrate understanding of these topics, with the goal that clients returning to the park or similar area on their own should have a basic knowledge of the resources and stewardship of the Park area, including designated Wilderness.
 
8.  All fishing and hunting activities require adherence to Washington State law. The holder is responsible for ensuring their clients obtain a valid state fishing/hunting license, are aware of, and adhere to all regulations concerning seasons, gear, and catch. Please consult the current Washington State fishing and hunting regulations pamphlets for information specific to the waters/area of any given trip.
 
9.  Ground disturbance and the collection of natural or cultural materials from the park complex are prohibited
 
10.  Each trip leader shall have a copy of their CUA, paper or downloaded to a device, while in the Park. 
 
11.  It is the responsibility of the holder to provide and update all required current liability, auto insurance and guide certifications in the online CUA system.
 
12.  Human presence has been shown to have negative impact to many wildlife and bird species.  Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, so as to minimize or eliminate stressing an animal potentially endangering the animal or people.  Respect closed areas when in effect and stay on trails to the extend possible to minimize degradation of habitat.  Adhere to proper food storage procedures. 
 
13.  Weeds can be spread by gear and shoes.  All equipment should be cleaned of any weed seeds prior to entering the Park Complex. 
 
14.  All vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas, on established roadway or pavement; vehicles may not be parked on vegetation or in areas not accessible to the general public. 
 
15.  IMPORTANT:  The Commercial Use Authorization shall be finalized prior to initiation of the first scheduled activity in the Park.
 
CONDITIONS FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION
This permit authorizes only the commercial use of the federally owned and/or controlled docks, waters, and marine facilities on Ross and Diablo Lakes in Ross Lake National Recreation Area and on Lake Chelan in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area for commercial seaplane services to and from Ross and Diablo Lakes and Stehekin.  No other commercial air service is authorized by this permit (i.e. commercial flights landing at the Stehekin Airport and landing at any other lake or body of water in North Cascades National Park Complex are prohibited).
 
16.  The Holder of this Permit is authorized to use the following facilities:  
  • STEHEKIN:  Dock #1 (southern most located external dock slip) is preferred for commercial seaplane use (loading and unloading passengers and limited moorage day-use stays.  Use of this dock is not exclusive for seaplane traffic.  CUA holder must request  (in advance) and receive in writing written authorization from the Superintendent for extended moorage stays.  Dock #2 and #3 (middle and northern most external dock are reserved for other private seaplane and larger private vessel use.
  • ROSS LAKE:  Commercial seaplane services are limited to mooring and/or docking at facilitates on Ross and Diablo Lake that are safe and suitable for seaplane use.  Some of the docking facilities on these lakes are located in narrow coves, are enclosed by tight log booms, and are exposed to strong winds.  The holder is encouraged and expected to research appropriate docking areas on these lakes prior to scheduling flights.
17.The National Park Service reserves the right to regulate and modify the existing facilities and to substitute other facilities of their choice.
 
18. The National Park Service reserves the right to regulate and modify days or seasons when landings are not permitted.
 
19.This permit does not authorize overnight moorage of seaplanes at any facilities on Ross Lake or Lake Chelan.  Exception may be made for emergency purposes or on a case-by-case basis. Special Requests for overnight moorage shall be submitted in writing to the Superintendent.  The holder must receive written approval from the Superintendent prior to overnight use of dock or mooring facilities. In addition, seaplane users who obtain this approval and who overnight at lakefront campsites on Ross Lake need to obtain a backcountry permit similar to all users of these sites and must have authorization to provide backcountry guiding services within North Cascades National Park Service Complex (entails additional special conditions).
 
20.  Moorage of seaplanes shall NOT interfere with boat moorage or other holders using the docks for similar activities in serving the needs of the public. 
 
21.  There will be no fueling in the park complex from public lands or facilities.
 
22.  Take-Offs and Landings:
  • STEHEKIN:  To the best extent possible, all take-offs and landings at Stehekin shall begin south of a line drawn due west from the PUD gauging station on Lake Chelan.  The noise abatement procedure shall be practiced consistent with safety at the pilot's discretion.
  • ROSS LAKE:  Seaplanes are allowed to land and take off on Ross Lake except within 1,000 feet of Diablo Dam and Ross Dam (36 CFR 7.69 and 36 CFR 2.17).  For noise abatement, pilots are encouraged to reduce propeller speed as much as possible for take-offs, avoid prolonged flight at low altitudes, and maintain distance from campsites and vessels on the lake.
  • To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), all watercraft and aquatic conveyance used under this authorization shall abide by RCW 77.135 which includes decontamination and certificate of inspection requirements. Decontamination protocols can be found here: https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/01490/wdfw01490.pdf and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission’s “Don’t Move a Mussel” video for seaplanes located at: http://www.youtube.com/v/luDZptFsQDk?fs=1&hl=en_US.
  • The holder should note that as infestations of these species spread, new lakes in Washington State may be impacted. For an updated list of waters that have been found to contain these species in the State of Washington, the holder is encouraged to contact the park’s aquatic ecologist at 360-854-7317.
  • For more information on these species and their effect on the state’s economy and environment, please visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Species website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ais/.
23.  All flights shall be conducted in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 91-36D (Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Flight Near Noise-Sensitive Areas) which state:
  • avoidance of noise-sensitive areas, if practical, is preferable to overflights at relatively low altitudes.
  • The definition of “noise sensitive area” as defined in AC No: 91-36D, part 7 is:  “’noise’ sensitive if noise interferes with normal activities associated with the area’s use.  Examples of noise-sensitive areas include residential, educational, health and religious structures and sites, and parks, recreational areas (including areas with wilderness characteristics), wildlife refuges, and cultural and historical sites where a quiet setting is a generally a generally recognized feature or attribute”. Noise sensitive areas are understood to include all lands managed by the National Park Service.
  • Pilots operating noise producing aircraft (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hot air balloons) over noise sensitive areas should make every effort to fly not less than 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL), weather permitting.  For the purpose of the AC, the ground level of noise-sensitive areas is defined to include the highest terrain within 2,000 feet AGL  Laterally of the route of flight, or the uppermost  rim of a canyon or valley.  The intent of the 2,000 feet AGL recommendation is to reduce potential interference with wildlife and complaints of noise disturbance caused by low-flying aircraft over noise sensitive areas.  The park complex monitors compliance with these advisory rules and has the discretion to terminate permits or not issue future permits to a holder for instances of gross negligence in complying with this rule.
  • Departure from or arrival to a landing area, climb after take-off and descent for landing should be made so as to avoid prolonged flight at low altitudes near noise sensitive areas.
24.  (This advisory does not apply where it would conflict with Federal Aviation Regulations, air traffic control clearances or instructions, or where an altitude of less than 2,000 feet AGL is considered necessary by a pilot to operate safely.
 
25.  Reports: Within sixty (60) days after the end of each calendar year, the holder shall submit the annual Department of Interior Business Permit Survey summarizing the holder's total in-park visitor use for the year and including gross revenues.  For the purpose of this report, gross revenues are defined as:  The total amount received, realized by, or accruing to the business operator for all sales of goods and services provided by the business operator for payment by cash, barter, or credit pursuant to the privileges granted by the permit.  This includes income from subsidiary or other operations located outside of lands administered by the National Park Service to the extent that they support operations authorized by the permit.  Gross receipts generated from subsidiary or other operations located outside of the park that do not participate in the provision of the service will not be included in the calculation of revenues generated under this permit.
 
26.  The holder shall also submit an annual activity report documenting all areas serviced, the number of daily trips and the number of passengers carried for air transportation services as well as scenic flights.  Numbers reported for scenic flights should include scenic flight path as well as time of day and departure and return point.  Information will be used to analyze flight patterns and visitor use and may assist the park in developing an Air Tour Management Plan in the future.
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Insurance Requirements

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance

Liability insurance is required for all CUA holders under the terms of the authorization.  Such insurance should be of sufficient scope to cover all potential risks and in an amount to cover claims that can reasonably be expected in the event of serious injury or death. The minimum commercial general liability insurance is $500,000 per occurrence. Liability insurance policies must name the United States of America as additional insured.  The business or person that is providing the service must be the named insured (policy holder). Companies that provide transportation only are not required to have Commercial General Liability as long as the passengers do not disembark.

Other Required Insurance

Commercial Auto Liability Insurance is required if a CUA holder transports passengers or uses owned/leased/rented vehicles in the performance of the service in the park. If a CUA holder charters the vehicle and those chartered vehicles are owned and operated by another company, the CUA holder is not required to have Commercial Automobile Liability insurance. The minimum Commercial Auto Liability Insurance for interstate passenger transport is:
 
Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Passenger Transport (bodily injury and property damage)Minimum per Occurrence Liability Limits
15 or fewer passengers$1,500,000
16 or more passengers$5,000,000
The commercial automobile liability insurance requirements for interstate operation of autos used in performance of the service in the park, but not to transport passengers, are:
       Commercial Vehicle Insurance
               Interstate Operations
           (No Passenger Transport)
Minimum per Occurrence
       Liability Limits
 Small fleet vehicles under 10,001 pounds
$300,000
Fleet vehicles 10,001 pounds or more$750,000

 

The NPS has not established commercial automobile liability minimums for intrastate auto use by CUA holders because each state has unique rules and regulations. Intrastate CUA holders must meet individual state requirements for Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance or the interstate requirements above, whichever are greatest.
 
If the CUA applicant or holder will use rented or leased vehicles in performance of the authorized service, the applicant or holder must secure appropriate insurance for that rented or leased vehicle in the amount required by the CUA application. Proof of insurance secured directly from the rental or lease company may not be available upon application submission, but applicants are required to provide proof of insurance coverage after application submission upon NPS request. 
 
CUA holders authorized to transport passengers aboard or use in the park an owned/rented/leased vessel may have P&I Vessel Insurance to cover claims for bodily injury, death, and property damage arising from use of the vessel as an alternative to commercial general liability insurance. The minimum P&I Vessel Insurance is $500,000 per occurrence. 
 
CUA holders authorized to transport passengers or use in the park an owned/rented/leased aircraft are required to obtain Aircraft Liability Insurance. The minimum Aircraft Liability Insurance is $1,000,000 per occurrence. 
 
CUA holders assigned the use of park property must secure Property Insurance. The property insurance must provide the financial means for the CUA holder to repair or replace damaged park property within their care and control. The NPS will provide the Insurance Replacement Value for structures.
 
Insurance Company Minimum Standards
 
The NPS has established the following minimum insurance company requirements which all insurance companies must meet. These standards apply to foreign insurance companies as well as domestic companies.
  1. All insurers for all coverages must be rated no lower than A- by the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property/Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service.  
  2. All insurers for all coverages must have Best’s Financial Size Category of at least VII according to the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property-Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service
  3. The insurance ratings must be submitted with the CUA Application.  The rating companies do not issue certificates.  We require the insurance broker to note this rating in the Certificate. If the rating does not appear on the certificate, the insurance broker must provide it in another document.
Proof of Insurance Submission
 
Applicants must submit proof of insurance with the CUA Application. The proof of insurance must: 
  • Be written in English with monetary amounts reflected in USD.
  • Reflect that insurance coverage is effective at time of CUA Application submission.
  • Name as insured the business or person that is providing the service.
  • Name the United States as additional insured.
  • Reflect a General Commercial Liability Policy with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
  • Reflect required additional insurances (commercial vehicle, vessel, aircraft, etc.) with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
  • Include insurance provider rating or provide in separate document.

Reporting Requirements

​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. 


Required Documentation

Have the following documentation ready to upload or available on your Company Profile:

Insurance Certification and rating
License and Certificates (Pilot and Aircraft)
First Aid/CPR (if applicable)
Safety and Risk Management Plan
Acknowledgement of Risk Form (NPS approved)
 

CUA Fees

The application fee for this CUA is $350.
If you have paid for a previous CUA applications for this park during this CUA season, your application fee will be discounted by $100.

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.

The market price fee calculation is:

  • 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.

The market price fee is a tiered fee best explained by example. Suppose a CUA holder earns $750,000 in gross revenue by providing the service authorized by the CUA. The NPS will charge 3% of gross receipts for the first $250,000 earned, 4% for the next $250,000, and 5% for the remaining $250,000, for a total CUA management fee of $30,000, minus the application fee.
You are required to report revenue each year when you submit the mandatory annual CUA report. The market price management fee is due after NPS staff verifies report accuracy. 

The CUA application fee is non-refundable, and you are responsible for ensuring you are applying for the correct CUA service type.
This application is for Air Tours in North Cascades National Park.