Commercial Use Authorization Applications Open November 1

HOUGHTON, MICH. - Isle Royale National Park announces the Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) application period for the 2026 and 2027 Seasons. Beginning November 1, 2025, commercial operators offering guided water-based tours, including charter fishing, charter sightseeing, charter transportation, charter scuba diving, and guided kayaking, can apply for a two-year CUA through the updated online CUA portal.

Applications are due November 30, 2025. Water-based tour commercial operators who plan to operate in 2026 must apply for a two-year CUA this November.One-year CUAs are no longer available. No applications will be accepted for water-based CUAs from December 1, 2025, to October 31, 2027. Don't miss this opportunity! Apply during the specified window to ensure your operations are authorized for the upcoming seasons.

Please note:

• Land-based two-year CUA application period closed on November 30, 2024, and will not reopen again until November 1, 2026.

• A limited number of permits will be issued for Charter Fishing CUAs. These will be issued to highly qualified applicants based on their relevant experience and operating history as well as their ability to provide for visitor safety while protecting park resources.

• Isle Royale National Park has established a $2,000,000 USD per occurrence minimum for water-based CUAs. Additional information can be found under "Minimum Insurance Requirements", located on the online CUA portal.

All CUA applications must be submitted through the National Park Service's newly launched online CUA portal. This streamlined platform is designed to make the process more efficient and accessible for all users. We encourage all interested parties to register their companies and familiarize themselves with the new system ahead of the application period. While operators can only apply during the designated application period, registration can be completed at any time by clicking on the "Sign in" button on the top right of the landing page and clicking "Create an account" on the following page. Please follow the instructions as outlined in this videowhen applying.

For more information on CUA's, please visit Isle Royale National Park's CUA Webpage or contact Isle Royale National Park's Commercial Services Program Manager, Lindsey Hughes, by emailing e-mail us.

www.nps.gov

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