BNR accepting application for guide and sightseeing services

Buffalo National River is now accepting Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) applications for Guided Fishing and Sightseeing via john boat or drift boat for the 2025-2026 calendar years. Applications will be accepted between Oct. 1, 2024, and November 15, 2024. If you are interested in applying and would like an application packet, please reach out to the Commercial Services office by emailing BUFF_Concessions@nps.gov.
All approved CUAs will be valid for two years from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026.
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes appropriate commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. The term of a CUA may not exceed two (2) years and no preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal may be provided. The term of a CUA at Buffalo National River is for one year. Commercial Use Authorizations are NOT concessions contracts and are not transferrable. CUAs are intended to provide a simple means to authorize appropriate commercial services to visitors in Park areas. CUAs at Buffalo National River, as a general rule, (1) do not use fixed commercial facilities within a National Park unit, (2) the commercial activity originates and terminates outside the park area, (3) no money changes hands on park lands, and (4) no commercial solicitation occurs on park lands.
Laws, Regulations, and Policies
CUA Law and Policy
Laws, Policies & Regulations
Buffalo National River Superintendent's Compendium
RM83A Public Health and Prevention, Ch. 5 Backcountry Operations
(The Backcountry Operations manual is located on Page 104 of the linked PDF document)

Important Note:
As part of a larger effort to streamline and modernize the National Park Service (NPS) commercial use authorization (CUA) program, the NPS has developed on online system designed to process CUA applications and collect required CUA reports. NPS hosted a public comment period from July 26, 2023, through September 20, 2023, to solicit comments about the online system. Thank you to all who provided comments.
NPS began using the online CUA system in 52 parks for the 2024 CUA season. That initial launch was very successful and provided NPS with the information needed to identify and implement system changes leading to an even better user experience.
NPS will initiate its online system in all parks for the 2025 CUA season. For the 2025 CUA season, the standard CUA application fee for all CUAs except road-based commercial tour CUAs will be $350 for the first application submitted by the applicant and $250 for subsequent applications from the same applicant to the same park.
Buffalo National River offers CUAs for the following activities:
CUAs at Buffalo National River fall into one of two categories: Land Based Activities and Water Based Activities.
Land based activities are: Firewood Sales, Guided Hiking, and Guided Photography.
Water based activities are: Guided Fishing and Guided Sightseeing via john-boat or drift boat.