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2018 Wilderness Commercial Use Authorization Program Updates


Wilderness commercial use authorizations (CUAs) authorize a variety of guided services including day hiking, fishing instruction, backpacking, and pack and saddle (stock) services within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Commercial Service Day (CSD) allocations for commercial operations in wilderness were implemented in 2018 with the approval of the Wilderness Stewardship Plan / Final Environmental Impact Statement (WSP/FEIS). The WSP/FEIS and Appendix B: Extent Necessary Determination (END) established the extent to which commercial services are necessary and allowable in the parks' wilderness areas. Additionally, the END set limits on CSDs for stock and non-stock commercial activities operating throughout the parks' wilderness.

In 2018, the park selected Alternative 2: Limited CUAs, Hybrid CSD Allocation for the initial 2018-2019 CSD allocation system. Alternative 2 allows a total of 30 wilderness CUAs: 18 non-stock CUAs and 12 stock CUAs. The park is now requesting public input on the 2020-2021 CSD allocation model which is slightly modified from the 2018-2019 model. An allotted number of CUAs will be authorized for a two-year period, January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.

If you are interested in reading the 2018 Commercial Use Authorization Program Changes and Commercial Service Day Allocation Alternatives, view the document at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/SEKI_WildernessCUAS

If you are interested in reading the WSP/FEIS, please view it on the park website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/sekiwild

The Parks will hold two public informational meetings (See Meeting Notices on this website) to discuss the proposed updates which include modifying the timing of the CUA open season and updating educational trip guidance and wilderness variances. Proposed changes also cover first-aid and medical minimum requirements, and Commercial Service Day (CSD) allocations.

The meeting format will be open house, with an opportunity to provide comments directly to the project team members. A copy of the meeting presentation will be posted on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website following the public meetings.

Questions or comments regarding the public meetings can be directed to the Commercial Services Office at seki_concessions@nps.gov or (559) 565-3103.

Comments will be accepted until 10 pm PDT on October 26, 2018.

 
Comment Period: Closed        Sep 26, 2018 - Oct 26, 2018
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