Dec. 14, 2001 – Applications are now available for businesses wishing to conduct daytime commercial operations in the V.I. National Park in the 2002 calendar year. They must be submitted by Jan. 1.
V.I. National Park officials will review all applications using specific criteria that include the need for and the appropriateness of the activity; its effects on the values and purposes for which the park was established; and the experience, expertise and financial capability of the applicant to provide the proposed service.
Most commercial activities conducted within the park are daytime operations that are authorized on an annual basis through incidental business permits, Supt. John King noted in a National Park Service release.
According to the release, businesses with current incidental permits will automatically receive renewal information and application forms. Other entities interested in obtaining such permits should contact Elba Richardson, concessions specialist, by calling 776-6201, ext. 221, or e-mailing to Elba_Richardson@nps.gov.
By law, the release states, all commercial operations within any national park must be authorized in writing. This refers to any activities or services conducted by private parties for which a fee is charged. Incidental business permits cover commercial activities that occur within a park although they are initiated and terminated outside the park boundaries. As examples, the release cites "day sails, scuba diving, guided kayak excursions, both water-based and land-based tours, wedding [services] and guided hiking excursions."
The permits carry "a flat fee that represents recovery of the park's cost of administering and monitoring the permits," the release states.
Incidental permits differ from concession contracts, which are what the National Park Service enters into with entities for such things as the operation of the snack bar and gift shop at Trunk Bay and the Cinnamon Bay Campground.
The NPS also grants special-use permits for short-term use of park facilities for such things as picnics, birthday parties and weddings. For information about this type of permit, call 776-6201, ext. 244.
