ONEIDA, TN - With roughly one million yearly visitors to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Obed Wild & Scenic River, there are necessary and appropriate business opportunities. The National Park Service must determine what types of commercial activities are necessary and appropriate. That is to say, all commercial activities should provide high quality visitor experiences while protecting important natural, cultural, and scenic resources.

Applications for 2021 commercial use authorizations are accepted through March 31. A late fee will apply April 1 through December 31. Applications received between the following dates will pay the corresponding late fee in addition to the regular permit fees:

April 1 and May 31 — $100
June 1 through July 31 — $200
August 1 through September 30 — $300
October 1 through December 31 — $400

Late fees do not apply to one-time business operations or special event vendors.

Those who wish to sell food must not only obtain liability insurance to serve food items, they must also submit an additional application for review and approval by Public Health and Safety. This process could take up to three months, so be sure to submit the applications as early as possible.

More information and applications may be found on the following websites: www.nps.gov/biso and www.nps.gov/obed.