Fort Laramie Superintendent's Compendium

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 United States Code §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Approved: /s/ Mark Davison, Superintendent
April 1, 2024

 

Introduction to the Compendium

1. Superintendent’s Compendium Described

The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a Special Use Permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.

The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park System, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public.

As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the section, however, requires the superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature.
Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park.

A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.

This compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System.

A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at:
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954

The CFR is also available on the Internet at:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfrv1_05.html

2. Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This Compendium

The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C.1a-1, “Organic Act”). §100101(a) states: “The Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, shall promote and regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. In addition, 54 U.S.C. §100751(a) allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, “to make such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units and a criminal penalty is provided for a violation of those regulations.”

In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970, Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.”

54 U.S.C. §100101(b)(1)(A) declares that “the National Park System, which began with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, has since grown to include superlative natural, historic, and recreation areas in every major region of the United States and its territories and possessions.”

In addition to the above statutory authority, the superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in NPS Management Policies (2006). The superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitors and other users, as-long-as the use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of visitor uses, or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. When conflict arises between use and resource protection and there is a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, the superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.

3. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and Requirements

The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this compendium will not have a significant economic effect on small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

The actions and requirements described in this compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared.

4. Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium

As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in a National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:

• Is there use or activity consistent with Title 54 §100101 and NPS policy?

• Is the use or activity consistent and compatible with the park’s enabling legislation, management objectives, and corresponding management plans?

• Will the use or activity damage the park’s protected natural and cultural resources and other protected values?

• Will the use or activity disturb or conflict with wildlife, vegetation, and environmental protection actions and values?

• Will the use or activity conflict with or be incompatible with traditional park uses and activities?

• Will the use or activity compromise employee or public safety?

5. Applicability of the Compendium

The rules contained in this compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise present on federally owned lands, including submerged lands, and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters.

6. Enforcement of Compendium Requirements

NPS commissioned park rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.

7. Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium Requirements

A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C.3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Superintendent at the park address found below.

8. Comments on the Compendium

The compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The Park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time.Written comments on the compendium may be submitted to:
Superintendent
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
965 Gray Rocks Road
Fort Laramie, Wyoming 82212

9. Effective Date of the Superintendent Compendium

The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised.

10. Additional Information

Some of the terms used in this compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions

11. Availability

Copies of the compendium are available at:
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
965 Gray Rocks Road
Fort Laramie, Wyoming 82212
It may also be found at www.nps.gov/fola
http://www.nps.gov/fola/parkmgmt/lawsandpolicies.htm

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUM

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

36 CFR Part 1 – General Provisions

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park:

Visiting Hours:

• Operating hours for the park are sunrise to sunset. The Park Visitor Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (as staffing permits). Hours of operation will be adjusted as needed based on staffing and visitation. All operating hours will be advertised on social media, press releases and the park’s website. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Public Use Limits:

• All Park grounds and facilities including the Army Iron Bridge are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise. Park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset year-round

(a)(2) The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:

Closures:

• Motor vehicle traffic and bicycles are prohibited from traveling on the canal road.

Reason for determination: The canal road is on private property of local landowners.

• Jumping, diving, or rappelling from any bridge structure within the Site is prohibited.

Reason for determination: The superintendent has determined that this restriction is necessary for visitor enjoyment and safety.
 

• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Laramie National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links).

This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Reason for determination: Maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, and avoidance of visitor use activities, unreasonable noise, and impacts to viewshed. The use of unmanned aircraft is not consistent with the purpose for which Fort Laramie National Historic Site was established. Less restrictive measures will not suffice due to public assess being restricted to historic districts, and the historic districts are not appropriate for unmanned aircraft use.

• Motor vehicle traffic on all administrative and service roads is prohibited except for vehicles operated by the National Park Service in the performance of official business or delivery vehicles.

Reason for determination: The superintendent has determined that this restriction is necessary for visitor enjoyment and safety. These closed roads are designed as primary pedestrian foot paths or for maintenance operations and are not compatible with general use motor vehicle traffic.

Gyroscopically controlled mobility devices:
The use of Segways or similar gyroscopically controlled devices in lieu of manual or motorized wheelchairs is allowed by persons with disabilities who would otherwise only have the option of using a manual or powered wheelchair with the following restrictions: A person using a Segway or similar gyroscopically controlled device at Fort Laramie NHS would be medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life functions. A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

Segways may be used on the historic fort grounds (pedestrian pathways), sidewalks, the picnic area, and the confluence trail, although terrain may limit their success. Segways may not be operated at speeds greater than 2-3 mph, the equivalent of a walking pedestrian.

36 CFR §1.5 (a)(2)
COVID-19 Mask Requirement:

1. When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.
   
   When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two years must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.
   
   When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.
   
   Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.
   
   Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status. 
   
   Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities. The Department of the Interior’s Current COVID-19 policy now incorporates the “CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.”
   
   Reason for Determination: By relying on the best available data and science based public health measures to protect the health and safety of NPS employees, volunteers, partners, contractors, and park visitors from COVID-19 and the on-going pandemic, the requirement to wear masks applies to the identified locations.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
In accordance with National Park Service Reference Manual 9 (RM-9) for Law Enforcement, notice is hereby given that Fort Laramie National Historic Site utilizes Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.

The park’s use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes is to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be monitored by the park’s security and law enforcement to help ensure public safety and security.  The goal of this program is to facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers (RM-9, 26.1).

Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2)

Disclosure and use of any information obtained will be limited to appropriate law enforcement and public safety purposes.

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.
 

II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

The following activities are allowed in the park after first obtaining a Special Use Permit. An application for a permit should be submitted to the superintendent during normal business hours.

36 CFR §1.5 (a)(2)1.6(a)
 

• §1.5(d)       The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
  • After hour visits and/or activities at Fort Laramie NHS
  • Alcohol consumption or open container (outside of the picnic area)
  • Camping
  • Public Park uses (except during official visiting hours).
  • Public vehicle uses on park land (excluding entrance road, parking, and picnic areas).
• §2.5(a)       Specimen collection (legal taking of plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)
• §2.10(a)     Camping in association with a special event or public gathering for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51

• §2.50(a)     Special events such as conducting a sports event, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, or similar events
• §2.51(a)           Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views that involve groups of greater than 25 individuals.
• §2.52(c)     Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising
• §2.60(a)     Livestock use and agriculture
• §2.62         Memorialization:
  • 2.62(a) Erection of monuments, memorials, or other structure requires approval from the Director.
  • 2.62(b) Scattering of ashes from human cremation
• §5.1           Commercial notices or advertisement display
• §5.5           Commercial Photography/Filming:
  • 5.5(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, or crews other than a bona fide newsreel or news television.
  • 5.5(b) Still photography of vehicles or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.

36 CFR Part 2 - Resource Protection, Public Use, and Recreation

III. RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(5) Walking on, climbing, or entering historic ruins on the site is prohibited.

Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site.

(b) Travel to and around the hospital ruins is restricted to established trails.

Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site and provide for the protection of archeological items present in the soil and underground in the immediate vicinity.

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(e) The viewing of wildlife with an artificial light is prohibited on Federal lands within the boundaries of Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Reason for determination: The site is closed to public use from sunset to sunrise (unless by Special Use Permit) and the use of an artificial light for purposes of viewing wildlife in closed areas is prohibited.
 

36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING

(a) Fishing shall be in accordance with laws and regulations of the state of Wyoming.
(b) The Laramie River is closed to fishing from the service bridge (adjacent to the Picnic Area) to the easternmost extent of the historic Quartermaster’s Dump Site. See Appendix A.

Reason for determination: River: This section of river has a steep, unstable bank that is unsafe for fishing. This area has a large amount of glass and jagged metal on the streambed which can result in injuries. Closing the area will also support the preservation of cultural resources. Areas closed to fishing are signed. (No fishing signs are located near the Laramie River bridge near Picnic Area, behind Captains Quarters, and at the horse corrals beyond the Post Bakery).

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) Fires are restricted to the designated picnic area, located between the main parking lot and the Laramie River (See Appendix B), and must be in a closed receptacle using charcoal briquettes or a gas grill. Charcoal must be fully extinguished and disposed of in a garbage receptacle.

• Fires may be further restricted or prohibited by the superintendent. Fort Laramie National Historic Site will honor any county-wide burn ban that the Goshen County Commissioner’s may issue during periods of high fire danger.

• Employees are authorized to have fires for interpretive programs and living history demonstrations.

Reason for determination: Typical high winds and dry conditions at the site create a high fire hazard throughout the year.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) Pets are prohibited in all park buildings.

• Service animals accompanying visitors with sight, vision, mobility, or other impairments are excluded.

(a)(2) Pets on park grounds must be on a leash or tether not exceeding six feet in length.

(a)(3) Pet excrement must be promptly removed from all areas of the park by the pet owner/handler and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.

Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site. Many pets and strangers do not mix well, presenting a danger to other visitors. Many people, especially small children, are frightened by unfamiliar animals. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained pet, causing them to behave unpredictably.  Pets leaving excrement create a serious sanitation hazard.
 

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

(g) No horses or pack animal usage is allowed by the public in the park without a Special Use Permit.

Reason for determination: Fort Laramie National Historic Site does not have trails, routes, or areas designed for horse or pack animal usage. Mixing horse traffic with pedestrian traffic would create a high possibility for accidents and injuries.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) Smoking is prohibited at Fort Laramie NHS except in the public and employee parking areas and in the Picnic Area.

Reason for determination: In accordance with the Physical Security/Structural Fire Assessment completed in 2016 and the recommendation of the Structural Fire Engineer, smoking creates a fire hazard in the Fort Laramie Historic District (structures/grounds) and is henceforth banned.

36 CFR §2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS

(e) The superintendent shall designate on a map, the locations available for public assemblies.

• Refer to Appendix B: a map showing the designated area.
• A Special Use Permit is required for groups larger than 25 individuals.

Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site, the public assembly or meeting must be considered by the superintendent in a permit application to make a fair decision.

36 CFR §2.52 – SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

(e) The superintendent shall designate on a map, the locations for sale or distribution of printed matter.

• Refer to Appendix B:  a map showing the designated area.
• A Special Use Permit is required.

Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site, the location for sale or distribution of printed matter must be considered by the superintendent in a permit application to make a fair decision.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(c) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains and must be in accordance with the terms and conditions of a Special Use Permit.

36 CFR, Part 3 - Boating and Water Use Activities

VI.        BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES

36 CFR §3.16 - SWIMMING AND BATHING

(a) The following are prohibited: Swimming and bathing in locations designated as closed.

• That portion of the Laramie River from the southwest boundary of the park to the easternmost extent of the historic Quartermaster’s Dump Site. See Appendix A
• Goshen Irrigation District Canal (Fort Laramie Canal) is closed to swimming.

Reason for determination: River: This section of river has a steep, unstable bank and deep unseen holes in the river that are unsafe for swimming. This area has artifacts on the stream bed that include a large amount of glass and jagged metal which can result in injuries.

Closing the area will also support the preservation of artifacts. Areas closed to swimming are signed. Canal: Has steep banks, is not designed for swimming purposes, and is known for dangerous currents.

36 CFR, Part 4 - Vehicles and Traffic Safety

V. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY

36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES

(a) Operating a motor vehicle in the park is prohibited except on the entrance road, established parking lots and picnic area.

Reason for determination: To protect, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site. The entrance road, parking lots and picnic areas are the only roads in the park designed for general vehicular traffic. All other roads and trails are intended primarily for foot traffic and maintenance service use.

(b) Operating motor vehicles on the Goshen Irrigation District canal road is prohibited. Exception: Adjacent landowners may use the canal road to access their respective properties.

Reason for determination: The canal road is not maintained and is only intended for the ditch company’s maintenance activities.

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

• The posted speed limit on the Entrance Road is 20 mph.
• The posted speed limit for travel through the parking lot is 15 mph.

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

“The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedalsand an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). 

E-bikes are allowed in Fort Laramie National Historic Site where traditional bicycles are allowed.

E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.

A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and4.30(h)(2)-(5).

Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Fort Laramie NHS is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.”

(a) The following routes are closed to traditional bicycle and e-bike use:

• The Historic Buildings Area
• The trail to the hospital ruins and barracks
• The Confluence Trail
• The canal roads
• The administrative road from the picnic area to the NPS Maintenance facility
• The administrative road from the parking lot to the employee parking lot and fire cache area

Reason for determination: These areas are designed for foot traffic or administrative traffic only. Bicycle riding in these areas increases the chance of injury to visitors that are walking.

36 CFR Part 5 - Commercial & Private Operations

VI. COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE OPERATIONS
36 CFR § - 5.13 NUISANCES
Allowing vehicles with diesel engines or any vehicle which produces noxious exhaust to idle, except while actively loading or unloading passengers, is prohibited. This does not preclude vehicles from reasonable warm-up times away from concentrated visitor use in parking areas. Idling is limited to 10 minutes. 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(2)

Reason for determination: The idling of bus engines creates noise and adds exhaust fumes into the air which diminishes visitor enjoyment of the peace and tranquility of the park.

 

Appendix A: Location of areas closed to Fishing and Swimming

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Appendix B: Location of First Amendment Area and Picnic Area

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