Superintendent's Compendium 2026

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 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Fort Union National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, and Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

1. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREADESIGNATIONS 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 monument, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the monument to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Public Access and Visiting Hours:

• Public access to Fort Union National Monument is limited to the monument entrance road, parking lot, visitor center, the interpretive trail, picnic area, or as otherwise posted:
  • Labor Day through Memorial Day, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
  • Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

• Public access to Fort Union National Monument via New Mexico State Highway Rights-of-Way for NM 161 is not limited unless otherwise posted.

• Public access to all other portions of Fort Union National Monument may be provided at designated times by ranger guided tour, special use permit, or upon specific authorization of the Superintendent.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish hours that the public may enter an area, in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since some of these areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. Limited staffing also controls the hours and days of operation. Schedules are set to take advantage of contemporary monument visitor use patterns.

Public Use Limits:

• Motor Vehicle Access

Motor Vehicle access within Fort Union National Monument is limited to designated parking areas and roadways. Except as defined below, use of motor vehicles such as Segways and motorized scooters are prohibited in all monument areas.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since restricted areas can present hazards during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. In addition, use of motor vehicles such as Segways and motorized scooters within the monument are considered inappropriate due to the historic scene and the purposes for which the monument was intended. Restrictions may also help to reduce user conflicts and protect the historic scene.

• Bicycles and E-Bikes:

The term bicycle means a two or three wheeled cycle strictly propelled by pedals connected to the rear or front wheel by a chain and having handlebars for steering and a saddle like seat.

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

E-bikes are allowed in Fort Union National Monument 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.

• • Bicycles and E-Bikes are only allowed on the paved roads within the park, where motor vehicles are allowed, to include; the main road into the park and the visitor center parking lot.

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, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Fort Union National Monument 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.

• Segways, Motorized Scooters and Motorized Wheelchairs

Segways and motorized scooters, as defined under 36 C.F.R. § 1.4, are motor vehicles. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a) and 4.10(a) Segways and motorized scooters are prohibited from all areas within the monument including all monument roads, trails and sidewalks. Motorized wheelchairs are defined separately and are not considered motor vehicles.

Any monument visitor with a disability is permitted to use a motorized wheelchair, Segway or motorized scooter throughout the monument, including all structures, facilities, monument roads, sidewalks, trails and other surfaces where the general public is allowed access and when such devices are used for the sole purpose of mobility assistance. Use of any mobility assistive device, as outlined above, must also adhere to the following:

a) No person under 16 years of age may operate a motorized wheelchair, Segway or motorized scooter without direct adult supervision.

b) A person shall operate any mobility assistive device in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger one’s self or any other monument visitor.

c) A person riding any mobility assistive device shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that the mobility assistive device operator must always yield to pedestrians.

Determination Statement: The Segway is a two-wheeled, gyroscopically stabilized, battery-powered personal transportation device. While Segways and motorized scooters (or similar devices) are not “designed solely for” mobility-impaired persons and thus do not meet the definition of a motorized wheelchair in 36 CFR Section 1.4, some individuals with disabilities use these devices as their means of personal mobility, in lieu of more traditional devices like the wheelchair. As stated in National Park Service (NPS)Management Policies, Section 8.2.4, and described in more detail in Director’s Order 42, the NPS is committed to making all reasonable efforts to make its programs, facilities, and services accessible to people with disabilities. The NPS has set a goal of ensuring that all people, including persons with disabilities, have the highest level of accessibility that is reasonable to our programs, facilities, and services in conformance with applicable regulations and standards. Allowing the use of motorized wheelchairs, Segways and motorized scooters in the monument by people with disabilities is part of this effort. In that light, monument managers have determined that the use of motorized wheelchairs, Segways, motorized scooters and similar devices by persons with disabilities is safe and appropriate in all areas of the monument currently open to access by the general public.

 

• Service Animals

Service animals, as defined under 28 CFR 36.104, means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability … The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of the definition of a service animal.

Within Fort Union NM, all service animals are exempt from prohibitions on pets and, when accompanying a person with a disability (as defined by Federal law and DOJ regulations), will be allowed wherever visitors or employees are allowed. The superintendent may close an area to all service animals upon an individualized assessment and a written determination that allowance of any domestic animal would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of people or wildlife. Individual service animals may be prohibited from any monument area upon an individualized assessment that the animal’s current behavior poses a direct threat to the health and safety of people or wildlife or when presence of the animal would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the monument or monument activities.

Determination Statement: Service animals for persons with disabilities have traditionally been understood to be guide dogs for blind individuals and hearing assistance dogs for persons with hearing impairments. Because these animals provide service for persons with disabilities, they are not considered to be pets and, consequently, are not regulated as pets. In 1990, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) expanded the concept of service animals to include those providing a service for individuals with other disabilities. Current NPS regulations (36 CFR 2.15), which recognizes only guide dogs for the blind and signal dogs for the hearing impaired, does not apply to persons with disabilities who rely upon service animals for other purposes.

As stated in National Park Service (NPS)Management Policies, Section 8.2.4, and described in more detail in Director’s Order 42, the NPS is committed to making all reasonable efforts to make its programs, facilities, and services accessible to people with disabilities. The NPS has set a goal of ensuring that all people, including persons with disabilities, have the highest level of accessibility that is reasonable to our programs, facilities, and services in conformance with applicable regulations and standards. Allowing the use of all service animals in the monument by people with disabilities is part of this effort. Therefore the definition of service animals has been expanded to be consistent with the DOJ definition in order to allow all service animals accompanying persons with disabilities the same privileges currently provided to guide dogs and hearing assistance dogs. Monument managers have determined that the use of service animals by persons with disabilities is generally safe and appropriate in all areas of the monument currently open to access by the general public.

• Fort Union National Monument is closed to public use activities involving sports or other recreation activities not related to the historical themes of the monument. Regulated activities include but are not limited to kite flying, ball games, cycling and Frisbee throwing.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage. In addition, these types of modern activities in these specific locations are considered inappropriate to the historic scene and the purposes for which the Monument was intended. Restrictions will also help to reduce user conflicts.

• All streams and water impoundments within Fort Union National Monument are closed to all public access.

Determination Statement: The existing waterways restricted to preserve and protect the sensitive riparian habitat, cultural resources, and to provide for public safety.

• Picnicking is permitted only at the designated picnic area by the visitor center.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect natural and cultural resources from resource damage. In addition, this type of activity in most locations open to the public is considered inappropriate to the historic scene and the purposes for which the Monument was intended.

Closures: Except as otherwise provided in this section:

• All portions of Fort Union First Fort Unit are closed to public access. The Monument provides escorted public access to the area through the private property of the Fort Union Ranch. Permission to cross the Ranch must be approved by the Superintendent prior to providing public access.

• Any road, parking area, trail or facility, which is posted as closed by barricades, closed gates or signs are closed to public access.

• Any portion of the monument may be temporarily closed to public access upon determination by the Superintendent that significant hazards to visitor safety may be present. Examples may include but are not limited to the presence of hazardous weather, animals or toxic materials.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish these area closures and restrictions in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since some of these areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight.

Unmanned Aircraft:

Fort Union National Monument is closed to public use activities involving Unmanned Aircraft (UAS). Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Union National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

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, quad copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage and to provide for staff and visitor safety.

Except for the limited existing use of model aircraft in some parks, of which Fort Union NM is not included in this category, unmanned aircraft are a new park use and affect park resources, staff, and visitors in ways that the National Park Service has yet to identify and analyze. It is National Park Service policy to not allow a new park use (Section 1.5 of NPS Management Policies) until a determination has been made that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values, and staff and visitor safety.

In addition, this type of activity is considered inappropriate to the historic scene and the purposes for which the Monument was intended.

(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

Motor Vehicles:

• All motor vehicles, commercial and private, on all monument roads, and parking areas within Fort Union National Monument must shut down their engines when not underway.

The idling of vehicle engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the monument.

II. 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) - Designate Areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.

• If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because thepermit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

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

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:

§1.5(d) the following activities related to Public Use Limits:

• Vehicle access to Fort Union National Monument other than on designated parking areas and roadways.
• Public use involving sports or other recreation unrelated to the historical themes of Fort Union National Monument within the ruins.
• Picnicking outside of designated picnic areas.

§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Taking of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals (etc.)

§2.10(a) Camping

The monument is managed for day use and no camping is allowed; however camping facilities are available nearby. When selected special events or other authorized activities include camping, it will be specified in a permit.

§2.12 Audio Disturbances:

(a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas

(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable Motor or engine in non-developed areas

(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51

§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:

(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means

(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft

§2.37 soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)

§2.38 (b) Explosives: Use or possession of explosive or fireworks

§2.50(a) Conducting a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony or similar event

§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views for groups of 26 or more individuals.

§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising

§2.60(b) Livestock use

§2.61(a) Residing on monument lands

§2.62 Memorialization:

1. Erection of monuments requires approval from Director
2. Scattering ashes from human cremation

§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)

§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).

§5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming: Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.

§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on monument area roads (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the monument when access is otherwise not available)

For more information on permit requirements or application procedures, contact:Superintendent, Fort Union National Monument, P.O. Box 127, Watrous, New Mexico 87753 or call 505-425-8025.

 

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

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

(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:

• Pedestrian use of any archeological or cultural resource within Fort Union National Monument is restricted to the interpretive trail and established roadways and parking lots unless on an authorized ranger guided tour.

(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to designated trails, roads, parking areas or walkways as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.

(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:

• Pinion Pine nuts may be hand gathered for personal, non-commercial use and consumption within the Monument boundary, excluding public access to the park administrative area and detached First Fort unit closed to the public.
• Collection is limited to one quart of nuts per person per day and a total of 10 lbs. per household per year.
• Breaking branches, removing cones or otherwise injuring pines or other plants is prohibited.
• Use of ladders is prohibited.

The gathering of Pinion Pine Nuts is a traditional cultural activity and has been important to the local people for millennia. Harvesting is popular today as a form of recreation and was in the past a focus of important social significance. Allowing limited harvesting within open areas of Fort Union National Monument allows local people to continue their traditions while restrictions placed on the activity are meant to minimize the impact to the monument and assure that plenty of nuts are available for wildlife.

36 CFR §2.11 - PICNICKING

Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a) (1) "Public Use Limits."

36 CFR 2.13(a)(1) – Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire

(a)(1) A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.  

This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets and all other animals:

• All monument areas with the exception of the interpretive trail, picnic area, parking lots and around the exterior of the visitor center.
• This restriction shall not apply to any service animal trained to provide assistance to and accompanied by an individual with a disability (as defined by the ADA and DOJ).

*Note: Section 36 CFR §1.5 of this Compendium (VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES) addresses service animals and related regulations within Fort Union National Monument.

(a)(2) The following are prohibited:

• Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.

(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

• Within motor vehicles with proper ventilation and water if weather conditions are not hazardous to the immediate welfare of the animal.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

• Pet excrement must be removed from all public use areas.

(e) Pets may be kept by monument residents under the following conditions:

• All State regulations concerning licensing and shots are met.
• Monument regulations and Housing Plan requirements are met.

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:

• Horses
• Mules
• Burros
• Llamas
• Alpacas

(b) The use of horses and pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:

• With the exception of any monument area specified in a permit and approved by the Superintendent, all areas are closed to horses and pack animals.

(g) Other conditions concerning the use of pack animals:

• Horses and pack animals are authorized in Fort Union National Monument when used in interpretive demonstrations or for monument operations.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) The following portions of the monument, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:

• All monument buildings with the exception of non-historic employee residences.
• All other public monument areas with the exception of the interpretive trail, and picnic and paved parking areas.
• During periods of high fire danger, smoking is prohibited on all National Park Service lands within Fort Union National Monument except within an enclosed vehicle or while stopped in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable material at least three feet in diameter .

36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES

(b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:

Entrance Fee Areas:

• No entrance fees are charged at Fort Union National Monument, effective January 1, 2015.

36 CFR §2.35 –ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) Fort Union National Monument is closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages. Exceptions include:

• Picnic area
• Private residences and grounds
• During permitted special events in those monument areas and under such conditions as may be specified in a permit.

Determination Statement: The consumption of alcoholic beverages within monument buildings is an inappropriate activity considering the historic nature of the structures and the purposes for which they are maintained.

36 CFR §2.51 –LOCATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES

The Superintendent has designated the following locations as available for public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of view. (See Appendix 1)

• The parking spaces at the east end of the Visitor Center parking lot as shown on the attached map.
• Other areas on a case-by-case basis that may be deemed otherwise appropriate.

35 CFR §2.52 –LOCATIONS AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

The Superintendent has designated the following locations as available for sale and distribution of printed matter. (See Appendix 1)

• The parking spaces at the east end of the Visitor Center parking lot as shown on the attached map.
• Other areas on a case-by-case basis that may be deemed otherwise appropriate.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains. Any such permit will at a minimum include the following terms and conditions:

• The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
• The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.

36 CFR §3.3 – VESSEL PERMITS

Permits are required for the use of a vessel in all areas of Fort Union National Monument. Exceptions include:

• Authorized personnel actively engaged in research activities.

36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING

(a)(1) Fort Union National Monument is closed to swimming and bathing activities.

36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON MONUMENT ROADS AND ROUTES

(a) Monument roads open for travel by motor vehicles are those indicated below:

• Visitor Center / Administration area access and parking lots
• Residential area access road
• Maintenance area
• Unpaved access roads
• Main paved monument road

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

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

• 30 miles per hour on all paved monument roads
• 15 miles per hour in the residential and maintenance area
• 10 miles per hour on the unpaved service roads and parking lot circle

 

Appendix 1

LOCATIONS AVAILABLE FOR: PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES AND SALE & DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

 

NPS Photo

 

Site #1

Visitor Center