Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority. Approved: “Signature on File” Tara D. Morrison, Superintendent Date: 6/8/2022 National Capital Parks-East Anacostia Park (DC) Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD) Battery Carroll (DC) Capitol Hill Parks (DC) Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site (DC) Fort Chaplin (DC) Fort Davis (DC) Fort Dupont Park (DC) Fort Foote (MD) Fort Greble (DC) Fort Mahan (DC) Fort Ricketts (DC) Fort Stanton (DC) Fort Washington Park (MD) Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (DC) Greenbelt Park (MD) Harmony Hall (MD) Kenilworth Park (DC) Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (DC) Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site (DC) Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm (MD) Piscataway Park (MD) Shepherd Parkway (DC) Suitland Parkway (DC/MD) National Capital Parks - East 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE Washington, DC 20020 (202) 690-5185 Phone (202) 690-1425 Fax A. INTRODUCTION1. Superintendent’s Compendium DescribedThe 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 CFR is also available online at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/36/chapter-I
2. Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This CompendiumThe National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1 et.seq. (Organic Act of 1954, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations” (54 U.S.C. Section 1). In addition, the NPS Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National park Service” (54 U.S.C. Section 3). 3. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and RequirementsThe 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, 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 554 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. 4. Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s CompendiumAs outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular park or specific park area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
5. Applicability of the CompendiumThe 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 RequirementsNPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers and United States Park Police enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. 7. Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium RequirementsA 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 United States Park Police or the park address. 8. Comments on the CompendiumThe Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time. 9. Effective Date of the Superintendent CompendiumThe 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 InformationSome of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions. 11. AvailabilityCopies of the Compendium are available at 1900 Anacostia Dr., Washington, DC 20020. It may also be found at https://www.nps.gov/nace/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. B. Superintendent’s COMPENDIUMIn 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, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of National Capital Parks-East. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. Written determinations that 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. 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, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the Park to all public use or to a certain use or activity: Visiting Hours
Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion Public Use Limits (please refer to 36 CFR 1.5):
Use of all types of glass containers in the parks is prohibited.
Closures:
Comfort stations are winterized and closed from November 15th through April 15th each year.
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, model rockets, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of National Capital Parks-East is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Areas Designated for a Specific Use or Activity:
Title 20, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Chapter 9, Section 900.1For Maryland, a motor vehicle engine may not be allowed to operate for more than 5 consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion, except as follows:
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted: Buses:No buses are allowed to stop/stand/load or unload in the bus stops designated for DC Circulator. Bus loading/unloading is restricted to drop-off and pick-up zones indicated by signage. No bus parking/standing is authorized at any of the memorials at any time. Bus idling is prohibited in all areas except during loading and unloading of passengers. DC idling regulations apply (DC Municipal regulations rule 4478701-20-900 ONROAD ENGINE IDLING AND NONROAD DIESEL ENGINE IDLING) which allow 3 minutes of idling, except when temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minutes are allowed. Bus parking is authorized at signed, parking meter locations at the bus rate.Commercial Vehicles:Access to park roads (except the Baltimore Washington Parkway and Suitland Parkway) is limited to vehicles not exceeding load, weight and size restrictions. Vehicles may not exceed 10,000-pound gross axle weight unless permitted. All such requests, other than emergency responses, require an application to the NPS for a permit.
Boating and Water Use Activities:
This language is only necessary if you intend to cite someone with a CFR violation. If the goal is only to notify the public that violating a rule may result in a person being removed from the event, then a sign should be sufficient. 36 C.F.R. 1.7(a). II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT MAY REQUIRE A PERMIT
|
Designated Areas: | Fires are allowed in the following established areas: |
Anacostia Park | Picnic areas that have grills |
Anacostia Park | River Terrace Picnic Area at grills |
Kenilworth Park | Picnic areas that have grills |
Fort Dupont | Randle Circle Picnic Area at grills |
Fort Dupont | Ridge Picnic Area at grills |
Fort Dupont | Lanham Estates Picnic Area at grills |
Fort Foote | Picnic Area at grills |
Fort Washington | Picnic Areas at grills |
Greenbelt Park | Picnic Areas, Campground & Campfire Circle |
Oxon Hill Farm | Picnic Area at grills |
Piscataway Park | Saylor Grove, National Colonial Farm at grills |
Piscataway Park | Marshall Hall at grills |
- Open fires are prohibited without the advanced approval of the Superintendent, except at Greenbelt Park where open fires are permitted with a uniformed Park Ranger.
- During very hot, dry weather conditions, strong winds, and extreme fire danger days or by order of the Superintendent, fires of any type may be banned within the park.
Fire Receptacles Allowed:
-
Government provided fire grates or visitor provided portable non-combustible grills.
- Open fires in the Sweetgum, Holly and Laurel picnic areas are permitted if utilizing the park's elevated cooking grills.
- Open fires in the campground are restricted to the campfire rings placed in each camp site.
- During dry conditions the park may prohibit fires when fire danger levels are "High".
- A person shall attend the fire at all times
- Fuel shall be extinguished to a level that is cool to the touch before leaving
- Charcoal and other fire remains must be cooled and safely disposed of in a noncombustible container and may not be extinguished or discarded by dumping it on any ground surface.
- Only in designated campgrounds and picnic areas
- Stoves shall not be operated on picnic tables
- It is prohibited to extinguish charcoal fires by spreading on any ground surface or dumping in any body of water. It is the responsibility of the user to extinguish the fire and remove all fire by-products from the park upon completion of use.
- Greenbelt: Park campground and picnic areas.
36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION and REFUSE
(a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is prohibited.
(a)(5) Bathing or washing food, clothing, dishes, or other property at public water outlets, fixtures, or pools is prohibited, except at the following outlets, fixtures, or pools designated for such purposes:
-
Utility sinks in Greenbelt Park campground comfort stations may be used by registered campers for washing food and dishes.
-
Greenbelt Park campground shower facilities may be used by registered campers for bathing.
(a)(7) Disposing of fish remains on land or in waters within 200 feet of boat docks or designated swimming beaches or within developed areas is prohibited.
(a)(8) In developed areas, the disposal of human body waste is prohibited, except at designated locations or fixtures provided for that purpose.
(b) The Superintendent may establish conditions concerning the disposal, containerization, or carry-out of human body waste under the following conditions:
1. Defective sanitation systems:
- If upon inspection, any water system or sewage disposal system is found by the inspecting officer to be in non-conformance with applicable State and county standards, the Superintendent will send to the ostensible owner and/or the occupant of such property, by certified mail, a written notice specifying what steps must be taken to achieve compliance.
- If after one year has elapsed from the mailing of such written notice the deficiency has not been corrected, such deficiency shall constitute a violation of this regulation and shall be the basis for action for the vacating of the premises.
- All marinas and boat clubs shall maintain or have in reasonable proximity in an operable condition, pump-out units for the disposal of sewage from boats.
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
-
Domestic pets (pets) are only authorized in open air, outdoor, recreational areas of parks.
-
Pets must be restrained, pet carrier or leashed, and accompanied at all times while in the park.
-
Leashes will be no longer than 6 feet. The leash shall be held by a person capable of managing the pet.
-
Animals that do not meet the definition of a domestic pet are not allowed in parks, without specific authorization as provided by a special use permit.
-
Further restrictions on pets/animals may be defined within special use permits issued for events.
Note: This section on pets does not apply to service animals, and dogs used by law enforcement in the performance of their duties.(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:
-
Oxon Hill Farm
-
Carter G. Woodson Home NHS
-
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
-
Frederick Douglass NHS
(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
-
Solid pet waste must be collected and disposed of by placing in a trash receptacle.
36 CFR §2.54 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS
(a) The use of animals other than those designated as “pack animals” for purposes of transporting equipment is prohibited.
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is prohibited outside of the following trails, routes or areas designated for their use:
-
Formal trails in Piscataway Park and Fort Washington Parks
- Trails in National Colonial Farm, Piscataway Park (excluding Pumpkin Ashe Boardwalk)
-
Perimeter trail in Fort Washington Park
-
-
Established horse trails within Greenbelt Park
- Perimeter Trail
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
Animals must stay on trails at all times
36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT and AIR DELIVERY
(a)(1) Operating or using aircraft on lands or waters other than at locations designated pursuant to §7.96 is prohibited.
Take-offs and landings of all fixed wing, rotary, ultralight, and balloon aircraft are prohibited except under the following conditions:
1. They occur at the United States Park Police Aviation Facility in Anacostia Park.
2. Aircraft are involved in emergency operations such as fire suppression, law enforcement, search and rescue, medical transport, or resource monitoring/management.
3. All training exercises involving the use of aircraft require the written permission of the Superintendent. This includes law enforcement and military training exercises.
4. Hang-gliding is prohibited at all locations.
(a)(3) Delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means is prohibited, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
36 CFR §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES
Winter activities such as walking, sliding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing are permitted on park trails with a sufficient snow cover. Winter activities are prohibited on snow emergency routes and closed park roads unless otherwise designated.
(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, inner-tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter sports are prohibited on park roads and in parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic.
At Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, ice-skating, walking, or sliding on ice is prohibited throughout the entire park. (Res. 343, Section G).
36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES
Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited, except in the following designated areas:
-
The Washington Drive circle in Fort Washington Park (Res. 404M).
The purpose of the Anacostia Skating pavilion is to be a recreational area for roller skates and in-line skates. (Res. 343, Section E) The Anacostia Skate Pavilion allows only skate related permitted activities. Any activities that are conducted in the skating pavilion shall not impede skating in the Anacostia Skating pavilion at any time.
36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING(a)
The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
-
All buildings, structures, or facilities, including picnic pavilions, comfort stations, government vehicles and boats, are closed to smoking.
-
Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any building entrance.
-
Smokers in outside areas must dispose of fully extinguished smoking materials in proper trash containers.
-
The Superintendent may ban smoking in park areas during periods of high fire danger.
- Smoking is prohibited within 500 feet of fuel storage.
36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY
(a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited, except in the following locations or under the following conditions:
-
Under conditions established in a permit, or contract with park lessee or concessionaire
-
Disabled vehicles or vessels may be temporarily left in parking lots, anchored, docked or in another safe area after notification and approval of the Superintendent or United States Park Police Commander in the absence of a Superintendent
- At Fort Dupont Community Gardens where plot holders have a permitted plot, personal possessions such as gardens implements and lawn furniture, may be there as long as the permit holder has an active permit.
- Property left on Greenbelt Park campsites without a current reservation will be removed and placed in storage for ten business days. Waste and hazardous materials will be immediately disposed of by park staff and subject to cost recovery.
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:Daily Site Use Fee Areas:
-
Picnic Areas
-
Recreational Fields
- Camping at Greenbelt Park
36 CFR §2.35 –ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
-
The use, sale, or possession of alcoholic beverages in prohibited in all areas of the park, except in designated areas of approved concessions/lessee contracted by the government and assigned by the Superintendent or within limited and clearly designated areas if authorized under a specific permit issued by the Superintendent.
-
Campsites at Greenbelt Park
(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials is prohibited with the exception of materials used for interpretive demonstrations or as excepted pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
36 CFR §2.37 – NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.36
36 CFR §2.52 -- SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER
(b) The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within park areas designated as available under §2.51(c)(2) (see above) when the Superintendent has issued a permit.
36 CFR §2.60 – LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE
(a) Under the authority of 36 CFR 2.60(a): The herding, driving, allowing on, pasturing or grazing of livestock of any kind or the use of a park area for agricultural purposes within areas administered by National Capital Parks –East is prohibited, except at the following locations and when conducted as a necessary and integral part of an educational or recreational activity or required in order to maintain a historic scene:
-
The Farm at Oxon Cove Park
-
National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park.
-
Other areas permitted for this purpose in Piscataway Park under special use permits
-
The United States Park Police stables at Fort Dupont
-
Two community gardens in Fort Dupont.
36 CFR §2.61 – RESIDING ON FEDERAL LANDS
(a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit lease or contract.
-
"Liveaboards" on vessels moored at NPS marinas are prohibited. The NPS will consider a "liveaboard" as a person who stays overnight on board a vessel moored at the marina for four (4) or more nights in any seven (7) day period and more than three (3) occasions in any twelve (12) month calendar period.
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
(a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, or in the following areas and according to the following conditions: Mockley Point area of Piscataway Park may be used as by members of the Piscataway Tribe, staying away from all waterways and public walkways. Members of the Piscataway Tribe do not need a permit, but they have to abide by the conditions below: 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.
-
The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above the ground.
-
No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.
PART 3 BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES
Section 3.1 Applicable Regulations
-
Residence is not allowed on vessels moored in any marina or boat club in the park.
-
Boats moored at any marina or boat club shall remain in an operable condition such that they can be moved upon immediate request in case of emergency. Sunk or disabled vessels shall be considered abandoned property after 72 hours.
-
Smoking is prohibited on all government power boats.
-
Motorized boats (including jet skis, etc.) are prohibited in Kenilworth Marsh and the restored portions of Kingman Lake without advance authorization from the Superintendent.
Section 3.23 Scuba and Snorkeling:
(a) SCUBA diving is prohibited in docking and mooring areas except in conjunction with boat repair or emergency operations.
36 CFR §3.3 – VESSEL PERMITS
Permits are required for the use of a vessel pursuant to §1.5(d). See §1.5(d) of this document for details.
-
Vessels moored within the park, but outside designated marina or boat clubs, require permits.
36 CFR §3.6 – BOATING OPERATIONS
(a)(2) Launching or operating a vessel is prohibited, except at one of the following launch sites:
-
Fort Washington Marina
-
Marshall Hall
-
Farmington Landing
-
Anacostia Park Boat Ramp
(a)(4) Vessels must meet the length, width, or horsepower conditions outlined in §1.5 of this document.
(b)(3) Operating a vessel in excess of flat wake speed where posted is prohibited.
(b)(5) Operating a power-driven or sailing vessel within 500 feet of a shoreline designated as a swimming beach is prohibited.
36 CFR §3.7 – PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE (PFD) REQUIREMENTS
PFDs must be worn or carried on the designated waters, at the designated times and/or during designated water-based activities outlined in §1.5 of this document.
36 CFR §3.12 – USING A VESSEL TO TOW A PERSON
(a) The towing of a person by a vessel is allowed only in the designated areas and in accordance with the following conditions listed in 36 CFR §1.5 of this document.
(b) Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider or other airborne device may be allowed only in accordance with a permit.
36 CFR §3.14 REMOVING A SUNKEN, GROUNDED, OR DISABLED VESSEL
(a) The removal of a vessel and its cargo must be done in accordance with the following established procedures:
- Owners must establish a reasonable date by which the vessel removal operations must be complete.
-
Determine times and means of access to and from the vessel
-
Specify the manner and method of removal.
36 CFR §3.19 – USE OF SUBMERSIBLES
The use of manned or unmanned submersibles may only occur in accordance with a permit issued by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES
(a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document:
-
Park roads may be closed during snow events. These roadways include all major commuter corridors routes and adjacent roads that need to be cleared for emergency vehicles without interference. The presence of recreational users for winter activities in closed areas present hazardous situations for both visitors and operators clearing roadways. All vehicles on these roads during a declared snow emergency are subject to immediate towing without notification.
(b) Routes and areas for off-road vehicle use are prohibited.(c)(1) Operating a motor vehicle not equipped with pneumatic tires is prohibited.36 CFR §4.11 – VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS(a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
-
Access to park roads is limited to vehicles not exceeding load, weight and size restrictions. Vehicles may not exceed 10,000-pound gross axle weight unless permitted. All such requests, other than emergency responses, require an application to the NPS for a permit.
36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS
(b)The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
-
Pursuant to 36 CFR 4.21, the maximum speed limits on all park roads are as posted.
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES
(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas, and on routes designated for bicycle use. Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in §1.5 of this document.
-
Bicycles are allowed on all park roads, except Suitland Parkway and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and on park trails specifically designated for bicycles.
-
Bicycles are allowed on the following administrative roads and park trails:
- Anacostia River Trail
-
Civil War Defenses Hiker Biker Trail
-
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Access trail to Anacostia River Trail.
-
Bicycles are allowable on sidewalks; however, bicycle users must walk their bicycles through, trails around the fort at Fort Washington.
-
Bicycles are not allowed in the following areas:
- All historic fort earthworks in Civil War Defenses sites, and other fortifications or historic landscape features.
-
Foot and nature trails and trails designated as part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
-
Adjacent pond areas at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
-
Greenbelt Park: the 300-acre natural area located on the eastern side of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Bicycles are only permitted on paved roads open to motor vehicles in Greenbelt Park.
-
Commercial or guided bicycle groups are not permitted in any 36 CFR 7.96 restricted area.
-
Bicycles should be parked in the bicycle racks. All unpaved trails, and off-trail or off-road areas are closed to bicycle use.
-
Bicycles must be operated at speeds reasonable for existing conditions. Speed should not exceed 15-mph on paved multi-use recreation trails or 25-mph on paved roadways.
-
Bicyclists must adhere to protective equipment requirements and regulations set by the state for which they are cycling in (i.e., Maryland the District of Columbia).
-
E-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Class 3 e-bikes 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. Class 3 bikes are prohibited. Class 3 e-bike means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the bicycle reaches 28 miles per hour.
- 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 National Capital Parks-East 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.
Definition: 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.)
36 CFR §5.1 – ADVERTISEMENTS
Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.3 – BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.
36 CFR §5.4 – COMMERCIAL PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTOR VEHICLES
(a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicle except as authorized under a contract or permit from the Secretary or his authorized representative is prohibited in certain parks. See §5.4(a) for more information.
36 CFR §5.5 – Filming Permit Requirements
The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:
Outdoor filming activities outside of areas managed as wilderness involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras.
The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
- maintain public health and safety;
- protect environmental or scenic values;
- protect natural or cultural resources;
- allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or
- avoid conflict among visitor use activities.
If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.
The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.
The following are prohibited:
- Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required.
- Engaging in a filming activity without a permit if the activity takes place in areas managed as wilderness or if the Superintendent has notified the organizer in writing that a permit is required.
- Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action.
- Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.6 – COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent.
-
Taxis and vans such as Supershuttle are allowed on Baltimore-Washington Parkways, Suitland Parkway, and other roads within National Capital Parks-East.
36 CFR §5.7 – CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES
Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States.
Part 7 SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
The permit must be in the possession of the highest-level organizer or leader of the public assembly or meeting within the permitted boundary.
Applications for such demonstration and special event permits must be submitted through:
Office of Permits
National Mall and Memorial Parks, Division of Park Programs
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242-0001
7/14/21
Last updated: July 22, 2024