National Park Service

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Superintendent’s Compendium

Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.

Signed Copy on File 10/7/04__

Approved Date

Bill Pierce

Superintendent
Redwood National and State Parks

Use the complete site name here (e.g. Palo Alto Battlefield Historic Site).

1111 Second Street

Crescent City, CA 95531

707-464-6101 phone

707-464-1812 fax

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 persons entering, using, visiting, or otherwise within: (1) The boundaries of federally owned lands and waters administered by Redwood National Park; (2) The boundaries of lands and waters administered by Redwood National Park for public-use purposes pursuant to the terms of a written instrument; (3) Waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States located within the boundaries of Redwood National Park, including navigable waters and areas within their ordinary reach (up to the mean high water line in places subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and up to the ordinary high water mark in other places) and without regard to the ownership of submerged lands, tidelands, or lowlands. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

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

I. CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

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:

Visitor Center hours throughout the park are from 9am-5pm unless otherwise posted.

Public Use Limits:

All parking areas along Freshwater Lagoon Spit, including the entire width of the graveled road shoulder on both sides of Highway 101, from the Redwood National and State Parks Entrance sign at the south end of Freshwater Lagoon north to the turnoff to the Redwood Creek Picnic Area are open to visitor use from 5am-11pm daily. Except in emergencies, this area as described is closed to persons and vehicles from 11pm-5am daily.

Determination: This area of Freshwater Lagoon Spit has previously been open to overnight camping. The 2000 General Management Plan/General Plan (GMP/GP) calls for eliminating overnight camping in this area. As the parks implement this portion of the GMP/GP, the closure, and hence restriction of all activities, not just camping, from 11pm-5am is needed to more effectively enforce the prohibition on overnight camping. The nighttime closure is intended as a temporary measure only until visitor use patterns change sufficiently to allow enforcement of camping restrictions alone.

The Tall Trees Access Road is limited to 50 vehicles per day. A permit is required (see §1.6).

Determination: The Tall Trees Access Road is a six-mile long dirt road that leads to the Tall Trees Grove Parking Area. Because of high visitor demand for this area and limited parking, restricting the number of vehicles is necessary to prevent public safety hazards and resource damage associated with unauthorized overflow parking along the roadway and the environs near the Tall Trees Grove Parking Area. In addition, the limit allows visitors to proceed down the long winding road with the knowledge that parking will be available when they arrive. Otherwise, visitors could potentially reach the parking area, find no available spaces, and be forced to return to the Bald Hills Road six miles away.

The use of a radio, CD player, or other device with an external speaker that generates music or amplifies noise at levels exceeding those of normal conversation in, or within 1/4 mile of old growth forests, from February 1 through September 15 is prohibited. Old-growth forest is defined as a mature forest with a multi-species canopy dominated by large over-story trees.

Determination: This limitation is necessary to avoid disturbing nesting federally listed threatened bird species. Current research has shown that Marbled Murrelets and Northern Spotted Owls, both species of which nest almost exclusively in old-growth forests, are sensitive to noise disturbance during the nesting season. Disturbance has been found to cause nest abandonment and/or failure in these species.

Any road, roadway, skid trail or area of Redwood National Park closed by a sign or gate is closed to public motor vehicle use, except as authorized by a permit.

Determination: The park contains hundreds of miles of former logging roads and skid trails that were used prior to park acquisition. The park’s General Management Plan calls for the removal and rehabilitation of all roads except those designated as park roads and trails. All other former roads and skid trails are closed by signs or gates until they are rehabilitated. Some park roads are closed by sign or gate to public motor vehicle use while restoration efforts are underway or to implement a public use limit as noted above on the Tall Trees Access Road.

Closures:

The two horse/pedestrian fords on the Mill Creek Horse Trail are closed annually to protect active salmon spawning beds. Between October 15 through May 31 the south ford on the Mill Creek Horse Trail is closed to both pedestrian and horse crossings. Between October 15 through March 31 the north ford on the Mill Creek Horse Trail is closed to both pedestrian and horse crossings.

Determination: Research has shown that trampling diminishes the survival of eggs and emergent fish (Roberts, B.C. and R.G. White. 1992). Field surveys of both Mill Creek Horse Trail fords have shown the presence of salmon "redds" (nests) and emergent fry, including federally protected southern Oregon/northern California coast coho salmon. Most coho salmon spawning and incubation occurs in this watershed from October 15 through March 31 with all incubation completed by May 31 (SRAC 2002). If continued monitoring of coho spawning and incubation in these particular locations indicates earlier or later starting or ending dates, the closure period will be adjusted accordingly. This determination consistent with similar conservation measures enacted for recreational use on the Deschutes River in Oregon (USDC, 2002). Long-term solutions besides closure could include re-routing the trail through less sensitive areas or constructing permanent bridges capable of accommodating horse and pedestrian traffic. Both of these options are cost prohibitive at this time.
References:

-Roberts, B.C. and R.G. White. 1992. Effects of angler wading on survival of trout eggs and pre-emergent fry. North America Journal of Fisheries Management. 12:450-459.

-USDC, 2002. Biological Opinion, Effects of Ongoing and Proposed BLM Activities in Lower Deschutes River Subbasin, Oregon, for 2002-2004. National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region, 7600 Sand Point Way NE Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 98115. 22pp.

-Smith River Advisory Council. 2002. Smith River Anadromous Fish Action Plan. Unpublished report on file at Redwood National and State Parks, Orick, California. 78 pp.

Waters of Redwood Creek that lie within the boundaries of Redwood National Park are closed to motorized vessel use.

Determination: The Redwood Creek Watershed has been identified in the park’s General Management Plan as an area to be managed for a high degree of solitude "…isolated from the sights and sounds of traffic and developments…." In addition, a significant portion of Redwood Creek flows through or within one-quarter mile of old growth forest. Current research has shown that federally listed threatened Marbled Murrelets and Northern Spotted Owls, both species of which nest almost exclusively in old-growth forests, are sensitive to noise disturbance during the nesting season. Disturbance can cause nest abandonment and/or failure in these species. Motorized vessel use in Redwood Creek is therefore inconsistent with General Management Plan direction for the management of this area and with the protection of federally threatened bird species during their nesting seasons.

Climbing an old growth tree is prohibited without a research permit issued by the NPS, and during the breeding season, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved Section 10 permit.

Determination: This limitation is necessary to avoid disturbing federally listed threatened bird species. Current research has shown that marbled murrelets and northern spotted owls, both species of which nest almost exclusively in old-growth forests, are sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding season. Disturbance of the nature associated with tree climbing could cause nest abandonment and/or failure in these species. Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act authorizes the USFWS to issue permits for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of listed species. An applicant for this permit must therefore demonstrate that the need for climbing an old-growth tree during the breeding season is advantageous to the conservation and recovery of the threatened or endangered species for the activity to occur. Outside of the breeding season, nest substrates, particularly moss/lichen complexes used by marbled murrelets, are susceptible to damage by tree climbing activities.

Except in those areas listed in Section 2.22(a)(2)(i) of this Compendium, overnight parking on a roadway or parking area in the park is prohibited.

Determination: Overnight parking of unattended vehicles is allowed in designated areas of the park that provide access to backcountry campsites while the occupants of the vehicle are using those backcountry campsites. Prohibiting all other overnight parking is necessary to prevent unauthorized camping in and around the parking lots themselves or in nearby areas not designated for camping. Unauthorized overnight use of these areas results in sanitation problems, resource damage, illegal campfires, and user conflicts. Developed vehicle campgrounds are available throughout the parks and local communities.

All park roads that are closed to public motor vehicle use are closed to bicycle use except the following:

(i) The Streelow Creek Trail from the Davison Road to the Newton B. Drury Parkway near Wolf Creek Education Center.

(ii) The Holter Ridge Trail from the parking area at the Lost Man Creek picnic area to the Bald Hills Road.

Determination: With the exception of the above listed roads, park roads that are closed to public motor vehicle use and bicycle use are either administrative roads that are closed for public safety or security reasons, or they are backcountry roads that park staff is rehabilitating. When completed, these roads will be eliminated entirely or managed subsequently as hiking trails. The roads listed above as open to bicycle use are those park roads, per the park’s draft Trail Plan, that are proposed to be permanently closed to all motor vehicle use, but then remain as multiple use trails for hiking and bicycling.

All former logging roads or skid trails that are not maintained as park roads are closed to all vehicle use.

During times when the facilities are in use by approved educational groups, the Howland Hill Outdoor School and the Wolf Creek Education Center are closed to all public use of the facilities, grounds, and parking areas, and within 200 feet of any and all structures.

Determination: This closure is necessary to ensure a safe, orderly environment for children and instructors participating in approved educational activities at these locations.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

Camping:

Please refer to §2.10 for detailed camping area designations.

Water Skiing/Towing Areas:

Freshwater Lagoon, according to the general restrictions in 36 CFR 3.20.

II. PERMITS

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. Tall Trees Access Road and Backcountry Camping permits may be obtained at all park visitor/information centers. All other permits must be obtained at Park Headquarters in Crescent City during business hours or via mail addressed to Chief Ranger, Redwood National and State Parks, 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.

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

Use of Administrative Roads
Tall Trees Access Road

§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
§2.10(a) The following camping activities:

Backcountry Camping in Redwood Creek
Refer to section 2.10 for conditions related to camping

§2.12 Audio Disturbances:

(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

No permits are issued for recreational aircraft use including hang gliding, paragliding, parasailing, parachuting, or base-jumping.

§2.23(b) The following special recreation activities (per 36 CFR Part 71):

Use of Outdoor Schools

§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)

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

§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

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

§2.62 Memorialization:

(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation

§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:

(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television
(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following locations:

Freshwater Beach south of Redwood Creek

Hidden Beach north of Redwood Creek

Crescent Beach from the NPS boundary at South Beach south to the cliffs below Enderts Beach Overlook

Enderts Beach north and south of the mouth of Nickel Creek

Gravel bars of Redwood Creek

Within ¼ mile radius of established campgrounds and backcountry campsites

Up to 50 pounds (the amount an average adult can carry in one armload) of dead and down wood per day per campsite or picnic site, including driftwood, may be collected by hand, without the use of mechanical means, for use exclusively as firewood within park campgrounds, backcountry campsites, picnic areas, and on beach waveslopes.

(a)(5) Cultural and archaeological sites that are open for entry by the public are Lyons Ranch Rural Historic District; Bald Hills Archeological District; Radar Station B-71; Kelsey Trail; the Brush Dance Site; and DeMartin House.

(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:

All species of berries (one gallon per person per day) and apples (five apples per person per day)

Acorns (one gallon per person per day)

Hazel Nuts (one gallon per person per day)

Unoccupied seashells (one gallon per person per day)

Determination: Because of the abundance of the listed berries, fruits, nuts and unoccupied seashells in and around the park and the limited pressure from persons collecting these items, there is currently little risk that limited personal collection will adversely affect the long-term integrity of these resources. If significant changes in visitor use patterns or measurable adverse effects to park resources are detected, these limits may be revised or the authorization to gather a particular item eliminated entirely.

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

Lawfully taken and tagged wildlife may be transported through the park on Highways 199 and 101, Bald Hills Road, Johnson Road, Klamath Beach Road and William’s Ridge Road. Lawfully taken waterfowl may be transported by boat across Freshwater Lagoon to the public launch ramp near highway 101. All other roads and waterways within the park are closed to transportation of lawfully taken wildlife unless approved by a park ranger on a case-by-case basis.

An animal, lawfully shot on neighboring lands, that runs into the park may be retrieved if the animal is dead or mortally wounded following notification of and investigation by a park ranger. If the injured animal rises and moves away upon being approached by the park ranger, the animal will be considered healthy enough to survive and further pursuit will be prohibited. Park rangers may euthanize a severely injured animal and allow the properly licensed hunter to tag and claim the animal. A weapon that is unloaded and broken down, cased or otherwise made temporarily inoperable (i.e. bolt removed) may be taken into the park by a hunter when attempting to notify a park ranger of the incident. No engine-driven mechanical equipment such as a winch, hoist, all terrain vehicle, etc. may be used to retrieve the animal.

(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:

All areas of the park are closed except while fishing in accordance with California fishing regulations.

36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING
(d)(4) In accordance with federal statutory law, commercial fishing is authorized in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

Commercial fishing by authorized tribal members on the Klamath River.
Commercial fishing in the waters of the Pacific Ocean in accordance with California fishing regulations.

36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS
(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may be carried, possessed or used only at the following designated times and locations:

Authorized tribal members engaged in commercial or traditional fishing activities on the Klamath River may possess nets, spears, and other implements used for authorized fishing activities.

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as follows:

Camping is limited to the designated campsites and to eight (8) persons per site.
Group sites are limited to twenty (20) persons.

All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, except on Redwood Creek gravel bars.

Saving a campsite for another party is prohibited.

Campsite overnight stay limits are 5 consecutive nights and 15 nights in a calendar year. Campers and all tents and other camping equipment must vacate at least 24 hours between each 5-day stay.

The following are the designated camping areas with the number of available sites where applicable:

Nickel Creek (5 sites)

DeMartin Prairie (11 sites)

Flint Ridge (9 sites)

Elam Camp (Horse Camp) - (3 sites or a group camp) not to exceed 12 stock animals.

Forty-four Camp (Horse Camp) - (4 sites or a group camp) not to exceed 12 stock animals.

Little Bald Hills (Horse Camp) – (4 sites or a group camp) not to exceed 12 stock animals.

Redwood Creek gravel bars.

(b)(3) Camping within 25 feet of a fire hydrant or main road, or within 100 feet of a flowing stream, river or body of water is authorized only in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

Redwood Creek gravel bars (upstream from the summer footbridge creek/trail crossing) on Redwood Creek to the eastern park boundary. Camping is prohibited within a ¼ mile radius of the Tall Trees Grove. A camping permit is required for camping in the Redwood Creek drainage. Permits are available at the Redwood Information Center.
Nickel Creek camp only within designated sites.

(d) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for the following areas:

At all backcountry campsites, food and any scented materials such as toothpaste, sunscreen, soap, etc., must be stored in food storage cabinets, food storage canisters available at park information centers, or suspended a minimum of ten (10) feet above the ground and at least four (4) feet horizontally from a post or tree trunk. Food must be stored as indicated above in a manner that makes it inaccessible to bears, corvids (ravens, crows, and jays), raccoons, and other park wildlife. Cooking utensils, dishes and food containers must be cleaned or stored as indicated above.
In all other areas of the park including vehicle campgrounds, parking areas, and trailheads, food and scented materials must be stored in a vehicle or must be closely attended so that they are inaccessible to bears, corvids (ravens, crows, and jays), raccoons, and other park wildlife.

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES
(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as authorized in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

All fires are prohibited during periods of very high or extreme fire danger as posted according to the park’s Fire Management Plan.
Campfires are permitted in park-provided grills or designated sites in all campgrounds, picnic areas and backcountry campsites. Holders of a valid backcountry camping permit for Redwood Creek may build a fire only on the gravel bars, per conditions of the permit.

Fires may be built on beach wave slopes, but not on vegetation or within, or in close proximity to, driftwood piles.

Moving a grill or fire ring from its original location is prohibited.
Where grills are provided, all burning material must be fully contained within the grill.
The burning of trash or food waste is prohibited within the park.

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

All park buildings that are open to the public.
All park roads that are closed to public motor vehicle use.
All park trails.
All undeveloped areas more than 100 feet from public roads and parking areas, except that pets are allowed on Crescent, Gold Bluff, Hidden (Humboldt County), and Freshwater beaches.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be picked up and properly disposed of in a trash receptacle.

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

Park residents, including Redwood Hostel staff, may keep pets in accordance with park regulations, the park's housing management plan and concession contracts.

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

Horses, ponies, mules, burros, goats, and llamas.

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

The Mill Creek Horse Trail and the Little Bald Hills trail in Del Norte County.

The established and marked Orick Horse trails on the west side of Redwood Creek and within the streambed of Redwood Creek up to the first footbridge/trail crossing of Redwood Creek.

Crescent, Gold Bluff, Hidden (Humboldt County) and Freshwater beaches.

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

While using park trails and campsites, a horse or pack animal may be fed only pelletized or weed-free certified feed. Certification of weed-free feed must be in the rider's possession while in the park.

A horse or pack animal may not graze or otherwise eat park vegetation.

A horse or pack animal must be picketed, properly tied to a hitching post or within a corral when unattended overnight.

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:

Smoking is prohibited in all government buildings and government owned or leased vehicles. Smoking is also prohibited where posted, and along trails during periods of high, very high and extreme fire danger as posted according to the park's Fire Management Plan.

Determination: Smoking is prohibited in all government buildings and vehicles to comply with government-wide health and safety policies. Smoking is prohibited where posted and along trails during high fire danger in order to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire.

36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:

A person using a designated backcountry campground may park his or her unoccupied motor vehicle overnight at the owner's risk at the following locations:

Kuchel Visitor Center parking lot. (NOTE: This parking lot is locked at night. Vehicles may not be removed until the gate is opened the next day.)

Redwood Creek trailhead parking lots at the bottom of the C-Line Road and at the gate along the Bald Hills Road.

Dolason Trailhead parking lot

Tall Trees Trailhead parking lot

B-Mill Deck parking (Elk Meadow)

Hidden Beach (Humboldt County)

Skunk Cabbage Trailhead parking lot

Flint Ridge parking lot

Nickel Creek/Enderts Beach parking lot

Orick horse trail parking lot, located at the Orick Rodeo Grounds

Redwood Youth Hostel, with manager's approval

Freshwater Spit

Except for authorized residents of park housing, the dismantling, non-emergency repair, or routine servicing of a motor vehicle in the park is prohibited. Temporary, emergency repairs must be completed within twenty-four (24) hours. A park ranger must be notified, and permission granted, before a vehicle may remain longer than 24 hours.

36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES
(b) Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

Freshwater Spit on July 4th. Only California approved fireworks may be used. All fireworks-related trash and debris must be properly disposed of.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
(b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, or in the following designated areas without a permit, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

There are no areas designated for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains without a permit. All scattering of ashes requires a permit.

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 (attached hereto):

All roads shown on the Redwood National and State Parks Map and Guide including: HWY 101, HWY 199, Enderts Beach Road, Requa Road, Coastal Drive, Alder Camp Road, Davison Road, Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Lost Man Creek Road, Redwood Creek Trailhead Access Road, Bald Hills Road, Tall Trees Access Road (by permit).

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:

Vehicles over 22 feet in length and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on Coastal Drive just south of the mouth of the Klamath River to the intersection with Alder Camp Road. This prohibition also applies to the High Bluff Overlook Road. Vehicle/trailers with a combined length over 24 feet are prohibited on Davison Road west of the road access into Elk Meadow Day Use Area (B-Mill Deck).