Laws & Policies

The Pine Canyon Road is one of Big Bend's primitive roads administered through a backcountry management plan.

NPS/Big Bend National Park

 

To Protect Visitors and Resources: Policies and Regulations
There are a variety of documents that guide the management of Big Bend National Park. Many documents, like the National Environmental Policy Act, articulate legal requirements to which federal entities must adhere. Other documents, like the park's General Management Plan and Superintendent's Compendium, are formal documents that create a "contract" between Big Bend National Park and the public. Still others, like Director's and Superintendent Orders, direct how Big Bend and other national park units will operate.

The information available in this section will allow you to become more aware of park implementation plans and of how park operations are structured toward success in achieving the NPS mission of preserving unimpaired park resources for the enjoyment of future generations. These pages also include specific regulations on a variety of activities within the park.

 

Federal Laws
Laws are created by Congress and establish the highest order of legal authority over national parks. More...

• Many laws, including the 1916 Organic Act that created the National Park Service, affect all areas managed by the National Park Service.
• Big Bend legislation is listed in the enabling legislation of the park.

NPS Policies
Service-wide policy for the National Park Service is developed by the Office of Policy with public input and in accordance with applicable laws. Policies dictate many of the overall directions and procedures used by all parks. More...

Park Regulations
The Code of Federal Regulations and the Superintendent's Compendium provide a complete listing of park rules and regulations. These most specific rules are developed with public input to implement applicable law.

• 36 CFR parts 1-199 pertains to all National Park areas.
• The Superintendent's Compendium provides a listing of park-specific regulations under the discretionary authority of the superintendent.
• Other regulations, such as Texas Traffic Laws regarding ATV use may also apply.

Note: the free Adobe reader is required to view the Park Compendium.

Some regulations may be subject to change. See Public Involvement or Park News.

See also:

• Park Management
• Park Planning
• NPS Policy Office
• Permits