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Cape Hatteras National SeashoreBeach solitude
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Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Laws & Policies
 
Federal Laws
Laws are created by Congress and establish the highest order of legal authority over national parks.
  • Many laws, including the 1916 Organic Act that created the National Park Service, affect all areas managed by the National Park Service.
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Enabling Legislation provides specific instructions and guidance on how the park must be managed.

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 36 CFR parts 1-199 and the Park Compendium (PDF 5.3 MB) provide a complete listing of park rules and regulations. These most specific rules are developed with public input to implement applicable law.

Assimilated Laws

As Cape Hatteras National Seashore manages under concurrent jurisdication, State of North Carolina statues are assimilated.

Federal Laws
There are many federal policy laws . . .
that the National Park Service is bound by to protect parks
more...
National Park Service Management Policies
National Park Service Management Policies . . .
are the highest level of guidance document in the NPS Directives System
more...
Director's Orders
National Park Service Director's Orders . . .
help park managers in making day-to-day decisions
more...
Giant Water Flea  

Did You Know?
This is not a space alien, even though it has a transparent body, wings, and a very large eye. Giant water fleas grow up to 2 cm long, and are a food source for small fish that shelter in the sound. You can swim with them in the sound-side waters off Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Last Updated: March 27, 2009 at 09:37 EST