|
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 54 United States Code §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. Approved: /s/ Mark Davison, Superintendent April 1, 2024 Introduction to the Compendium The 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 regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park System, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public. As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the section, however, requires the superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature. Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park. A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. This compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System. A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at: Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 The CFR is also available on the Internet at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfrv1_05.html The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C.1a-1, “Organic Act”). §100101(a) states: “The Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, shall promote and regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. In addition, 54 U.S.C. §100751(a) allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, “to make such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units and a criminal penalty is provided for a violation of those regulations.”
In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970, Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.” 54 U.S.C. §100101(b)(1)(A) declares that “the National Park System, which began with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, has since grown to include superlative natural, historic, and recreation areas in every major region of the United States and its territories and possessions.” In addition to the above statutory authority, the superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in NPS Management Policies (2006). The superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitors and other users, as-long-as the use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of visitor uses, or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. When conflict arises between use and resource protection and there is a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, the superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use. The 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 on small entities 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 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in a National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
The 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.
NPS commissioned park rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.
A 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 Superintendent at the park address found below.
The compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The Park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time.Written comments on the compendium may be submitted to:
Superintendent Fort Laramie National Historic Site 965 Gray Rocks Road Fort Laramie, Wyoming 82212 The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised.
Some of the terms used in this compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions
Copies of the compendium are available at:
Fort Laramie National Historic Site 965 Gray Rocks Road Fort Laramie, Wyoming 82212 It may also be found at www.nps.gov/fola http://www.nps.gov/fola/parkmgmt/lawsandpolicies.htm SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUM 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 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
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: Visiting Hours:
(a)(2) The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted: Closures:
Reason for determination: The canal road is on private property of local landowners.
Reason for determination: The superintendent has determined that this restriction is necessary for visitor enjoyment and safety.
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, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Reason for determination: Maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, and avoidance of visitor use activities, unreasonable noise, and impacts to viewshed. The use of unmanned aircraft is not consistent with the purpose for which Fort Laramie National Historic Site was established. Less restrictive measures will not suffice due to public assess being restricted to historic districts, and the historic districts are not appropriate for unmanned aircraft use.
Reason for determination: The superintendent has determined that this restriction is necessary for visitor enjoyment and safety. These closed roads are designed as primary pedestrian foot paths or for maintenance operations and are not compatible with general use motor vehicle traffic.
Gyroscopically controlled mobility devices: The use of Segways or similar gyroscopically controlled devices in lieu of manual or motorized wheelchairs is allowed by persons with disabilities who would otherwise only have the option of using a manual or powered wheelchair with the following restrictions: A person using a Segway or similar gyroscopically controlled device at Fort Laramie NHS would be medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life functions. A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. Segways may be used on the historic fort grounds (pedestrian pathways), sidewalks, the picnic area, and the confluence trail, although terrain may limit their success. Segways may not be operated at speeds greater than 2-3 mph, the equivalent of a walking pedestrian. 36 CFR §1.5 (a)(2) COVID-19 Mask Requirement:
In accordance with National Park Service Reference Manual 9 (RM-9) for Law Enforcement, notice is hereby given that Fort Laramie National Historic Site utilizes Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring. The park’s use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes is to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be monitored by the park’s security and law enforcement to help ensure public safety and security. The goal of this program is to facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1) This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers (RM-9, 26.1). Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2) Disclosure and use of any information obtained will be limited to appropriate law enforcement and public safety purposes. Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law. II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT The following activities are allowed in the park after first obtaining a Special Use Permit. An application for a permit should be submitted to the superintendent during normal business hours.
III. RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site. (b) Travel to and around the hospital ruins is restricted to established trails. Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site and provide for the protection of archeological items present in the soil and underground in the immediate vicinity.
Reason for determination: The site is closed to public use from sunset to sunrise (unless by Special Use Permit) and the use of an artificial light for purposes of viewing wildlife in closed areas is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING (a) Fishing shall be in accordance with laws and regulations of the state of Wyoming. Reason for determination: River: This section of river has a steep, unstable bank that is unsafe for fishing. This area has a large amount of glass and jagged metal on the streambed which can result in injuries. Closing the area will also support the preservation of cultural resources. Areas closed to fishing are signed. (No fishing signs are located near the Laramie River bridge near Picnic Area, behind Captains Quarters, and at the horse corrals beyond the Post Bakery).
Reason for determination: Typical high winds and dry conditions at the site create a high fire hazard throughout the year. 36 CFR §2.15 – PETS (a)(1) Pets are prohibited in all park buildings.
(a)(3) Pet excrement must be promptly removed from all areas of the park by the pet owner/handler and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle. Reason for determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site. Many pets and strangers do not mix well, presenting a danger to other visitors. Many people, especially small children, are frightened by unfamiliar animals. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained pet, causing them to behave unpredictably. Pets leaving excrement create a serious sanitation hazard. 36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS (g) No horses or pack animal usage is allowed by the public in the park without a Special Use Permit.Reason for determination: Fort Laramie National Historic Site does not have trails, routes, or areas designed for horse or pack animal usage. Mixing horse traffic with pedestrian traffic would create a high possibility for accidents and injuries.
Reason for determination: In accordance with the Physical Security/Structural Fire Assessment completed in 2016 and the recommendation of the Structural Fire Engineer, smoking creates a fire hazard in the Fort Laramie Historic District (structures/grounds) and is henceforth banned. 36 CFR §2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS (e) The superintendent shall designate on a map, the locations available for public assemblies.
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION (c) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains and must be in accordance with the terms and conditions of a Special Use Permit.VI. BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES 36 CFR §3.16 - SWIMMING AND BATHING (a) The following are prohibited: Swimming and bathing in locations designated as closed.
Reason for determination: River: This section of river has a steep, unstable bank and deep unseen holes in the river that are unsafe for swimming. This area has artifacts on the stream bed that include a large amount of glass and jagged metal which can result in injuries. V. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY (a) Operating a motor vehicle in the park is prohibited except on the entrance road, established parking lots and picnic area. Reason for determination: To protect, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site. The entrance road, parking lots and picnic areas are the only roads in the park designed for general vehicular traffic. All other roads and trails are intended primarily for foot traffic and maintenance service use. (b) Operating motor vehicles on the Goshen Irrigation District canal road is prohibited. Exception: Adjacent landowners may use the canal road to access their respective properties. Reason for determination: The canal road is not maintained and is only intended for the ditch company’s maintenance activities. 36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES “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.). (a) The following routes are closed to traditional bicycle and e-bike use:
Reason for determination: These areas are designed for foot traffic or administrative traffic only. Bicycle riding in these areas increases the chance of injury to visitors that are walking. VI. COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE OPERATIONS 
NPS Image 
NPS Image |
Last updated: April 2, 2024