National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Superintendent’s Compendium

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

Approved:

/s/ Russell P. Smith Date: 7/22/08

Russell P. Smith, Superintendent

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National MilitaryPark

120 Chatham Lane

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

(540) 654-5535

(540) 372-3030 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 lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which 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:

The following areas are closed to all public use and access from sunset to sunrise.

Chatham Area:

1. Parking areas

2. Roads

3. Building

4. Grounds

5. Fields

6. Woods

7. Rappahannock River front area

Fredericksburg Battlefield:

1. Fredericksburg National Cemetery

2. Visitor Center parking area and grounds (except the Sunken Road, which will remain open for pedestrian use at all times)

3. Pontoon Crossing site

4. Lee Hill Shelter and Trail

5. Pickett Circle

6. South Lee Drive

7. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield

8. All trails

Stonewall Jackson Shrine:

1. Parking area

2. roads

3. grounds

4. fields

5. woods

Chancellorsville Battlefield:

1. Bullock Road

2. Chancellor House site (including parking area)

3. Catharine Furnace parking area

4. Visitor Center parking area and grounds

5. Berry-Paxton Drive

6. Slocum Drive

7. Maury Birthplace and parking area

8. Flank Attack parking area

9. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield

10. All trails

11. McLaws Trail parking

Wilderness Battlefield:

1. Exhibit Shelter parking area and grounds

2. Ellwood (including entrance road)

3. Tour Stop 12

4. Hill-Ewell picnic area and parking lot

5. Widow Tapp parking area

6. Grant’s Knoll

7. Wilderness Tavern

8. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield

9. All trails

10. Longstreet’s Wounding Tour Stop

Spotsylvania Battlefield:

1. All roads except Hancock Road

2. All parking areas

3. Trails

4. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield

Old Salem Church:

1. Parking area

2. Grounds

After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources. No legitimate study, education, or information from an historical context can be obtained after dark from any of the battlefield areas.

Vehicles may not stop, stand, or remain on the following roads from sunset to sunrise.

Fredericksburg Battlefield:

1. North Lee Drive

Salem Church

1. New Jersey 15th monument

Chatham:

1. Chatham Lane (outside entrance gate)

Chancellorsville Battlefield:

1. Miles Drive (SR 618/River Road) within CBF

2. Stuart Drive

3. Sickles Drive

4. McLaws Drive

5. Furnace Road

6. Catharine Furnace parking area

7. Jackson Trail (East and West)

8. Flank Attack exhibit area off State Route 3

Wilderness Battlefield:

1. Hill-Ewell Drive

Spotsylvania Battlefield:

1. Hancock Road

Closures:

· The following park roads are closed to visitor vehicular traffic at all times.

1. Chancellor Cemetery Road (Chancellorsville Battlefield)

2. Landram House Road (Spotsylvania Battlefield)

3. Sunken Road

These roads are closed except for administrative purposes and in the case of the Cemetery Road access is provided for those associated with the cemetery. These roads serve no public vehicular access purpose and vehicle use would detract from the historic scene.

· All park areas enclosed by chain-link fence are closed to public access and private vehicles, except for those on official business.

Fenced in areas are administrative areas and are enclosed for security reasons. The security and accountability of government property can best be protected by limiting access to these areas.

· The park is closed to picnicking except in the areas designated for that purpose. Designated

picnic areas are found in the following locations:

1. Chatham

2. Fredericksburg Visitor Center

3. Pickett Circle

4. Chancellorsville Visitor Center

5. Hill-Ewell Drive Picnic Area

6. Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter

7. Jackson Shrine

Ample opportunities exist outside the park for this activity. The areas listed above provide a reasonable accommodation for those touring the park without interrupting their route. Outside of these approved areas, it would be inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values at hallowed battleground sites.

The park and National Cemetery are closed to public use involving sports or recreation in accordance with the park Policy for Non-Traditional Uses. Regulated activities include but are not limited to kite-flying, ball playing, Frisbee throwing, model airplane flying and the use of other motorized or non-motorized devices.

Ample opportunities exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and interfere with the peace and tranquility of the landscape and are inconsistent with the reason the park was created.

The park and National Cemetery are closed to the posting of non-commercial signs. These include but are not limited to private signs, announcements, and political advertisements, except as may be permitted by the park’s policy on the Distribution of Printed Matter found in the Non –Traditional Use Policy.

Ample locations exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and are inconsistent with the park’s purposes and values.

The National Cemetery is closed to pets.

Ample locations exist outside the cemetery for this activity including other locations within the park. The NPS has determined that most commemorative sites should be closed to the possession of pets. A number of complaints have been noted over the years of pet owners allowing pets to defecate at grave sites and on grave markers thus desecrating the site.

The parking of motor vehicles along park road shoulders is prohibited except for the provision for horse trailers as indicated under 36 CFR 2.16(g).

Public safety is compromised on narrow park roads when vehicles pull off along road shoulders. Visitors are required to use parking lots and pull outs when parking, touring and accessing exhibit areas and trail heads. The use of non-designated areas creates resource impacts along roadsides.

Riding bicycles on Historic Sunken Road is prohibited. Bikes must be dismounted and walked on the Sunken Road.

Sunken Roadis the premier attraction in Fredericksburg Battlefield and its proximity to the visitor center creates a large volume of foot traffic. Foot and bicycle traffic in this area is incompatible and presents a safety concern.

The park is closed to camping except for living history groups whom may camp in conjunction with a park-sponsored activity for interpretive/educational purposes.

The park is closed between sunset and sunrise. There are no designated campgrounds in the park. Infrastructure does not support campgrounds. Living history groups camp in the park during interpretive events and events supporting the administration of the park to further the park mission.

The park is closed to swimming and bathing.

It is hazardous to swim or bath in open waters throughout the park.

Geo-caching is prohibited throughout the park and National Cemetery except that virtual caching is allowed.

The entire park consists of sacred battleground and therefore contains historically significant resources. Digging, which is often done while geocaching, is inappropriate within these areas. Stashing and leaving property unattended for a certain time period is illegal. The activity in itself will appear suspicious to bystanders and staff alike who might misinterpret what the individual is doing. This type of recreational activity is inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and inconsistent with the park’s purposes and values.

Segway use is allowed throughout the park and National Cemetery if used by individuals with mobility disabilities. The park allows Segways in all areas where motorized wheelchairs are allowed. They are viewed and treated as pedestrians.

The NPS has concluded that this interim policy on allowing the use of Segways and similar devices by individuals with mobility disabilities is compelled by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) regulations at 43 CFR Part 17, Subpart E. It has been determined that such devices would be appropriate for all park areas currently open to motorized wheelchair use. This interim policy is in effect until a service-wide policy is enacted.

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities and/or public uses for which a permit from the superintendent is required:

· §1.5(d) Relating to Public Use Limits:

§ To implement a public use limit, the superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservation system. Permits shall be issued in accordance with the criteria and procedures of 36 CFR 1.6.

· §2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net

· §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)

· §2.12 Audio Disturbances:

§ (a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas

§ (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:

§ (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means

§ (c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft

· §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)

· §2.38 Explosives:

§ (a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents

§ (b) Use or possess fireworks

· §2.50(a) Conduct 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:

§ (a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director)

§ (b) Scattering ashes from human cremation

· §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits

· §5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)

· §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business

· §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.

· §5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available)

· §5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.

· §12 National Cemeteries

§ Special Events and Demonstrations

§ Disinterment

§ Memorials

The Chief Ranger’s office should be contacted for permit information. Please call (540) 899-2698 or (540) 654-5535.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:

The following earthworks/archeological resources may be walked on utilizing an established trail designated or undesignated, for the purpose of viewing the battlefield or utilizing trails within the park:

1. Prospect Hill overlook on Walker's Artillery Battalion's gun emplacements

2. Lee Drive trail through Longstreet Corp hut site

3. Olde Greenwich trail over earthworks to Lee Drive

4. Olde Greenwich trail over earthworks to Pickett Circle

5. Chancellorsville History Trail over Hooker's Last Line

6. Trail over Posey's line to Furnace Road

7. Trails over Anderson's Line to McLaws Drive

8. Federal Line Trail over Warren's Line to Route 20

9. Spotsylvania Trail over Lee's Middle Line to Harrison House Site

10. Upton's Attack Trail over Dole's Salient earthworks

(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:

· Blueberries

· Raspberries

· Blackberries

· Grapes

· Apples

· Pears

· Figs

· All quantities may not exceed ½ gallon per person per day.

It has been determined that these quantities for personal use have had no detrimental affect on the population.

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

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

· Hunters may transport legally taken, properly tagged and identified wildlife through park areas via legally established accesses if no other access to their private property exists.

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

· Viewing, or attempting to view, wildlife by means of motor vehicle headlights, infrared lighting/beams or other artificial light (spotlighting) is prohibited park wide.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

· The park is closed to picnicking except in designated picnic areas as identified in1.5(a)(1)

“closures”

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

· Open fires are permitted only in grills provided in picnic areas

· Containerized fuel stoves are allowed in picnic areas

· Fires may be allowed on a limited basis and under permission from the

Superintendent for living history groups whom may camp in conjunction with a park-sponsored activity for interpretive/educational purposes.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

· Fredericksburg National Cemetery

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

· Excrement shall be removed by the owner/handler from picnic areas, exhibit areas, trails,

and other high public use areas.

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

· Written authorization from superintendent

· Adhere to park’s written policy

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:

· Horses

· Burros

· Donkeys

· Mules

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

· Park road shoulders

· Paved portions of roads where such travel is incidental to use of road shoulders, i.e.

crossing from one side of the road to another

· The Gordon Flank Attack Trail between tour stops 2 and 3 in Wilderness Battlefield

· “Apperson’s” maintenance access road in Gordon Flank Attack area

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

· Organized groups and groups with larger than 6 horses or pack animals are required to call the park at least 14 days prior to their proposed ride in order to obtain permission from the Superintendent.

· Trailer parking is allowed at the following locations:

1. Slocum Drive road shoulders

2. Hill-Ewell Drive east road shoulder between Wilderness Run bridge and Lee Dr.

3. Anderson Drive road shoulder opposite bus turn-around

4. Areas of Fredericksburg Battlefield where otherwise legally parked

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 park buildings

· Within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public.

· Within 25 feet of any entrance or exit not generally accessed by the public, where smoking would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings.

· Within any type of government-owned or leased vehicle, including heavy equipment, watercraft, or aircraft.

In accordance with Directors Order 50D dated 12/01/03, entitled “Smoking Policy.” To protect employees, visitors and resource.

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:

· All park areas

This type of activity is inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and is inconsistent with the park’s purposes. Generally, the park is a drive through touring park to observe and learn about the civil war battles which took place here. The consumption of alcohol and possession of open containers of an alcoholic beverage is an incompatible activity for this type of visitation. Ample locations exist outside the park for the consumption of alcohol.

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:

· A permit is required in all locations for the scattering of human ashes from cremation.

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

The speed limit is set at 20 miles/hour on the following roads:

1. Hancock Road

2. Jackson Trail (East and West)

3. Stonewall Jackson Shrine entrance road

The speed limit is set at 25 miles/hour on the following roads:

1. North Lee Drive (from Lafayette Blvd. to the bottom of the south side of Howison Hill)

2. Bullock Road

3. Hooker Drive

4. Grant Drive

5. Anderson Drive

6. Gordon Drive

7. Bloody Angle Drive

8. Burnside Drive

9. Berry-Paxton Drive

The speed limit is set at 35 miles/hour on all other park roads.

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

(a) Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in section 1.5 of this document.

The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use:

· Bike trail connecting South Lee Drive to State Route 750 (Lee Drive Extended).

Such use is consistent with the protection of the park area’s natural, scenic and aesthetic values, safety considerations and management objectives and will not disturb wildlife or park resources. This trail location used to be an open road now closed to motor vehicular use.