Laws & Policies

When and where can you walk your (leashed) dog at Gateway? Find out in Gateway's Compendium, updated annually.

NPS PHOTO

 

Gateway's Compendium: Park Rules and Regulations

National park laws and regulations are identified in the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 36: Parks, Forests and Public Property). In addition, each national parks complies an annual compendium of rules which are subject to the discretionary authority of the park superintendent. These rules have the force of law and protect visitors and wildlife, making sure that parks can be enjoyed while park resources are preserved and maintained.

The compendium includes:

• when areas of the park are open to the public and the hours when they are open;
• what areas may or may not be used for a specific activity;
• what activities require a permit, either from the park or from another government agency;
• what resources must be preserved; where and when visitors may consume alcohol, and;
• what rights and responsibilities visitors have when they visit Gateway.

 

Who owns Gateway? All 300 million U.S. citizens.

NPS PHOTO

Federal Laws and NPS Management Policies Governing Gateway

Gateway National Recreation Area was created by an act of Congress. The enabling legislation that created the park in 1972 defines the original scope and vision for the park.

Since Gateway is part of the National Park Service, NPS Management Policies govern what this park, along with the 393 other parks within the NPS, can and cannot do.

 

Historic reenactors at Fort Wadsworth.

NPS PHOTO

First and Second Amendment rights in national parks

Recent court rulings and changes in Congressional law have broadened how citizens may exercise their First Amendment and Second Amendment rights within national park boundaries. For more information, click the links above or to the right.