NPS PHOTO

The Compendium has the force of law. It collects the rules and regulations which help the park protect people and resources, including this newborn piping plover chick.

Compendium: Gateway's Rules and Regulations

Each year, Gateway National Recreation Area issues a Compendium of rules and regulations for each unit of the park. The Compendium includes: 

• when areas of the park are open to the public;
• what activities require a Special Use Permit;
• what resources must be preserved;
• where and when visitors may consume alcohol, and;
• what rights and responsibilities visitors have when they visit Gateway.

NPS PHOTO

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

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.

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.