Laws & Policies

Park Regulations

The Code of Federal Regulations 36 CFR parts 1-199 and the Park Compendium (PDF - 690 KB) provide a complete listing of park rules and regulations. These most specific rules are developed with public input to implement applicable law.

36CFR, PART 7.55--Special Regulations - Areas of the National Park Service

The following information can be located at 36CFR, PART 2--RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION. These are some of the more frequently cited regulations.

  • 2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources
    This includes topics of Relic Hunting, Metal Detectors; Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing these resources from their natural state, etc.

  • 2.2 Wildlife protection
    This includes the topics of hunting, feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife.

  • 2.3 Fishing

  • 2.4 Weapons, traps and nets
    This includes the topics of possession, carrying and using a weapon, trap or net.

  • 2.5 Research specimens
    This includes the topic of Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals.

  • 2.10 Camping and food storage

  • 2.12 Audio disturbances

  • 2.13 Fires

  • 2.14 Sanitation and refuse

  • 2.15 Pets

  • 2.62 Memorialization
    This includes the topics of scattering of human ashes, installation of a monument, memorial, etc.

 

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. Check out the National Park Service Office of Policy website for more information.

 

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 which created the National Park Service, affect all areas managed by the National Park Service.

 

Firearms


As of February 22, 2010, possession of a firearm inside the recreation area is also subject to state law. Contact a park ranger for further information, or visit the Washington State Legislature webpage covering Chapter 9.41 RCW, Firearms and Dangerous Weapons. Target shooting is strictly prohibited. The possession and use of any other device capable of firing/launching a projectile (e.g. paintball guns, water balloon and potato launchers, cannons, catapults and slingshots), is prohibited.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit the Washington State Office of the Attorney General website.

Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

Last updated: March 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
1008 Crest Drive

Coulee Dam, WA 99116

Phone:

509-754-7800
Please leave a detailed message if no one answers your call. Our rangers are often out talking to visitors.

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