In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.79b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park These include:
Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR
Statues codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.
This compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document in italicized print.Please contact Brian Perry if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Recommended by Chief Ranger Brian Perry and approved by Acting Superintendent Christin Jacobs on .
Section 1.4 – Definitions
Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) – Also known as a Segway, is a device that has two non-tandem wheels, is self-balancing, and is designed to transport only one person with an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 12-1/2 miles an hour. It is defined as a motor vehicle in 36 CFR 1.4.
Service Animals – are defined in 28 CFR 36.104 as, “any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”
Unmanned aircraft – is defined as 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.
Section 1.5 – Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures and Area Designations for Specific Use or Activities
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 park is open year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Johnson City District:
Visitor Center is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily.
Boyhood Home is open for guided tours Wednesday – Sunday at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm.
Event Center is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily.
Johnson Settlement and trails are open sunrise to sunset daily.
LBJ Ranch District:
Hangar Visitor contact station is open 10:00 am-4:30 pm daily. Management may adjust visitor hours seasonally.
Tours of the Texas White House are suspended indefinitely due to ongoing restoration of the building and grounds.
The Ranch Tour Route and grounds are open with a free permit issued at the LBJ State Park for public access and are to be displayed in vehicle during the hours of 9:00 am-5:30 pm daily. Management may adjust visitor hours seasonally.
Park Road 49 is open for inbound traffic with a permit from 9:00 am-4:30 pm daily.
Closures and Public Use Limits
Closures:
During periods of high visitation, special events, staffing shortages, or natural events including storms and natural disasters, or sensitive species activity, roads to park features or park areas may be closed temporarily to ensure visitor safety and control, and to protect natural resources. Closures will be identified by signs along restricted areas, maps, media notifications, and/or closing of access routes through barricades or gates.
The grounds of the Texas White House Complex are closed indefinitely due to the ongoing restoration of the Texas White House and surrounding grounds. The areas closed are delineated in Appendix C on the map on the last page of this document. Stopping will NOT be permitted along the chain link fencing shown on the driving route.
Determination: Texas White House was temporarily closed due to health and safety concerns arising from structural issues as of 08/2/2018. In 2024, the National Park Service embarked on a multi-year rehabilitation plan for the Texas Whitehouse. The safety issues arising from the construction (heavy machinery, ongoing work) requires closure. Park management reserves the right to implement emergency closures on a temporary basis any time public safety or other concerns arise.
The following roads are closed year-round to public motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and/or any other methods of transportation during the periods indicated for the purpose of traffic control and resource protection (exceptions include NPS-authorized personnel/vehicles, authorized Special Use Permit-holders, and the Johnson Family):
Johnson Settlement Road: closed to motor vehicle traffic only (exception includes attendance at authorized special events and handicap permit-holders).
Back Forty Administrative Road (exception allows for pedestrian and bicycle use).
Back Forty Administrative area.
Texas White House Complex Roads (exception allows for pedestrian and bicycle use).
LBJ Historic Entrance Road leading to the Johnson Dam (exception allows for pedestrian use).
Johnson Dam leading across the Pedernales River.
The LBJ airstrip.
Texas White House swimming pool.
The Pool House adjacent to the Texas White House.
Bus Barn and North Hay shed/Curatorial Storage Roads and area.
Private Residence – Malechek House driveway and yard, Cedar Guest House driveway and yard.
Volunteer-in-Parks RV areas.
Determination: The compendium closures required by the Director of the National Park Service are implemented and deemed necessary to maintain public health and safety in units of the national park system and to protect park resources and values including, but not limited to, the protection of wildlife mating, breeding, nesting, and feeding activities, natural character, scenic values, and soundscapes, and until the NPS can determine whether specific uses of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS are appropriate and will not cause unacceptable impacts on these park resources and values. NPS Management Policies 2006, states that a new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made in the professional judgment of the Superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values.
Public Use Limits:
The following park areas and facilities are closed year-round to public use during the periods indicated:
Boyhood Home interior (exception allows for NPS-guided tours).
Sam E. Johnson Home and fenced yard.
Johnson Family Cemetery (exception allows for relatives, family, and invited guests of those interred or being interred in the cemetery; and special events or tours authorized by Superintendent or Johnson Family).
South bank of the Pedernales River between the Johnson Dam and the west boundary fence: closed year-round to public entry (exception: participants floating or boating on the Pedernales River who must take-out to bypass the Johnson Dam or leave the river).
Johnson City Event Center – Maximum occupancy: 49.
Visitors on guided tours of the interior of the Texas White House, Boyhood Home, and Klein Shop are limited to pathways delineated by ropes, signs, stanchions, and other access control devices.
Visitors are restricted from entering the fenced yard area of the Texas White House unless accompanied by a NPS official or member of the Johnson family.
Visitors to the Johnson Family Cemetery are restricted to the area outside the stone walls unless accompanied by a NPS official, member of the Johnson family, or family member of the interred.
Visitors to the Birthplace Home and Junction School must remain within interior established viewing areas, delineated by plexi-glass partitions and or stanchions.
Visitors to the Show Barn are restricted from entering animal pens or corrals occupied by ranch livestock unless accompanied by a NPS official.
Visitors to the Withers & Spaulding exhibit area are limited to areas delineated by ropes, signs, stanchions and other access control devices.
Determination: Visiting hours, closures and public use limits are intended to safely manage visitor use of historic structures and landscapes entrusted to the staff and management of the national historical park. The use limits have been in-place since 2008 or longer, except for occupancy loads which were established in 2017 in consultation with the local Fire Marshall. There have been few public comments on operating hours or visitor limits. The restrictions have served to safeguard irreplaceable resources to date and do not constitute an unreasonable limitation on the public.
Unmanned Aircraft
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. (DOI Policy Memorandum 14-05)
Determination:The compendium closures required by the Director of the National Park Service are implemented and deemed necessary to maintain public health and safety in units of the national park system and to protect park resources and values including, but not limited to, the protection of wildlife mating, breeding, nesting, and feeding activities, natural character, scenic values, and soundscapes, and until the NPS can determine whether specific uses of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS are appropriate and will not cause unacceptable impacts on these park resources and values. NPS Management Policies 2006, states that a new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made in the professional judgment of the superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values.
Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. For those activities that frequently require a permit, a specific permit form has been designed, such as commercial filming and still photography permit, etc. In most other cases, a special use permit or letter of authorization that is signed by the Superintendent and identifies the specific conditions under which the permitted activity is authorized will be prepared. In all cases, a permit or letter of authorization must be in the permittee’s possession at all times and exhibited to any authorized person upon request.
Determination: Permit systems authorized and issued pursuant to specific regulations in this chapter, except 1.5, need not be supported by a written determination unless required by the specific authorizing regulation.
Section 2.1 - Preservation of Natural, Cultural & Archeological Features
(c)(1) The following fruits, nuts, berries 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:
A reasonable quantity of pecans (enough for personal consumption) typically 1 quart, per person, per day.
A reasonable quantity of mushrooms (enough for personal consumption) typically 1 quart, per person, per day.
Pecans may be gathered from the LBJ Ranch in publicly accessible areas and the Johnson Settlement/Event Center area.
Determination: The unrestricted collection of native fruits, berries, nuts, and fruiting bodies could adversely impact plant propagation and/or wildlife food sources.
(a) Overnight camping, except for individuals participating in the Volunteer-in-Parks program, or exercising a Special Use Permit (SUP).
Determination: The Park has no designated camping areas, In as much there are inadequate facilities for such activities. Except where permitted by written authorization by the superintendent.
(a)(1) Campfires and grill fires are allowed in above-ground containers within the Volunteer-in-Parks camping areas of the park. Bonfires of any type are prohibited.
(a)(4) No open fires of any kind are allowed in the park when Blanco or Gillespie County authorities have designated a county burn ban. No fire shall be left unattended.
Determination: The use of fires in the Park is regulated to protect structures, natural resources, and the public. During extreme weather conditions, open fires may be restricted to prevent the accidental ignition of wildfires. Open fires in park housing areas also create considerable smoke that affects residents, especially during the summer when windows are left open. Section 2.13(b) does not apply to planned ignitions by park management or wildfires determined by the Superintendent to be allowed to burn for resource benefit.
(a)(1) With the exception of specially trained service animals meeting requirements listed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Pets are prohibited in the Texas White House yard.
Pets are prohibited in the interior of the Cattle Show barn including stock pens and immediate areas within 25 ft.
Pets are not allowed within any park structure except for assistance animals. This prohibition shall not apply to any guide/service dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or hearing ear dogs accompanying hearing-impaired persons, or any other disabled visitors requiring service animals.
(a)(3) There are no designated areas where pets may be left unattended and tied to an object. The owners or responsible persons of pets running-at-large will be charged for kennel or boarding costs, in addition to veterinarian, transportation, and other fees and fines.
(a)(4) With the exception of specially trained service animals meeting ADA requirements, pets may not be taken more than 100 feet from developed areas, such as parking lots, designated paths, public areas, and 100 feet from the centerline of any road.
(a)(5) Pet excrement shall be properly disposed of by their owners.
(a)(5)(e) Park housing residents may keep pets in accordance with the Lyndon 8. Johnson National Historical Park Housing Management Pet Policy, and in full compliance with applicable regulations.
Determination: These regulations are not intended to restrict pets from the park but rather to enhance the natural experience of all visitors. Pets are natural predators and their scent alone may scare wild animals into hiding places, and cause Park cattle to run. Pet excrement contributes to sanitation problems in visitor use areas and may contribute to transmission of wildlife diseases. During warm temperatures, pets have been left unattended and tied to objects in the park and visitor center parking areas. Unattended pets have barked at and bitten other park visitors and are frequently public safety hazards. We recommend that a member of the group stay with the pet while the rest of the group tours the Texas Whitehouse and associated exhibits. Keeping a pet in an unattended vehicle during high temperatures can result in the death of the animal. Specially trained service animals fall under provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. The ranch foreman has requested a limitation of pets in the Show Barn to safeguard the cattle and nearby public from injury. Additionally, prohibitions on pets in the above-named areas serve to avert health risks and prevent inappropriate contact between the pets and people, and pets and livestock. Pets can be threatening and even the best behaved domestic animal can be unpredictable, therefore allowing pets inside historic structures and on tours is maintained to protect historic structures and safeguard the public.
Determination: The viewing of wildlife at night with the use of artificial lights temporarily blinds animals, which causes them to become unnatural prey for natural predators and poachers. Intentional disturbing of wildlife may adversely affect wildlife behavior (i.e., breeding and mating rituals, feeding habits, travel patterns/routes) possibly causing stressful and/or disruptive conditions for wildlife. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is mandated to protect and preserve healthy and natural wildlife populations. Intentional disturbance by humans directly conflicts with this mandate and is unnatural. Disturbing wildlife can cause wildlife to leave foraging and mating areas and attract them to roads where they are more likely to become injured or killed. They may also become unnatural prey if artificially attracted out of cover.
(d) Wildlife taken lawfully outside the legislative jurisdiction of the Park may be transported through the Park under the following conditions:
Persons transporting will have in their possession a valid State hunting license.
Animal carcasses will display a valid State game tag that is properly completed.
Animal carcasses will be subject to inspection at any time by an authorized person.
Determination: The park does not wish to impede those hunting legally nor impede the transportation of legally taken game. The transportation of game through the park, which is closed to hunting, however, has elicited visitor complaints and could cause confusion with the park’s hunting regulation. Law enforcement park rangers are authorized to check hunters transporting game to ensure wildlife was not taken illegally within Park boundaries.
(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking:
Johnson Settlement with the exception of the exterior porch of the Event Center and common area.
All public use and administrative buildings and facilities, as well as within 25 feet of a public building entrance, ( exception of designated exterior smoking areas)
Any NPS-operated vehicles, including rented or leased vehicles.
(a) For purposes of this prohibition the definition of smoking shall extend to all forms of smoking to include electronic cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and Vapes or Vapor Cigarettes.
Under this policy, the use of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) will be subject to the same restrictions as tobacco smoking. All provisions of Director’s Order #50 will apply to ENDS. ENDS use will not be allowed within all facilities and vehicles that are Government owned or leased, and within concessions facilities.
Determination: Executive Order 13058, August 9, 1997, and Ch.11 of the DOI DM 11, June 29, 2009 establishes a smoke-free environment for federal employees and members of the visiting public using federal facilities.
These closures were implemented January 10, 1990 in order to reduce the risk of fire in the Johnson Settlement grasslands and historic areas, to protect museum collections on display and to reduce conflicts among visitor use activities in public areas.
Section 2.35 - Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances
(a)(3)(i) The possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage and/or the possession of a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken, or the contents of which has been partially removed is prohibited in all public/administrative buildings.
The superintendent may authorize the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages as part of a special use event.
Determination: Closing these areas to the consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages is for public safety concerns and the orderly management of the facilities.
Section 2.51 - Demonstrations and Designated Available Park Areas
(c) (2) The following areas are designated as appropriate for the issuance of a park permit allowing public assemblies of more than 25 people. Maps of these sites are available through the Chief Park Ranger or Superintendent’s Office.
LBJ Ranch District (see attached Appendix A, area notated in blue)
At the entrance to the ranch, on the west side of the Park Road 49 and Klein Road intersection.
At the Birthplace, the field area south and east of the main trail, and bordered on the east by the wooden fence, north of PR 49
The field area southwest of the show barn bordered by the roadway to the south and west
Johnson City District (see attached Appendix B, area notated in blue)
The back yard of the Boyhood Home, within the fence area, bordered on the south of Ladybird Lane.
The area south of Ladybird Lane, east of Walker House, west of G street
In the Settlement, at the Johnson City Event Center, picnic area
This does not apply to casual park use by visitors or tourists that is not reasonably likely to attract a crowd of onlookers.
A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve the use of stages, platforms, or structures.
Determination: The designated location is in a prominent location that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to traverse the park environs safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.
(c) In accordance with 36 CFR 2.62 Memorialization which states “The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, or designated areas according to the conditions which may be established by the Superintendent.”
Three locations at the LBJ Ranch are identified as areas where it is permissible for the ashes to be spread. See Appendix D for locations.
The permittee is not allowed to spread ashes into the Pedernales River or any waterways in Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
Scattering remains from a structure (bridge, pier, dock, building) is prohibited.
The remains container must be removed and no memorial (marker, cross, monument or stone) may be placed at the site. Areas where remains are scattered are not treated by NPS as sacred or as cemeteries.
NPS does not keep records of dates, locations or individuals whose remains were scattered.
The remains must not be distinguishable to the public. No large or recognizable particles may be scattered, and the remains must be broadly scattered to blend into surroundings quickly.
All park uses, operations and programs will be continued without regard to the presence of the scattering.
Determination: The resource concerns for this type of activity are minimal. Such activity can occur without causing any negative impacts to the resources of the area.
(a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
All water tanks, and ponds in all areas of the park.
Texas White House swimming pool.
Determination: The Park does not maintain public swimming facilities and is only used as a cultural landscape aspect. The tanks and ponds on the LBJ Ranch are in areas accessed by cattle herd and may contain high levels of fecal coliform or other vectors harmful to humans.
(a) Travel off-road by the public is prohibited. Members of the Johnson family, their representatives, or delegates may enjoy access to all areas of the park when activity is accomplished in a low-impact manner.
(a) Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD), motorized scooters and similar devices, as defined under 36 CFR 1.4 are motor vehicles.
Any visitor or employee with a disability is permitted to use EPAMDs, motorized scooters, motorized wheelchairs or similar devices in park buildings and developed areas, to include parking lots, when the sole purpose for use of such devices is mobility assistance.
Individuals with disabilities who operate one of the above described devices must operate the device in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger one’s self or other park visitors. The maximum speed for such devices is 8 mph. The operator of an assistive mobility device will have the same rights applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except the operator must yield to other pedestrians.
Wheelchairs (either manual or motorized) are not considered motor vehicles or mechanized vehicles and are allowed in all park areas, although this is not recommended.
Determination: The Park wishes to provide as much access as possible to visitors with disabilities while maintaining an environment that is safe for all visitors and protects park resources. The public may pull-off adjacent to all tour designated roadways in order to enjoy a view or step out of the vehicle to investigate an item of interest. The Johnson family are our partners in the park’s operation and are deeded access to all areas of the park through the lives of the president’s grandchildren.
(b) The Superintendent has established the following speed limits:
Park Road 49 – 25 mph except for the following locations:
Johnson Family Cemetery – 15 mph
Texas White House complex area – 10 mph
Bailey Road – 25 mph
Show Barn area – 15 mph
Malechek Road – 25 mph
Tarmac and Taxiway Parking area – 10 mph
Johnson Settlement historic area roads – 10 mph
Headquarters and Visitor Center parking areas – 10 mph
Back 40 road – 25 mph
Hay Shed Bus Barn Road – 15mph
Determination: 36 CFR 4.21(a) establishes a 45 mph speed limit for park roads outside of certain areas listed in 36 CFR 4.21(a)(1) and (a)(2) unless the Superintendent determines that the speed is “unreasonable, unsafe or inconsistent with the purposes for which the park area was established” as stated in 36 CFR 4.21(b). The Superintendent has determined that the speed limits listed above are reasonable, safe and consistent with park purposes. Many are based on the recommendations from Department of Transportation road engineers.
(a) Bicycle and/or “E-bike” use within Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is permitted only on routes and areas open to public motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic. They are prohibited on administrative roads. Exceptions include the Back Forty Administrative Road and Texas White House Complex Roads (see Section 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits). Park staff is authorized to use bicycles on administrative roads approved by the Superintendent.
(b) “The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
E-bikes are allowed in Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
Determination: Bicycle use is permitted on all roads open to public motor vehicles and trails. They are not permitted on trails and roads closed to the public. Travel off road and in wildlife areas could negatively affect the natural landscape and bring undue stress to the wildlife contained therein. The park Ranch district is a working cattle ranch and travel off roadways by bicycles or other motorized vehicles could result in injury to visitors by one of the Heritage Herd cattle.
