Laws & Policies

Because Manzanar is a unit of the National Park Service, we are bound by Federal laws and the policies of the Department of Interior. We are largely funded by Federal tax dollars and take seriously our obligations to the American public.

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

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 our state’s website: http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/

Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. At Manzanar National Historic Site, firearms are prohibited in the Interpretive Center/Park Headquarters, also known as the historic auditorium.

Two important documents are featured here. The enabling legislation is the wording that Congress chose when designating Manzanar as a National Historic Site. Our General Management Plan is the document that guides what we do and how we spend our money. It is the result of years of dialogue between an appointed Advisory Commission, elected officials and many individuals and groups representing our constituent communities. The General Management Plan is revisited and renewed on a regular basis.

Stemming from the General Management Plan are more specific plans and reports designed to guide tangible activities at Manzanar:

Long Range Interpretive Plan