Laws & Policies

36 CFR
36 CFR is the primary resource protection and visitor use regulations for all national parks.

Superintendent's Compendium
The Superintendent's Compendium lists the special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent.

National Park Service Management Policies

Prince William Forest Park Virginia General Management Plan (1999) (PDF 2.3MB)

 

Firearms

Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in Prince William Forest Park. Hunting and the discharge of firearms remains prohibited in Prince William Forest Park.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering the park. Visitors are encouraged to review the state of Virginia's laws pertaining to firearms. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park (including the visitor center and government offices): those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy. Bear spray and other safety precautions are the proven methods for preventing bear and other wildlife interactions.

Additional information about firearms in national parks is also available.

 

Guidance and Laws for Protecting Prince William

• 1936: Executive Order to Create Recreational Demonstration Area Program
• 1936: Bill to Propose Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area
• 1940: Law to Make Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area a Unit of the National Park Service
• 1948: Law to Change Chopawamsic National Capital Park to Prince William Forest Park
• Cultural Resource Laws
• Environmental Laws

National Park Service Organic Act of 1916

This law created the National Park Service and established its mission:

"The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

National Park Service Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

 

Record of Determination

A Record of Determination documents specific changes to park operations as determiend by the Superintendent and park management team. Changes can range from temporary closures of facilities to permanent changes to uses of park resources and services. A current list of records is available for viewing.