National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority
Arkansas Post National Memorial
870-548-2207, phone
870-548-2431, fax
1741 Old Post Road
Gillett, AR 72055
Approved: Ron Fields, Superintendent
Date: June 3, 2025
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 Arkansas Post National Memorial. 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 1.7(b). 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 Arkansas Post National Memorial. 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.
Statute 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 the Superintendent of Arkansas Post National Memorial if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.
NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply. In addition to terms defined in the CFR, the following terms used in this Compendium are defined as follows:
Day Use Area: Any area consisting of or adjacent to paved parking lots, buildings, or toilet facilities that are open to the general public.
Uncrewed Aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight 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.
Walkway: Sidewalks, paths, trails, or hard-surfaced areas that are closed to the use of bicycles and motorized vehicles.
36 CFR 1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS.
36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) – Visiting hours, public use limits and closures.
Visiting Hours:
The grounds of Arkansas Post National Memorial are open from 7 am to sunset daily. The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Thursday-Monday, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Closing the park in the evening and on federal holidays is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times. In addition, it is more difficult for visitors to stay on designated paths and trails, and outside of closed areas, during the evening. Leaving these areas can cause significant damage to the natural and cultural resources in the park, including plants, wildlife, and archeological sites.
Closures:
The Osotouy Unit is open to the public however the Menard-Hodges Mounds are closed to public use/access.
This closure is necessary to protect the mounds from erosion as well as for the safety of the park visitor. Due to the slumping of the mounds the trees located atop of the mounds have been experiencing their tree roots being exposed and could topple over.Finally, out of respect for Tribal Nations and their ancestors we have closed public use/access to the mounds.
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.
Conditions or Restrictions on a Use or Activity:
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Arkansas Post National Memoria. Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 dated June 19, 2014.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions.
36 CFR 1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
36 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit.
The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5.
Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5
Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6
Camping in day use areas. 36 CFR 2.6
Operating a power saw in developed areas and a motor or engine in undeveloped areas. 36 CFR 2.12.
Operating a public address system 36 CFR 2.12.
Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.17.
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37.
Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38.
Conducting a special event. 36 CFR 2.50.
Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51.
Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52.
Running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing, or grazing of livestock or using the park for agriculture. 36 CFR 2.60.
Residing on federal lands. 36 CFR 2.61.
Scattering of human ashes from cremation. 36 CFR 2.62.
Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider, or other airborne device 36 CFR 3.12.
Operating a submersible. 36 CFR 5.3.
Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1.
Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.5.
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 54 U.S.C. 100905.
Using commercial vehicles on NPS-administered roads. 36 CFR 5.6.
Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7.
Rights-of-way. 36 CFR part 14.
Examining ruins, excavating archeological sites, and gathering of objects of antiquity. 43 CFR part 3.
Excavating or removing archeological resources. 43 CFR part 7.
Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR part 49
36 CFR 2.1 –PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
36 CFR 2.1 (a)(5) –The following conditions are in effect for the walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resources, monuments, or statues.
Menard-Hodges Mounds may not be walked, climbed, entered, ascended, or traversed on without prior approval from the superintendent.
This closure is necessary to protect the mounds from erosion as well as for the safety of the park visitor. Due to the slumping of the mounds the trees located atop of the mounds have been experiencing their tree roots being exposed and could topple over. Finally, out of respect for Tribal Nations and their ancestors we have closed public use/access to the mounds.
36 CFR 2.1 (c)(l), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells 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:
Edible species of acorn, hickory, and pecan nuts may be gathered by hand for daily personal consumption. Collection for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Quantities: 1 pint per person per day for each type of nut.
The Superintendent has determined that the gathering and consumption of these natural products in the manner allowed will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources or create any threat to the viability of the plants. Collecting nuts that have already fallen on the ground will have no direct and immediate impact on the plants that produced the nuts. There is a sufficient volume of nuts to allow for the designated harvest amounts without creating any adverse impacts to the propagation of the species or to wildlife that consume nuts for subsistence. The species of edible nuts in the park include acorn, hickory, and pecan. No rare, threatened, or endangered plants are to be included in this listing.
36 CFR 2.2 – WILDLIFE PROTECTION
36 CFR 2.2(a)(1) – Hunting of wildlife within park boundaries is prohibited.
36 CFR 2.2(b)(3) – Trapping of wildlife within park boundaries is prohibited.
36 CFR 2.3 – FISHING
36 CFR 2.3(a) Fishing is allowed in accordance with State laws and regulations.
36 CFR 2.4– WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS
36 CFR 2.4(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations.
Weapons may be possessed in accordance with Arkansas state law.
Weapons are prohibited in all Federal facilities to include Visitor Centers/Contact Stations, Headquarters and Maintenance Facilities.
36 CFR 2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE.
36 CFR 2.10(a) - Camping
Camping is prohibited except by permit by the Superintendent for living history demonstrations.
Arkansas Post NM does not have the facilities, grounds, or oversight for public overnight use.
36 CFR 2.10(d) – Food Storage
When not being consumed, food must be stored in sealed containers in a vehicle.
Leaving food items unattended greatly increases the chance of wildlife entering the picnic area and becoming habituated to an unnatural food source. To protect wildlife and the visitor, food items must be sealed and inaccessible to wildlife when not being consumed.
36 CFR 2.13(a)(1) – FIRES
Fires are prohibited except for park provided grills located in the designated picnic area.
Proper facilities/receptacles do not exist for the safe use of open fires.
36 CFR 2.13(a)(4) – Leaving a fire unattended is prohibited.
36 CFR 2.13(b) – Fire will be extinguished with water at termination of use.
36 CFR 2.13(c) – During periods of high fire danger the superintendent may close all or a portion of a park area to the lighting or maintaining of a fire. Refer to the park’s website for current conditions.
36 CFR 2.14 – SANITATION AND REFUSE
36 CFR 2.14(a)(1) Disposing of refuse in other than refuse receptacles are prohibited!
36 CFR 2.15 - PETS
36 CFR 2.15(a)(1) – Closures to pets
Pets are prohibited inside of all park buildings. This restriction does not apply to service animals.
36 CFR 2.15(a)(2) – Pet restraints
Pets must be restrained on a leash that shall not exceed 6 feet in length.
36 CFR 2.15(a)(3) – Leaving pets unattended.
Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.
36 CFR 2.15(a)(5) – Pet excrement disposal
Failing to properly dispose of pet excrement is prohibited.
For the safety of visitors and park wildlife, pet owners are responsible for restraining their animals and cleaning up and disposing of waste appropriately. Trash receptacles are available in the park and should be utilized to protect the visitor experience and the historic nature of the park.
36 CFR 2.15(e) – Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
Pets are not allowed in shared government quarters.
36 CFR 2.21(a) – SMOKING
Smoking or utilizing Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is prohibited inside all park buildings and within 25 feet of a building entrance.
Prohibiting smoking is necessary to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.
36 CFR 2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.
36 CFR 2.35(a)(3) – Closures to alcohol.
All park buildings are closed to alcoholic beverages except by conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent.
To protect the visitor experience, historic nature, and furnishings of park facilities, the Superintendent has determined that the consumption and possession of alcohol shall be prohibited except for specific occasions and under the terms and conditions of a permit.
36 CFR 2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS AND DESIGNATED AVAILABLE PARK AREAS
36 CFR 2.51(c)(2) – Designated location.
The locations at the Visitor Center and to the west side of the Entrance Gate Area, as indicated on the map, are designated as available for demonstrations. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures.
Aerial photograph of Arkansas Post National Memorial that contains an overlay of the park boundary and three first amendment areas. North is up. The park occupies a peninsula that resembles a bent leg. Old Post Road is the main access road to the park. The road runs south through the park from the northern part of the map. The location of the three first amendment areas referenced in the superintendent's compendium:
First Amendment Location #1: A circular area on the west side of Old Post Road just south of the park gate.
First Amendment Location #2: A square area on the west side of Old Post Road (at a sharp bend) shortly before the visitor center.
First Amendment Location #3: A rectangular area on the west side of Old Post Road near its terminus. It's located northwest of the visitor center.
The designated locations are in prominent locations such as near the visitor center and at the park entrance 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 enter and leave the visitor center safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.
Aerial photograph that shows the area around First Amendment Location #1 in detail. North is up. Old Post Road runs north-south through the center of the map. First Amendment Location #1 is an area shaped like a square with two round corners. It lies southwest of a parking lot located on the west side of Old Post Road and is accessed by a short walking trail. The map advises to avoid a drainage ditch between the First Amendment Location #1 and Old Post Road for safety. The park entrance sign and gate are located along Old Post Road to the immediate south of the parking lot. An area closed to public access lies to the west of the parking lot.
A note on the map says: Please use caution as this area contains uneven ground, including mammal burrows.
Aerial photograph that shows the area around first amendment locations #2 and #3 in detail. North is up. Old Post Road runs southwest from the north and then takes a hard turn to the southeast before terminating at the Arkansas Post Visitor Center.
First Amendment Location #2 is a square area that lies west of Old Post Road at the bend described above.
First Amendment Location #3 is a rectangular area that parallels Old Post Road to the west near its terminus. The visitor center is located to its southeast. The visitor center parking lot lies across the road from the first amendment area.
A note on the map says: Please use caution as this area contains uneven ground, including mammal burrows.
36 CFR 2.52 – SALE OF PRINTED MATTER AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER AND OTHER MESSAGE-BEARING ITEMS.
The locations at the Visitor Center and Entrance Gate Area, as indicated on the map, are designated as available for the sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items. A permit is not required for these activities in the designated location if they involve 25 persons or fewer and do not involve structures.
The designated location is in a prominent location near the visitor center 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 enter and leave the visitor center safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.
36 CFR 3.0 – BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES
36 CFR 3.8(a)(2) Launching or recovering a vessel is prohibited.
36 CFR 4 – VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY
36 CFR 4.10 – Travel on Park Roads
Operating a motor vehicle is prohibited except on designated park roads or parking areas.
36 CFR 4.21(b) – Speed Limits
The following speed limits are established for park roads:
45 MPH on State HWY 169
25 MPH on State HWY 169 near the intersection of Old Post Road
20 MPH on Old Post Road within Arkansas Post National Memorial.
20 MPH on Picnic Area Road within Arkansas Post National Memorial.
36 CFR 4.30 – BICYCLES
36 CFR 4.30(i) – Electric Bicycles
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and parking areas where traditional bicycles are also allowed:
Paved Park roads and parking areas.
Allowing electric bicycles on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because those locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles provide a recreational opportunity for visitors who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise because of physical fitness, age, or convenience, especially at high altitudes and on terrain with changing elevations. Class 3 electric bicycles, which allow the motor to assist pedaling up to 28 mph, would create unacceptable risks to visitor safety on roads and parking areas in the park due to potential conflicts with heavier and faster motor vehicles, and with other electric bicycles and traditional bicycles, which travel at slower speeds. Accidents that occur at higher speeds increase the risk of serious injury or death.
