Designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions and/or specifications imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1.
In accordance with the delegated authority contained within the regulations in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7, as authorized by Title 16, United States Code, Sections 1 and 3, the following regulatory provisions are established for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
In addition to these regulations, written determinations, that explain the reasoning behind the superintendent’s discretionary authority are required by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5 (c) and appear in this document after each regulation.
These regulatory provisions are enforceable and are an addition to the regulations contained in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
Visitors may obtain additional information or permit applications by contacting the Office of the Superintendent, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, 20 HWY 14A East, Lovell, WY 82431. You may also obtain additional information or permit applications on our website at http://www.nps.gov/bica.
Introduction
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent's Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under the discretionary authority of the park Superintendent. It serves as public notice with an opportunity for public comment, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on those public use and resource protection regulations that pertain to the specific administration of the park. Regulations are found in 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and other United States Codes (U.S.C.) and CFR titles which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
A copy of 36 CFR can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at: http://bookstore.gpo.gov by calling toll-free (866) 512-1800 or in DC area (202) 512-1800
The regulations contained in this compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise within the boundaries of federally owned lands and waters administered by the NPS as part of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers can enforce the requirements of the United States Code, CFR Titles, and this Superintendent's Compendium. Many of the requirements of this compendium complement existing state and local law and regulations which are also in effect within the park, and are enforced by state, and local law enforcement officers. However, if a state or local law is currently enacted, this compendium does not replace or repeal that law.
A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR Parts 1-7, along with this compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings.
The compendium is reviewed annually and the park welcomes comments about its programs and activities at any time. Comments specific to the Superintendent's Compendium will be accepted any time. Any changes to this compendium recommended by the public or others, and accepted by the Superintendent, will be incorporated into this compendium without further public comment and review and will be included in the next year’s compendium.
Comments can be directed to either the park superintendent or the Chief Rangers Office at:
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
20 HWY 14A East
Lovell, WY 82431
Copies of the compendium are available online at: https://www.nps.gov/bica/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm Hard copies are also maintained at the Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center in Lovell, WY and the Park Headquarters (5 AVE B) in Fort Smith, MT.
Definitions
Administrative Roads and Areas: Areas closed to the public, but necessary for government vehicles, equipment and personnel to use in order to maintain park facilities and infrastructure.
Backcountry Camping: Camping outside of a designated camping area and at least one-half mile distance from a developed area.
Bicycle/Traditional Bicycle means every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons may ride on land, having one, two or more wheels, except a manual wheelchair.
Camping: Erecting of a tent shelter of natural or synthetic material; preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use, parking of a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer or mooring of a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
Developed Area: Area with roads, marinas, docks, parking areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, or other structures, facilities or lands located within development and historic zones depicted on the park area land management and use map.
Dock: Any floating platform, fixed platform, or vessel, which is anchored or otherwise installed for the primary purpose of providing a location for vessel moorage. This applies to all such platforms or vessels, regardless of whether they are equipped with motors/propulsion devices, Hull Identification Numbers, US Coast Guard capacity plates, or whether they are registered as a vessel by a federal or state government agency.
E-bike: a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
Flat wake speed: The minimum required speed to leave a flat wave disturbance close astern a moving vessel yet maintain steerageway, but in no case in excess of 5 statute miles per hour.
Firearm: A loaded or unloaded pistol, rifle, shotgun or other weapon which is designed to, or may be readily converted to; expel a projectile by the ignition of a propellant.
Hunting: The taking or attempting to take wildlife, except trapping.
Picnic Areas: Those areas designated as day-use public areas that include picnic tables, NPS established metal campfire grates or above ground barbecue grates.
Swim beach and Swim Area: Those areas of Bighorn Canyon NRA designated by signs, buoys, log booms or other physical barriers as being closed to rigid devices including surfboards, the possession of glass containers, pets, and the lighting or maintaining of a fire.
Unmanned Aircraft: 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). The term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Section 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits
(a)(1) The following roads and/or areas are closed to non-official vehicles:
• All administrative, Western Area Power Administration roads or roads and parking areas not identified by designated signs, maps, newspaper publication, or other appropriate methods such as electronic media, park brochures, and handouts in accordance with 36 CFR §1.7.
• Areas around all potable water system tanks and developed springs.
• All fenced sewage lagoons.
• Areas between fences and cliff faces at Ok-A-Beh, Devil Canyon Overlook and Barry’s Landing and Trail Creek.
• All cliffs on the west side of Ok-A-Beh boat ramp
• Electrical switchyards and their entranceways.
• Government Camp, Flicker house and shop, and maintenance yards and shops.
• Concession docks are closed except to lessees, their guests and gas customers.
Determination:Concession docks and slips are rented to park visitors on an annual basis. Allowing other boats to moor for extended periods of time takes potential business from the contracted Concessioner and creates conflicts with those who have rented the docking spaces.
• Docking limit is fifteen (15) minutes at the public boat docks and fifteen (15) minutes at the floating comfort stations (official and concession vessels excepted). Overnight docking or mooring at Box Canyon, Black Canyon, and Dayboard Nine public boat docks is permitted on a first come/first served basis.
• Boat launching/retrieving is limited to fifteen minutes on all park boat ramps.
• Parking on boat ramps beyond the fifteen-minute limit is prohibited.
• Bighorn Lake from the base of the Yellowtail Dam up stream to the orange log boom is closed to the general public.
• Om-Ne-A Trail is closed to the general public.
• Yellowtail Dam is closed to the general public.
• Afterbay Lake is closed between dam intake works and buoyed cable line 100 feet west.
• Afterbay Lake is closed between orange log boom and Yellowtail Dam, 3,500 feet up stream.
Determination:These areas are closed for security of the Yellowtail Dam and Visitor Safety. The purpose of this closure is to prevent unauthorized access and protection of Bureau of Reclamation property, critical infrastructure, and facilities.
• All vessels are required to stop at open Bighorn Canyon NRA Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Check stations for watercraft inspections prior to launch. Vessels that have been used within 30 days in states with known occurrence of zebra or quagga mussels will not be allowed on park waters until completing the prescribed abatement (Decontamination?) process. Operators of vehicles towing boat trailers will stop at all designated AIS boat inspection stations within the park before launching boats.
Determination: Currently the Bighorn Lake is free of zebra/quagga mussels. However, if zebra/quagga mussels were to infest the Lake, they will likely foul dock and ramp facilities, encrust boats, clog engines, and damage the quality of lake fishing by disrupting the food chain. In response to the continued and growing threat of the introduction of quagga and zebra mussels at Bighorn Canyon NRA, AIS inspection requirements for Bighorn Lake boaters have been implemented. These increased measures are intended to prevent the unintentional introduction of quagga and zebra mussels into the waters of Bighorn Lake.
• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft (i.e. drones) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park System within the boundaries of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of unmanned aircraft within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses, including visitor experience. Use may also lead to the disturbance, displacement or harassment of park wildlife and creation of public safety hazards per operation near roadways and persons. NPS Management Policies (2006) provide that a new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made by the park Superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. Less restrictive measures are not considered sufficient at this time.
Visiting Hours:
• The park is open to the public 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, unless otherwise publicly posted.
• National Park Service offices, visitor centers, and contact stations are open for official business as posted on the respective buildings.
• Day use areas and swim beaches will be closed from one-half hour after sunset to one- half hour before sunrise. Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM will also be enforced.
COVID -19 Mask Requirement
Individuals over the age of two years must wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking, in the following locations:
1. All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, gift shops, marinas and historic structures.
2. The following outdoor areas, when others are present, where the superintendent has determined that physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained:
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station
• Park established fishing docks
• Launch ramps
• Courtesy docks
• Concession docks, decks or buildings
• Picnic areas
• Swim Beaches
Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.
Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals must comply with all orders regarding masks issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers on public transit, regardless of vaccination status. Masks remain required on all forms of public transit that operate within parks, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in transportation hubs.
Park staff should not ask visitors whether or not they have been vaccinated. Absent evidence to the contrary, park staff should operate as though non-masked visitors are fully vaccinated. Superintendents may no longer include in special use permits, commercial use authorizations,
DETERMINATION
The National Park Service (NPS) Office of Public Health, Office of Risk Management, and the Division of Law Enforcement, Security, and Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Occupational Safety and Health and Office of Emergency Management (OEM), are responsible for managing and supporting activities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, and respond to hazards such as COVID-19. As stated in E.O. 13991, it is the policy of the Administration to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures. Such measures include wearing masks when around others, physical distancing, and other related precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Section 1.6 Permits
(f)(1) A compilation of those activities requiring a permit shall be maintained by the Superintendent and available to the public upon request. Special Use Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations are requested through the Superintendent’s Office; Lovell Visitor Center, Lovell, WY. Research Permits may be requested through the Research Permitting and Reporting System (https://irma.nps.gov/RPRS/Home).
The following activities require permits:
• 36 CFR 2.5 Research Permits (includes specimen collection)
• 36 CFR 2.38 (b) Use or Possession of Fireworks
• 36 CFR 2.50 (a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events.
• 36 CFR 2.51 (b) Public Assemblies: Demonstrations of 25 persons or less do not require a permit.
• 36 CFR 2.52 (a) Sale and Distribution of Printed Material
• 36 CFR 2.60 Livestock Trailing Operations
• 36 CFR 2.62 (b) Scattering of Human Ashes from Cremation
• 36 CFR 5.1 Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements.
• 36 CFR 5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business.
• 36 CFR 5.5(b) Still photography of vehicles or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
• 36 CFR 5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads to access adjacent private lands.
• 36 CFR 5.7 Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, dock, road, trail, path, or public or private utility upon, across, over, through, or under any park area.
Section 2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archaeological Resources
(a)(4) Driftwood within and around Bighorn Lake, the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Area and driftwood piles at Ok-A-Beh, Horseshoe Bend and Barry’s Landing may be gathered, used and/or removed from the park for personal use only. Dead and downed wood at park campgrounds may be collected for immediate on-site use only. Off road travel is not permitted for this purpose. A commercial use of driftwood is prohibited.
(c)(1) Edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and berries may be gathered and removed from the park for personal consumption. Off road travel is not permitted for this purpose. All commercial use is prohibited.
Determination: The gathering and removal of driftwood removes fuels that could contribute to later wildfires. During periods of high lake levels, driftwood creates hazards to navigation at marina locations, and is too dangerous to burn without controlled prescription fire methods.
Section 2.2 Wildlife Protection
(b)(1) In accordance with the enabling legislation establishing Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, hunting is allowed as specified in Title 16 of the United States Code section 460t-3, i.e., 16 USC § 460t-3.
(b)(1) Hunting within one-half mile of any developed area; including the Government Camp, Afterbay Ranger Station, Crooked Creek Ranger Station, and campgrounds of the park is prohibited.
Determination: Visitors enter and exit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near these developed areas. Visitors routinely enter and leave the ranger stations, hunting in close proximity to these areas can result in damage to government property. Residences and business offices are located around the Government Camp area. The one-half mile closure around these areas is necessary to achieve public safety and minimize public use conflicts. Unless specified, Bighorn Canyon NRA remains open to hunting and adopts all non-conflicting Montana and Wyoming State hunting regulations as approved.
Exemption: Upland bird hunting (including wild turkey- shotgun only) is allowed at the 3-Mile Access area, one-half mile away from the access parking lot, during the specific times and seasons found in the Montana Upland Game Bird Regulations.
Exemption: The use of dogs in pursuit of mountain lions is regulated by State and Federal laws, and hunters are encouraged to contact the appropriate State agency prior to going afield.
(e) Bighorn Canyon NRA is closed to use of an artificial light for the purposes of wildlife viewing. (Spotlighting)
Section 2.3 Fishing
(a) Fishing from Afterbay Dam, including all buoy restricted areas west of the dam is prohibited.
Determination: The Afterbay Dam, fenced and buoy restricted areas are off limits for safety and security of the facility.
Section 2.4 Weapons, Traps and Nets
(a)(2)(ii)Target practice is only allowed at the Fort Smith Firing Range.
• Possession of alcohol is prohibited at the Fort Smith Firing Range
Determination: The Fort Smith Firing Range is open to the public. However, it is subject to closure for law enforcement weapons training and qualifications. Prohibiting alcohol is necessary to prevent unintentional weapons discharges, accidents or death.
Section 2.10 Camping and Food Storage
(a) Designated Developed Camping Areas:
• Dayboard Nine, Black Canyon and Medicine Creek Campground - tent or boat camping only.
• Afterbay Campground North & South, Horseshoe Bend Campground, Trail Creek Campground & Barry’s Landing – tents or RVs in designated areas only. Dumping of black or grey water is prohibited.
• Common Corrals -The area just east of the corrals is designated as a camping area with livestock. Other campers may be allowed, if not in use by permitted ranches or livestock owners. Owners of livestock have priority use of Common Corrals area.
• Overnight camping is prohibited at all marina parking areas and boat ramps.
• Camping/Parking on the Ok-A-Beh Helipad is prohibited.
• All other areas signed as prohibited to camping.
Determination:Developed area camping is restricted to established campsites only in the designated areas. All campsites have picnic tables, toilet facilities and trash service.
(a) Backcountry Camping:
• Backcountry Lake Camping is allowed below the high water mark of 3640 feet elevation or along undeveloped areas of Bighorn Lake.
• Backcountry walk-in camping- Must be conducted at least one-half mile distance from developed areas. Campers must use petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices. Fires are prohibited.
(b)(9) Camping is limited to a maximum of 30 days per calendar year per person. No more than 14 consecutive days may be spent at any one campground between May 1 and November 1 each year.
• Unless otherwise designated campsites are first come first serve.
• Campsite registration must be completed within one hour of campsite occupancy.
• Holding/reserving a campsite for another individual is prohibited.
• Quiet hours are designated from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Dumping of wastewater on the ground is prohibited.
• Only one RV may be connected to a utility site at a time. Connecting to any other utility system or RV is prohibited.
• Check out time for all campsites is 12:00 p.m..
• All vehicles must fit within the provided site parking pad.
• Tree-friendly straps or other similar devices may be used to attach hammocks, string lines or other similar products to trees in the campsite. Attaching any device to other types of vegetation is prohibited.
(d)(1) All food and coolers must be kept in a vehicle, vessel, hard-sided camping unit or, where available, park-provided bear-proof storage boxes, when occupants of the site are not present.
Determination:Animals are attracted to food and other scented items that are not secured. Securing these items minimizes human versus wildlife conflicts and protects wildlife. Bear-proof storage boxes are provided at some park campgrounds for visitor use.
Section 2.13 Fires
(a)(1) Fires are permitted as follows:
• Within the confines of an NPS designated and installed fire rings or grills, regardless of season.
• Under the high water mark of Bighorn Lake or elevation designation of 3640”
• Open campfires burning wood, not charcoal, are permitted on the frozen surface of Bighorn Lake. All debris other than ashes and charred wood must be removed.
(a)(2) Fires are not permitted in the Ok-A-Beh, Afterbay, Horseshoe Bend, North Kane, or Barry’s Landing parking lots or overflow areas and all other areas designated by signage.
Determination:During extreme fire danger or by order of the superintendent, fires of any type may not be allowed. Visitors may contact the recreation area headquarters office at (406) 666-3300, Lovell Visitor Center at 307-548-5406, or the park website at www.nps.gov/bica to check on current conditions. Two states, two counties, and the exterior boundary of the Crow Tribe Reservation adjoin Bighorn Canyon NRA, and there may be different fire restrictions in each area. To reduce confusion, Bighorn Canyon NRA will either be completely open to certain types of fires, or completely closed them.
Section 2.15 Pets
(a) Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park including developed and back country areas with the exception of (a)(1).
(a)(1) Pets are not allowed at the Ok-A-Beh and Horseshoe Bend Swim Areas, which includes the beach, grass and water areas.
(a)(3) Pets may not be left unattended in areas or circumstances that will create a nuisance to other visitors or cause a conflict with wildlife
(a)(5) In developed areas, pet excrement must be immediately collected and disposed of in a trash receptacle.
(b) Dogs may be off leash when being used in support of hunting activities or permitted stock trailing operations; contained on a vessel or within a vehicle; or in open water as designated and in accordance with applicable Federal and State law.
(e) Pets must be under verbal control (e.g., call once and the pet comes) within areas jointly used by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Reclamation including Fort Smith Government Camp, Headquarters area, Grapevine Road and the gravel pit area.
Determination:The Superintendent has determined that domestic pets within the park under these conditions do not pose an undue threat to natural resources, employees or the visiting public.
Section 2.16 Horses and Pack Animals
(g)(1) Pack animals are prohibited in designated camping areas and historic ranches. Camping with horses is restricted to the Common Corrals established area.
(g)(2) The feeding or dropping of forage in park areas, except for pelletized feed or certified weed and seed-free hay, straw, whole grains or cubed products is prohibited.
(g)(3) All livestock entering or leaving the recreation area must meet state requirements regarding health certificates and brand inspections.
Determination:The Superintendent has determined these are the minimum necessary restrictions to provide for the protection of the park resources. Resource management at Bighorn Canyon NRA includes an aggressive invasive weed program that is consistent with existing state and federal programs to minimize the spread of exotic invasive species.
Section 2.20 Skating, skateboards and similar devices:
The following areas are designated for the use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis coasting vehicles or similar non-motorized devices
Residential Roads in Fort Smith – Area known as Government Camp
Paved areas of Horseshoe Bend Campground
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that on a temporary trial basisthe areas are open to non-motorized devices. The conflicts of the areas will be minimal with slower speed limits and multiple visitor activities already authorized (i.e. biking and exercising). If determined to cause a life-safety conflict these activities will be restricted in the future.
Section 2.22 – Property
(a)(2) Vehicles and/or boat trailers may be parked unattended at boat launch parking facilities for the duration of overnight camping trips for visitors that are camping at boat-in campgrounds and camping in adjacent campgrounds within the established camping limits.
• Vehicles and/or boat trailers left unattended for more than fourteen consecutive days may be impounded.
• Visitors not camping must remove their vehicle and/or trailer daily.
Determination: Unattended property is inconsistent with the orderly management of park areas and may limit equitable use of park facilities. Property left unattended in excess of 24 hours may be impounded
Section 2.51 Public Assemblies, Meetings
The following are designated public meeting or assembly areas. Public meetings or assemblies cannot interfere with foot traffic or block any public entrances. Detailed maps of specific areas will be furnished upon request. See Appendix A
• MK Hill Picnic Area, Fort Smith Montana.
• Afterbay Ranger Station 100 feet north of the building.
• Cal Taggert Visitor Center 125 feet North East of the building.
• Horseshoe Bend Marina west of the Fish Cleaning Station.
Section 2.52 Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter
The following areas are designated as acceptable for the sale or distribution of printed matter. Sale or distribution areas may not interfere with foot traffic or block any public entrance. Detailed maps of specific areas will be furnished upon request. See Appendix B.
• MK Hill Picnic Area, Fort Smith Montana.
• Afterbay Ranger Station 100 feet north of the building.
• Cal Taggert Visitor Center 125 feet North East of the building.
• Horseshoe Bend Marina west of the fish cleaning station.
Determination:The Bighorn Canyon NRA is located within the boundaries of Wyoming and Montana. The recreation area 36 CFR 3.2 allows for the adoption of federal and state laws and regulations.
Section 3.8 Vessel Operations
(a)(2) Afterbay Dam to cable 200 feet downstream is closed to boating.
(b)(2) Private vessels may not tie up to any park buoy not specifically designated as a mooring buoy at any time.
• Private individuals are not allowed to place or install their own buoys in the park for mooring purposes.
• Private individuals are allowed to anchor in areas where they are not a hazard to navigation. Overnight anchoring of vessels is limited to maximum camping requirements.
• All vessels at anchor between sunset and sunrise must display anchor lights. If a vessel is less than 16 feet in length, then its anchor light will be an all-round light visible where it can best be seen from all directions.
• Private vessels aren’t required to display an all-around white light if they are moored at their rented dock space.
Determination: Buoys are designed to mark locations of dock anchoring systems and as aids to navigation. Long term mooring on undesignated mooring buoys can affect the integrity of the system.
Section 3.16 Swimming and Wading
The following locations are closed to swimming:
Public or concession boat docks
Fishing docks
Boat launching areas including all courtesy docks.
Afterbay Dam to the cable 200 feet downstream is closed to swimming and/or wading.
Determination: Swimming near boat docks and launch areas interferes with the ingress and egress of boats from the lake conflicting with visitor safety. Closure of access 200 feet downstream of the Afterbay dam has been determined as the minimum distance to maintain security and safety from unannounced water discharges.
Section 3.17 Swimming and Bathing
(a) There are two public swimming areas in the park located at the Ok-A-Beh and Horseshoe Bend Marinas. Public swimming areas are designated with signage. Water sample testing will be conducted Memorial Day to Labor Day (water level dependent)
(c) Glass containers of all types are prohibited in Ok-A-Beh and Horseshoe Bend swim beaches
(c) Children three years of age and younger must wear a Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the water at public swimming areas.
Determination: Restriction on glass containers is based on safety and environmental concerns to limit injuries associated with discarded or broken glass containers and to protect park resources.
The restriction on water flotation devices for children three years of age and younger is to increase life safety.
Section 4.30 Bicycles
(a) The use of e-bikes or traditional bikes are permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.
A person operating an e-bike or traditional bicycle is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR Part 4: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5)
Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Bighorn Canyon NRA is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of the State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined the use of e-bikes in accordance to regulations on traditional bicycles meets the parks established goals and mission designated for the recreation area.
For a PDF version of this document or for the appendicies, please email us.
Last updated: February 25, 2022
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area South District Visitor Center
20 US Hwy 14A
Lovell,
WY
82431
Phone:
307 548-5406
(307) 548-5406 is the South District in Lovell, WY.
(406) 666-9961 is the North District in Fort Smith, MT.
