The following is a compendium of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority by the superintendent of Big Thicket National Preserve.
Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter I, and Parts 1 through 7.
The closures and restrictions delineated in this compendium do not apply to official/administrative use or applications (36 CFR 1.2(d) and 1.5(a)).
Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, appear in this document as italicized print.
Section 1.6(f) states a list of activities that require a permit must be maintained. The list appears in this document under 36 CFR § 1.6(f).
This compendium will remain in effect until specifically amended or supplemented by the superintendent.
Revised December 2022 | § = section
PART 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS
The superintendent of Big Thicket National Preserve has used the discretionary authority granted by Chapter I of 36 CFR to establish certain closures. These closures and public use limits are necessary for the administration of the park in concert with its enabling legislation and NPS management policies for the benefit of park visitors and the protection of park natural and cultural resources.
36 CFR § 1.5 – Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, and Closures
(a)(1)
(i) Big Thicket National Preserve is open 24 hours/day with the following exceptions:
(A) The preserve visitor center is open from 0900–1700 hours, 7 days/week unless otherwise posted.
(B) The preserve visitor center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (Dec. 25), and New Year's Day (Jan. 1) every year.
(C) Any person engaged in activities after dark (sunset to sunrise) must have a permit; like a fishing or hunting license, camping permit, and/or special use permit. Any permitted activities must also follow all state and federal regulations.
Day Use Areas:
Beaumont Unit: Confluence boat ramp and parking; Four Oaks parking; Edgewater trail and parking; Cook's Lake Road picnic area and parking.
Beech Creek Unit: Beech Woods Trail and parking.
Big Sandy Creek Unit: Woodlands Trail and parking; Big Sandy Multi-Use Trail and parking; Sunflower Road parking areas; Beaver Slide Trail and parking.
Hickory Creek Savannah Unit: Sundew Trail, picnic area, and parking.
Lance Rosier Unit: Little Rock Road parking; Cotton Road parking; Teel (Cemetery) Road parking; "Bridge to Nowhere" road and parking.
Menard Creek Corridor Unit: Holly Grove parking; Hoop N' Holler parking; Birdwatchers Trail and parking.
Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall Unit: Franklin Lake and parking; Timber Slough Road parking; Timber Slough Road at Neches River; "Tater Patch" Lake and parking; Sandlot Lake and parking; Ard Lake and parking; Youngblood Road parking.
Turkey Creek Unit: Kirby Nature Trail (Staley Cabin) and parking; Turkey Creek Trail at FM 1943 and parking; Turkey Creek Trail at Gore Store Road (North and South) and parking; Pitcher Plant Trail and parking; Turkey Creek Trail on Hester Bridge Road and parking; Gardner Cemetery and parking.
Upper Neches River Corridor Unit: McQueens Landing boat ramp and parking.
(ii) Alcohol possession or consumption in all Day Use Areas and Hunting Areas during hunting season is prohibited.
Determination: Use of these areas as gathering places for alcohol consumption has contributed in the past to vandalism and litter. These areas have been improved to include restroom facilities, picnic tables, and barbecue areas. The National Park Service recognizes that the public has a legitimate right to recreate in these areas. However, many of these recreational use areas have a history of late-night parties, which includes the consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs. The history of illegal activities indicates that the public interest is best served by limiting use. Prohibiting the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in these areas has not had an impact on legitimate public use of the preserve.
(iii) The interior of all government and concession buildings, all fenced areas except for designated public lobbies or public business areas are closed to the public. This closure does not apply to persons in non-public areas who have been granted specific permission by the National Park Service or another authorized federal agency, a licensed concessionaire, or their representatives, or those who are under escort by employees acting within the scope of their employment.
Determination: Government buildings and fenced areas contain equipment and other items of value, including sensitive information, data, and threatened & endangered species protected by law and policy. Government employees have a right to be secure in their work areas.
(iv) Structures owned by the National Park Service in connection with the acquisition of new preserve lands are CLOSED to public entry or use. Structures are usually marked by the posting of standard "No Trespassing — U.S. Government Property" signs in conspicuous locations on the exterior of these structures and/or fencing. This closure does not apply to all other government buildings when they are staffed by National Park Service personnel during regular business hours.
Determination: The National Park Service has acquired several cabins and similar structures located in various parts of the preserve. Most of these structures will be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal regulations. These structures are not being maintained by the National Park Service and are typically unsafe for visitor use.
(v) Hanging, tying, or using of rope swings (and any associated items) from trees or other structures is prohibited.
Determination: Rope swings have been a factor in visitor accidents in the preserve. In addition, trees and their limbs have been damaged using rope swings and associated climbing boards.
(vi) Glass containers are prohibited on the preserve’s waterways and sandbars.
Determination: Glass, in addition to becoming litter, can create both environmental and safety concerns. Glass containers create serious safety hazards for visitors when broken on sandy beaches and waterways where visitors frequently walk barefoot.
(vii) EPAMD (electric personal assistive mobility device), also known as Segways and motorized scooters, are prohibited from all areas within the park including all park roads, trails, and sidewalks. However, any park visitor with a disability is permitted to use EPAMD on trails and parking lots, when such devices are used for the sole purpose of mobility assistance.
(A) Persons must be at least 16 years old and shall operate any mobility assistive device in a safe and responsible manner, and maximum speeds will not exceed more than 4 M.P.H., so as not to endanger oneself or any other park visitor.
(B) A person riding any mobility assistive device upon the trails or parking lots will always remain on the trail and shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except that the mobility assistive device operator must always yield to pedestrians.
Determination: Electric personal assistive mobility devices have increasingly become a common mode of conveyance and are often adopted as a mode of conveyance by the mobility-impaired. “These devices provide benefits by increasing people’s mobility and substituting for automobile travel, but they can create new problems such as congestion and risks to other non-motorized users.” (Todd Litman and Robin Blair, Managing Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) on Non-motorized Facilities, 26 July 2006). Electric personal assistive mobility devices when operated on trails, sidewalks, and other pedestrian accessible areas can increase access for mobility-impaired people but can also cause increased risks for EPAMD operators and other pedestrians. These restrictions are required to enhance the safety of the public and EPAMD operator.
(viii) Viewing wildlife with any artificial light is prohibited in the preserve. Night sky management: All areas of the park are closed to spotlighting and certain artificial lights. This includes: any spotlights, flood lights, homemade or purchased light poles with more than one light, or any type of lighting systems that would disrupt or affect the wildlife, (e.g., bird, fish, and mammal species) and the dark night sky. (§ 2.2(e) & 2.10(c)).
Determination: In accordance with NPS Management Policies 2006, the NPS strives to preserve natural ambient lightscapes, which are natural resources and values that exist in the absence of human caused light (NPS 2006c). The preserve strives to limit the use of artificial outdoor lighting to that which is necessary for basic safety requirements. The preserve also strives to ensure that all outdoor lighting is shielded to the maximum extent possible, to keep light on the intended subject and out of the night sky. This closure is intended to provide a measure of protection to all wildlife and fish species from persons who are otherwise engaged in unlawful wildlife activities. It is also intended to assure that the natural habits or activities of the wildlife and fish are not adversely affected while being artificially illuminated nor that animals be unduly harassed which may affect feeding, resting, or mating. The proliferation of poor-quality outdoor lighting is the principal threat to the night sky. Reducing the number of oversized and multiple light systems will allow for activities focused on public enjoyment of dark skies.
(ix) Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from, over or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Big Thicket National Preserve is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means any device used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device. This includes but not limited to the following devices: remote controlled model airplanes, quad copters, and drones that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Determination: Unmanned aircraft (UA) use in national parks has increased dramatically in the past few years. Management Policies 2006 1.5 and 8.2.2 state the National Park Service will not allow new park uses until a determination has been made that the new use will not cause unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. Policy Memorandum 14-05, dated June 19, 2014, provides interim policy guidance until this determination has been made. The superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within Big Thicket National Preserve will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experience of unimpaired view sheds; the disturbance, displacement or harassment of park wildlife to include threatened and endangered species, present potential for impacts or damage to sensitive areas, creation of public safety hazards per operation near roadways or large aggregations of visitors, and visual or aural impacts to wilderness character and values within the park. Big Thicket National Preserve is situated along the Central Flyway; Big Thicket is a Biosphere Reserve and globally important birding area for migratory, overwintering, and resident bird species (nearly half of all bird species documented in North America).
(x) ATVs, UTVs, golf carts and other similar vehicles also known as Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) are prohibited in the Big Thicket National Preserve without a special use permit.
Determination: OHVs have easy access and better capabilities to access areas of the preserve prohibited to driving. Prohibiting OHVs is consistent with the NPS mission to preserve and protect natural resources.
(xi) Trapping is allowed in designated areas only. Units of the preserve open to trapping: Beaumont, Lance Rosier, and Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall.
Determination: The areas closed to trapping allow other recreational uses during the trapping season, to reduce conflicts with other user groups. Some areas do not contain sufficient land area to allow trapping without conflicts developing. Portions of the preserve open to trapping are listed in the Big Thicket National Preserve Trapping Guide and Regulations. Maps of these areas can be obtained from the visitor center. The superintendent may issue a special use permit for trapping in other areas not listed above.
(xii) Hunting is allowed in designated areas only. Units of the preserve closed to hunting: Big Sandy Creek Corridor, Hickory Creek Savannah, Little Pine Island Bayou / Pine Island Bayou Corridor, Lower Neches River Corridor, Menard Creek Corridor, Loblolly, Canyonlands, Turkey Creek, Upper Neches River Corridor, and Village Creek Corridor.
Determination: The areas closed to hunting allow other recreational uses during the hunting season, to reduce conflicts between hunters and other user groups. Some areas do not contain sufficient land area to allow hunting without conflicts developing. Portions of the preserve open to hunting are listed in the Big Thicket National Preserve Hunting Guide and Regulations. Maps of these areas can be obtained from the visitor center.
(a)(2)
(i) Visitors must remain on the established trail systems when hiking the Sundew Trail, Pitcher Plant Trail, and any other areas with pitcher plant bogs.
Determination: Natural vegetation in the pitcher plant savannah is very susceptible to damage from foot traffic. Increasing interest in and publicity about these unusual areas has resulted in growing impacts to the resource. Trails with boardwalks were constructed in these areas in 1984 to allow public enjoyment of the area without adverse impact to the plants.
(ii) Horses, burros, mules, or other hooved mammals are designated as pack animals for the purpose of transporting equipment and are prohibited inside the preserve (§ 2.16). Except:
(A) Pack animals are permitted on the Big Sandy Multi-Use Trail.
(B) Animals must always be kept under physical control.
(C) Animals may not be left to water unattended.
(D) Grazing is not permitted.
(E) Hay is not permitted.
(F) Riding off trail is prohibited.
(G) Hitch rails must be used, when available.
(H) Tied animals must not damage tree trunks, roots, or other vegetation.
Determination: The General Management Plan for the preserve includes provisions for a "horse" trail in the Big Sandy Creek Unit. Cross-country use is prohibited to reduce adverse impacts from grazing, soil and vegetation disturbances, and introduction of seeds and exotic plants through animal waste or hay.
(iii) Launch vessels with a trailer in the following designated areas only: Confluence ramp, McQueens Landing ramp, and Baby Galvez ramp.
(iv) Launching vessels by hand / without a trailer may be done in all park waters accessible by foot.
36 CFR § 1.6 – Permits
A valid permit issued by the superintendent is required for the following activities consistent with applicable legislation, federal regulations, and administrative policies.
(f) Activities requiring a permit:
(1) Public-Use Activities: fishing tournaments, athletic events, parades, or other special events.
(2) Collecting research specimens (§ 2.5)
(3) Operation of a public address system or amplification system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to 36 CFR 2.50/2.51 (§ 2.12).
(4) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means (§ 2.17).
(7) Conducting a pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, ceremony, wedding, organized event, and similar activities (§ 2.50).
(8) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views (§ 2.51).
(9) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising (§ 2.52).
(10) Residing on Federal lands (§ 2.61(a)).
(11) Memorialization: The scattering of human ashes from cremation is permitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit. (§ 2.62).
Determination: The incidence of this type of activity is minimal. Such activity can occur without causing any negative impacts to the resources of the area. Primary visitor-use areas with a high concentration of park visitors should be avoided. There are areas of the park that could provide appropriate settings for solitude without impacting other visitors.
(12) Advertisements: Display, posting, or distribution (§ 5.1).
(13) Engaging in or soliciting any business requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations (§ 5.3).
(14) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, crews or other bona fide newsreel or news television personnel (§ 5.5(a)).
(15) Still photography with use of props, models, sets or other articles of commerce for the purpose of commercial advertising and may interfere with park management (§ 5.5(b)).
(16) Use of commercial vehicles on park roads. (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available.) (§ 5.6(c)).
(17) Construction of buildings or facilities: buildings, paths, utilities, or structures of any kind (§ 5.7).
(18) Hunting and trapping (§ 7.85(c)).
(19) Access for any operations across US/federal land (e.g., oil and gas) (Approved plan of operations § 9.36 – 9.37 serves as permit) (§ 9.32(a)).
Determination: Permit systems authorized and issued pursuant to specific regulations in this chapter, except Section 1.5, need not be supported by a written determination unless required by the specific authorizing regulation {48 FR 30262}.
PART 2 – RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION
36 CFR § 2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources
(a)(4)
Dead wood on the ground and/or driftwood may be collected in any area open to camping for campfires.
(c)(1)
Collection of a reasonable number of fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells is permitted for personal use. The gathered items are limited to pawpaw, may haw, wild grape, wild strawberry, wild blueberry, wild huckleberry, blackberry, dewberry, mulberry, walnut, pecan, and hickory nuts.
(c)(2)
The total quantity of gathered items a person may possess is limited to a one-quart container before returning to their residence. A residence is defined as a permanent structure where a person regularly sleeps and keeps personal belongings such as furniture and clothes but does not include a temporary abode or dwelling such as a hunting or fishing club, or any club house, cabin, tent, trailer house or mobile home, motel, or rooming house used on a temporary basis. Commercial collecting is prohibited.
Determination: The removal of gathered items listed does not have an adverse impact on park resources and does not significantly affect wildlife, plant life, or other natural resources. Monitoring of these resources is ongoing. Commercial harvesting of items would deny visitors the opportunity to experience the preserve in its natural state. The superintendent may issue a permit for the collection of items not listed in this section.
36 CFR § 2.2 – Wildlife Protection
(b)(1)
Hunting and trapping is permitted in accordance with Big Thicket National Preserve Hunting/Trapping Guide and Regulations including maps (available at the visitor center or online) and Texas state laws.
Determination: The superintendent has determined the hunting/trapping permit conditions are necessary to provide for the safety of the public, the protection of the flora and fauna of the preserve, effective administration, and management of the preserve, and to provide for the public use and enjoyment of the preserve.
(d)
Transportation of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted in accordance with Texas state law.
36 CFR § 2.3 – Fishing
(d)(2)
Possession or use of live or dead minnows or other bait fish, non-preserved fish eggs or roe is permitted in all fresh waters of the preserve in accordance with Texas state law.
36 CFR § 2.4 – Weapons, Traps, and Nets
(a)(1)
None of the provisions in this section or any regulation in this chapter may be enforced to prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm in any National Park System unit if:
The individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and
The possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the state in which the National Park System unit is located.
(a)(2)(i)
Crossbows are permitted in accordance with State of Texas regulations. Individuals holding a valid Big Thicket Trapping Permit may carry, possess, or use not more than 24 traps (foothold and Conibear style traps only) for the purpose of trapping furbearing animals. Individuals holding a valid Big Thicket Feral Hog Trapping Permit may carry, possess, or use feral hog traps as described in the Hog Trapping Guide and Regulations.
36 CFR § 2.10 – Camping and Food Storage
(a)
Camping is limited to backcountry areas by permit only. A member of the camping party must obtain the permit from the preserve visitor center during regular business hours. No third-party representative is authorized to obtain permits. Permits may be issued 14 days prior to the trip.
(b)(9) Camping Requirements and Conditions:
(i) The following areas are designated for backcountry camping:
Beaumont Unit
Beech Creek Unit
Big Sandy Creek Unit
Big Sandy Creek Corridor Unit (paddling only)
Canyonlands Unit
Lance Rosier Unit
Loblolly Unit
Lower Neches River Corridor Unit
Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall Unit
Turkey Creek Unit, north of the iron bridge adjacent to the Kirby Nature Trail
Upper Neches River Corridor Unit
Village Creek Corridor Unit
(ii) The following areas are closed to camping:
Hunting areas during hunting season
Within 500 feet of all trailheads
Hickory Creek Savannah Unit
Little Pine Island-Pine Island Bayou Corridor Unit
Menard Creek Corridor Unit
Pitcher Plant Trail and any area within 1,000 feet of the trail
Turkey Creek Unit, south of the iron bridge adjacent to the Kirby Nature Trail
Within 500 feet of any structure, administrative area, unit boundary, fence, road, trail, or spray field.
Determination: Limiting camping to specific areas is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of the environmental and scenic values, protection of natural resources, implementation of management responsibilities, and equitable use of facilities and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.
(iii) The maximum time permitted for camping in the park is fourteen (14) consecutive nights. When a camper reaches fourteen (14) nights, (consecutive or intermittent), campers must completely remove themselves and their property from the park for a minimum of 2 nights before returning for another overnight visit.
(iv) No person, party, or organization shall be permitted to camp at Big Thicket National Preserve for more than a total of twenty-eight (28) calendar nights per year in any combination of consecutive nights. These limits apply to all overnight visits, including backcountry stays or any other overnight activity.
Determination: Camping duration limits are intended to prevent domination of a camping area by a relative few and to more equitably allocate use of the area. Time limits are also intended as a means to prevent an accumulation of impacts to camping areas. Such impacts include, but are not limited to, improvements to campsites, accumulation of body wastes and litter, expansion of campsite areas and social trails, and similar resource impacts. Also, this rule is intended to prevent "homesteading" in the area by persons whose primary interest is long-term residency. The intent of this regulation is to augment 36 CFR 2.61, “Residing on Federal Lands;” the establishing of resource-impacting and/or long-term campsites by people who seek to make the park their primary residence or seek to reside in the park while working elsewhere. Nothing in this paragraph precludes long-term day use of the park by visitors.
(v) No more than 8 persons allowed in each campsite.
(vi) All trash and garbage must be packed out.
(vii) Lightscape management: Properly shielded lanterns required and only allowed within the actual campsites.
Determination: Limitations on the number of people at a site minimizes damage to vegetation and topography as well as help maintain the characteristics of National Park Service areas that visitors are seeking. Less restrictive measures would not provide adequate protection to park resources or provide reasonable opportunities, or the type of experience the public seeks when visiting the preserve.
36 CFR § 2.13 – Fires
(a)(1)(i)
Ground campfires are permitted at all backcountry camping sites.
(A) Only wood collected inside the preserve may be used (36 CFR 2.1(a)(4)). Wooden pallets and crates are prohibited from burning due to the abundance of nails that are left behind. Additionally, refuse, household trash, petroleum products, and plastics shall not be burned. All fires will be extinguished prior to leaving the site.
Determination: Resource impacts of fires are negligible, and their remains are usually covered by leaves. Sharp objects that were attached to firewood, unextinguished/smoldering fires, or other objects left behind present safety hazards, particularly for hikers and gatherers.
36 CFR § 2.14 – Sanitation and Refuse
(a)(1)
All trash will be disposed of in a trash can, trash bag, or other container immediately after use. The discarding or piling of trash on the ground with the intention of picking it up later for proper disposal is not permitted.
(a)(2)
Trash/debris/refuse disposed of at the trailhead receptacles are for daily recreational activities associated with preserve activities. The dumping of household, commercial, industrial refuse, or trash/debris/refuse is not to be disposed of in park receptacles.
Determination: These conditions provide reasonable means for the disposal of waste products without causing unwarranted safety or environmental nuisances. Less restrictive measures would not offer the degree of safety necessary for the protection of the public or the resources or help maintain the characteristics of the preserve that visitors are seeking.
(a)(7) Disposing of fish remains
(i) No dead fish or parts thereof may be left on any shore, beach, or dock. Fish waste left over from cleaning must be deposited in the water or buried at least 6" deep.
Determination: Polluting and contaminating park facilities and beaches from fish waste will be eliminated with proper sanitary and fish cleaning practices.
(ii) Fish may be cleaned and filleted before transportation to their final destination in accordance with the provisions of Texas state law.
Determination: Texas state law allows for the cleaning of fish after a fisherman has reached their final land destination. Cleaned fish cannot be transported by boat. This state regulation prevents fishermen from exceeding established catch limits or claiming the cleaned fish is another species.
(b)(1)
In undeveloped areas, human waste must be packed out or buried at least six inches and at least 100 feet away from any water source.
Determination: The accumulation of body wastes and litter in undeveloped areas is not sanitary and impacts visitor use and enjoyment of these areas. Waste matter left on the surface desiccates and creates the possibility of spread of infectious elements and is aesthetically unpleasant to other visitors.
36 CFR § 2.21 – Smoking
(a)(1)
Smoking is prohibited in all government buildings, vehicles, and grasslands. A person smoking outside must be at least 100 feet from any entrance/exit to building.
Determination: Smoking is prohibited in government buildings and vehicles by law and policy. Smoking is prohibited near entrances because it is the visitor/employee access to the buildings. Smoking is prohibited in grassland areas due to the danger of starting a wildfire.
36 CFR § 2.22 – Property
(a)(2)
Leaving property unattended longer than 24 hours is prohibited except for:
Vehicles in conjunction with a valid backcountry camping permit. Such property must be described when the permit is obtained and removed prior to the expiration of the permit.
Trail cameras related to hunting activities from September 1 to January 31 (any other cameras require a separate permit). All cameras must be removed by January 31.
(a)(3)
Property and contraband (including illegal drugs and other dangerous items like unexploded ordinances, hazardous waste, and chemicals) found in the park is illegal to possess and shall be reported to a park ranger as soon as possible.
Determination: Illegal drugs and other contraband have been found in the park. The requirement to report such findings to park rangers negates any claim by a person apprehended with contraband that they possessed it with the intention of turning it over to a park ranger or intended to take it out of the park to turn it over to another agency or authority. Possession of unexploded military ordnance or hazardous waste in any form is dangerous to anyone in the area.
(b) Impoundment of property
(1)(i) Property (i.e. vehicles, trailers, hunting equipment) in the preserve will not be left unattended overnight without a permit.
Determination: Limiting parking is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of natural resource and scenic values, equitable use of facilities, and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.
36 CFR § 2.51/2.52 – Public Assemblies and Meetings/Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter
(e)
See map below (Appendix A) for detailed information as to where public assembly and meeting activities are permitted.
Determination: The areas provided do not unreasonably interfere with visitor services and affords public recognition for any public assembly activity.
Bicycle use, including the electric bicycle (e-bike), is permitted on park roads, parking areas, and on the following designated routes: Big Sandy Multi-Use Trail
Determination: Big Sandy Multi-Use Trail follows a series of abandoned logging roads that have been heavily impacted during years of private ownership. These roads are now maintained as administrative roads for fire management and other administrative access. The use of horses and bicycles on the Big Sandy Multi-Use Trail have been determined to be compatible, consistent with the preserve’s natural, scenic, and aesthetic values, safety considerations, management objectives, and will not disturb wildlife or resources.
(a)(2)
E-bikes are allowed in Big Thicket National Preserve 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.
Determination: Bicycles driven off-road / off-trail cause damage to natural resources. “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.). 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).
PART 7 – SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
The use of dogs or calling devices for hunting game animals or fur-bearing animals is prohibited.
(a)(4)
The use or construction of stands, blinds, or other structures for use in hunting or for other purposes is prohibited.
(c)
In addition to applicable state laws, regulations, and licenses or permits, a permit from the superintendent is required for hunting or trapping on preserve lands. Additional conditions for hunting and trapping in Big Thicket National Preserve can be found in the Hunting/Trapping Guide and Regulations and maps that are available at the visitor center and online on the preserve hunting and trapping pages.
APPENDIX A
Map text: Designated first amendment area for small groups (25 people or less) for public assembly, meeting, sales, and distribution of printed matter is located between the disabled parking sign closest to the visitor center and the first light pole west along the sidewalk in the grass.
