Superintendent's Compendium

Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority

Approved: Daniel J Green, Acting Superintendent
Date: 1/7/2026

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent's use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.

I. 36 CFR §1.5 - VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

(a) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Visiting Hours:

Public visiting hours are 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. daily, except for the Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (Fourth of July}, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays, when the park is closed.

Public Use Limits:

Public use is allowed only in the following portions of the Monument:

Immediate area of Compound A and the interpretive ramada
Visitor center and museum building
Entrance road and parking lot
Picnic area and ball court observation platform
Paved walkways connecting the above stated areas

Closures:

The interior of the Great House (Casa Grande) is closed to tours or any other public use, except with permission of the Superintendent. Inspections, research, or other legitimate purposes shall only be allowed when the Superintendent has issued a permit.

Determination: The 1918 Presidential Proclamation which established Casa Grande Ruins National Monument states that it is in the public interest that provisions are made for the "protection, preservation and care of the ruins of the ancient buildings and other objects of prehistoric interest”. The physical impacts of more than 50,000 visitors per year on the fragile earthen interior of the Great House (Casa Grande) would greatly accelerate the deterioration of what is one of the monument's primary archeological resources.

36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) - Designate Areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.

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 that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document (attached hereto):

The park entrance road is open to the public.
The service road from the visitor parking area to the administrative buildings, the maintenance compound, and the volunteer residents' compound is open for administrative use only and is closed to the public.

E-Bikes:

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.).
E-bikes are allowed in Casa Grande Ruins National Monument 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.
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).
Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

Determination: National Park Service policy memorandum 19-01 dated August 30, 2019 directs parks to allow electronic bicycles consistent with Federal law and a majority of State laws and provides for their use and regulation on the same basis as bicycles without power assist capabilities ("traditional bicycles'').

(b) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

Passenger Carrying Busses:

Must not proceed through the parking lot beyond the area designated for pull-through parking for busses, trailers, and recreational vehicles.
- School busses carrying children in school groups that have reservations for monument programs may be excluded from this restriction. Through the reservation system, monument staff is made available to manage traffic for safe unloading and boarding of school buses.
Engines must be shut down when busses are not underway.
The Cotton Express local shuttle bus vehicles are exempt when in-service.

Determination: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park. Due to the accessibility capacity nature of the service provided by the shuttle busses, they are excluded from the requirement.

(c) Unmanned Aircraft

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is prohibited, except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means 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). This 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.

Determination: Management Policies 2006 1.5 and 8.2.2 states 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.

Il. 36 CFR §1.6 - ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

36 CFR §1.6 - PERMITS

(a) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:6 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit. Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.

§2.4 Weapons, traps and nets.
- Carry or possess a weapon (other than a firearm), trap, or net. The use of a firearm is prohibited.
§2.5 Research specimen collection.
§2.12 Audio disturbances.
- (a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
- (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
- (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51
§2.13 Fires.
§2.17 Aircraft and air delivery.
- (c)(3) The superintendent may waive the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section or prohibit the removal of downed aircraft, upon a determination that: (i) The removal of downed aircraft would constitute an unacceptable risk to human life; (ii) the removal of a downed aircraft would result in extensive resource damage; or (iii) the removal of a downed aircraft is impracticable or impossible.
§2.37 Noncommercial soliciting.
§2.38 Explosives.
§2.50 Special events.
§2.51 Demonstrations and designated available park areas.
- (b) Permits and the small group permit exception. Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity, with exceptions.
  - (1) Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park areas, provided that:
    - (i) None of the reasons for denying a permit that are set out in paragraph (f) of this section are present;
    - (ii) The group is not merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the small group permit exception under this provision;
    - (iii) They will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations and special events, or park program activities; and
    - (iv) Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.
§2.52 Sale of printed matter and the distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items.
§2.60 Livestock use and agriculture.
§2.61 Residing on Federal lands.
§5.1 Advertisements.
§5.3 Business operations.
§5.7 Construction of buildings or other facilities.

Ill. RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION

36 CFR §2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a) Walking, climbing, ascending or traversing archaeological or cultural resources, monuments, or statues is prohibited outside of well-travelled routes within designated areas

Determination: Walking, climbing, ascending or traversing archaeological or cultural resources could cause damage to the Great House, ruins and other archaeological resources which Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was created to preserve.

(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the paved walkways and of the entrance road, as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.

Determination: Restricting pedestrian traffic to trails reduces the impact on park natural and cultural resources, including wildlife habitat.

(c) All fruits, nuts, berries, plant materials or unoccupied seashells may not be gathered by hand or machine for personal use or consumption

Determination: The removal of native fruits would deny visitors the opportunity to experience the park in its natural state and could lead to resource degradation.

36 CFR §2.10 - CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

(a) Camping is not allowed.

Determination. The monument does not have facilities for camping. Allowing camping would lead to unacceptable damage to cultural and natural resources.

(b) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for the following areas:

Food must be kept sealed in a vehicle or in a storage unit that is constructed of solid, nonpliable material. This restriction does not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption in the picnic area.

Determination: Animals' natural habits will be impacted if they begin to look to humans as a food source.

36 CFR §2.11 - PICNICKING

Conditions for Picnicking:

Picnicking is allowed only within the established picnic area (designated on attached map).
Picnicking in excess of three (3) hours requires a permit from superintendent.

Determination: The monument has limited facilities for picnicking. The three hour limit allows multiple groups to use a facility over the course of a day. Picnicking outside of designated areas causes unacceptable impacts to cultural and natural resources

36 CFR 2.13 - FIRES

(a) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

Designated Areas:
The only fires allowed are those contained in the fireplace or self-contained barbecue within the outdoor kitchen in the designated picnic area.

Established Conditions for Fires:

A permit or an outdoor kitchen facility rental agreement is required to use fire within the outdoor kitchen area in the picnic area.
Fires must be attended at all times.

(a)(1) – Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire

A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

(b) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:

Self-contained propane, kerosene or gas stoves, grills, or lanterns are permitted within the picnic area only.
Charcoal grills or stoves and wood grills or stoves are not permitted.
Stoves, grills, or lanterns must be attended at all times while in use.

(c) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:

Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Determination: The prohibitions within this section serve the purpose of protecting park natural, historic, and archaeological resources from the detrimental effects of campfires. In addition, restricting fires to receptacles (where provided) prevents fire scars and contains fire debris to a small area.

36 CFR §2.15 - PETS

(a) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

Pets may be restrained in a crate, cage, or leash 6 feet in length or less and carried; however, they may not walk through the visitor center museum on or off leash.

(b) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

An area on the southeast portion of the picnic area is designated as a pet walking area (see attached map). Pet owners may allow pets to relieve themselves in this area.
Pet owners carry a pet waste bag with them whenever the pet is with them.
Pet owners must pick up and contain pet excrement in waste bags and dispose of in provided outside trash receptacles.

(c) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:

The keeping of a pet is approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Pets are restrained at all times, while outdoors, with a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Pets are not left unattended and tied to an object outside.
Pets do not make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, and impact on park users and other residents.
Pets do not frighten wildlife by howling, barking or making other noise.
Pet owners must pick up and contain pet excrement in waste bags and dispose of in provided outdoor trash receptacles.
These restrictions are established as the minimum requirements because excluding pets from the park would be an undue hardship for park residents and visitors. However, less restrictive measures would lead to resource degradation or damage to park property.

Determination: Leash requirement provides for the protection of the pet as well as other park visitors, while preventing pets from disturbing or harassing native wildlife. Pet excrement poses a public health hazard in high use areas.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:

Smoking is allowed only in the outdoor area designated by a sign, a bench and a standing ashtray northeast of the visitor center restrooms and entrance. {See attached map for location of designated public smoking area.)
Smoking is prohibited in all Casa Grande Ruins buildings, on all public walkways, and in all areas open to the public beyond the visitor center entrance, including Compound A and its vicinity.
Smoking is prohibited in the maintenance compound within 20 feet of where smoking could pose a fire hazard (i.e. hazardous or flammable chemical storage).
The Superintendent may, during periods of high fire danger, restrict or close all, or portions of the monument to smoking.
Any additional restrictions shall be issued in press releases and appropriate signs will be posted at the visitor center.

Determination: These designations are to ensure adequate smoking restrictions to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.

(b) Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS):

Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including electronic cigarettes (ecigarettes) or similar devices, or “vaping", is allowed only in the outdoor area designated by a sign, a bench and a standing ashtray northeast of the visitor center restrooms and entrance. (See attached map for location of designated public smoking area.)
Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including electronic cigarettes (ecigarettes) or similar devices, or "vaping", is prohibited in all Casa Grande Ruins buildings, on all public walkways, and in all areas open to the public beyond the visitor center entrance, including Compound A and its vicinity.
Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including electronic cigarettes (ecigarettes) or “vaping", is prohibited in the maintenance compound within 20 feet of where smoking could pose a fire hazard (i.e. hazardous or flammable chemical storage).

Determination: These designations are based on a determination that use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Devices (ENDS) is prohibited due to an abundance of caution in light of the current scientific findings and uncertainty to date on long-term effects from the use of ENDS. This guidance affords all NPS employees and park visitors the same protections from exposure to nicotine and other harmful substances that may be found in ENDS vapor that are currently in place for exposure to tobacco smoke.

36 CFR §2.35 -ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

All areas of the park, with the exception of the picnic area and outdoor kitchen.

The superintendent may close all or a portion of a public use area or public facility within a park area to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed. Provided however, that such a closure may only be implemented following a determination made by the superintendent that:

(A) The consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established; or
(B) Incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that the diligent application of the authorities in this section and §§ 1.5 and 2.34 of this chapter, over a reasonable time period, does not alleviate the problem.

Determination: Due to the sacred nature of the Great House and associated ruins, and to ensure that all visitors are able to enjoy their visit to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to the established picnic area and outdoor kitchen.

36 CFR §2.51 - PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS

(a) The following locations have been designated by the Superintendent as public assembly areas available for demonstrations and other activities under the First Amendment of the Constitution:

Area 1 – The southeast portion of the picnic area, including the easternmost ramada.
Area 2 – Adjacent to, but not blocking, the sidewalk on the south side of the public parking lot, east of the administrative access road.

Description and map of designated public assembly and meeting area are available at the visitor center, during normal hours of operation.

(b) Group size limits on Special Use Permits or First Amendment Permits (e.g., Easter services, etc.) will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the time, place, and manner of the proposed activity.

Determination: Limiting the size of groups and locations to gather reduces the impact on the natural and cultural resources and reduces potential visitor use conflicts.

36 CFR §4.21 - SPEED LIMITS

(a) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

The speed limit for the park entrance road is 35 mph.
The speed limit in the visitor center parking lot is 15 mph
The speed limit for the utility road is 15 mph.

Determination: Limiting speed on park roads helps ensure the safety of park visitors and staff and enhances the protection of wildlife and other park resources.