§1.6 Activities Requiring a Permit
(f) The following activities enumerated by individual section require a permit
issued by the Superintendent subject to additional requirements, as
applicable:
(36 CFR)
§2.5 Collection of research specimens.
§2.12 (a) (2) Operating a power saw.
(a) (3) Operating a portable motor or engine in an undeveloped area.
§2.17 Delivery of persons or objects by airborne means.
§2.38 Transport or possession of explosives.
§2.50 Special events.
§2.51 Public assemblies.
§2.52 Sale or distribution of printed matter.
§2.61 Residing on federal land.
§2.62 Memorialization.
§5.3 Business operations.
§5.6 Commercial vehicles.
§5.7 Construction of buildings or other facilities.
§2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological
resources.
General Regulations
§2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources
(c)(2) The gathering, possession and consumption of all wild
fruits, berries and nuts or domestic fruit, berries and nuts are limited to quantities which are consumed by a single individual the same day or 1 pound per individual and limited to a total of 5 pounds for groups of 5 or more people.
Justification: This limited use of these renewable resources will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproduction of any plant species, or other park resources.
§2.2 Wildlife Protection
(a)(2) The feeding of wildlife through bird feeders, baiting or improperly stored
food is prohibited in Park housing areas and in any established campsite in
any campground, including camp-host sites in concurrence with 36 CFR
2.2(a)(2).
Justification: Bird feeders, food items and trash are at high risk of being subject to opportunistic feeding by local animal populations. This activity poses health concerns to the animals over time and has proven to create an aggressive animal population. Park residents are subject to the same regulations as visitors.
(d) The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife is permitted on all roads
that are open to public vehicle travel within Cedar Breaks NM.
Transportation through the park of wildlife lawfully taken outside the
park is permitted only in a motor vehicle and must be non-stop, except
for emergencies. Taken wildlife must have a valid state tag attached to
the animal in accordance with all applicable state regulations.
Compliance checks maybe conducted by law enforcement park rangers.
Justification: The Superintendent is given the authority under this section to establish conditions and procedures for transporting lawfully taken wildlife through the park. It is the intent of the Superintendent to allow transport of lawfully taken wildlife through Cedar Breaks National Monument from the place where a legal taking of wildlife has occurred and the residence of the individual who has performed that legal taking. The conditions for transport of legally taken game reflect past practice and are necessary for individuals seeking to follow state hunting regulations.
(d) A permit is required to track and remove lawfully taken animals that were
mortally wounded outside the Monument boundaries, then enter the park.
Permits can be issued to hunters in the field by law enforcement rangers or
park staff and can only be obtained in the event of these described
circumstances.
Justification: Possessing live or dead wildlife inside the park is illegal even if it
was originally shot legally. Hunting licenses in the state of Utah are not valid on
areas closed to hunting, therefore possessing an animal in a closed area is also violation of state law. This permit provides a mechanism to allow hunters to
legally retrieve their animals. Extended tracking of wounded animals in the park
constitutes hunting and must be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if a permit should be issued. It is recognized that humanely putting down dying animals is desirable, however, it is possible for wildlife to survive being wounded. Rangers will follow their SOP for determining whether a permit should be authorized and the conditions of the permit.
(e) The entire park is closed to the use of artificial light for the purpose of
viewing wildlife.
Justification: The Superintendent has determined that viewing wildlife at night with the use of an artificial light constitutes "teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing" of wildlife, which is specifically prohibited in 36 CFR 2.2 (a) (2). This closure of the park to the use of artificial light for viewing wildlife is consistent with the regulations in other nearby national parks.
(a)(2) The use of wildlife and/or varmint calls, audio attractants or other artificial or natural means of attracting or disturbing wildlife (including rattling antlers or verbal bugling or howling imitations) are prohibited.
Justification: This behavior and the use of these implements constitutes "teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing" of wildlife, which is specifically prohibited in 36 CFR 2.2 (a) (2).
§2.5 (a) Research Collection Permit
Permits are applied for through the online Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) system and approved by the Superintendent or Zion’s Chief of Resource Management. Individuals must keep a copy of the signed and approved permit with them and present it upon request.
Justification: Research is a vital part of the NPS mission and researchers should understand the need for proper accounting and tracking of projects to avoid any conflicts.
§2.10 Camping and Food Storage
(a)(1) All areas of the park are closed to camping except in designated sites in the established Point Supreme Campground, when the campground is not signed as closed. No camping is permitted within the Cedar Breaks Amphitheater.
Justification: The superintendent has determined that all areas above the amphitheater rim are to be closed to camping except in the Point Supreme Campground due to their proximity to roads, trails, and other heavy day use areas to avoid conflict with day-use park visitors. Camping on the rim area also poses a threat to a threatened and endangered species of wildflower found in the monument.
The geologic amphitheater located below the rim, from approximately 10,600 feet in elevation down to 8,200 feet in elevation and including some 4,700 acres, is designated as a Research Natural Area. Research Natural Areas are part of a national network of field ecological areas designated for research and education and/or to maintain biological diversity and are to be managed for baseline inventory studies and long term ecological observation. The Cedar Breaks Amphitheater Natural Area is one in which natural processes have been allowed to continue with very little man-caused disturbance. The area contains relic vegetation sites that have been unaltered by the effects of grazing. In order to protect these significant undisturbed areas within the geologic amphitheater from the adverse impacts of human waste, soil compaction, and mancaused fire danger that are related to overnight backcountry use, the area below the rim of the Breaks is closed camping.
(a)(2) No person, party or organization shall be permitted to camp anywhere in Cedar Breaks NM more than 14 consecutive days and no more than 30 days in a calendar year.
Justification: These regulations are necessary to allow for equitable allocation and protection of resources.
(a)(3) Point Supreme Campground quiet hours are from 8 PM to 8 AM (2000-0800). Generator use is not authorized during quiet hours. Loud music, partying, yelling, screaming and other loud noises during this period of time are not authorized.
Justification: The Point Supreme Campsites are in close proximity to one another and loud noises and sounds, especially of a sustained nature will have a negative impact on other campers during the hours 8 PM to 8 AM.
(a)(4) Checkout time of campsites in developed campgrounds is 11:00 a.m.
Justification: To avoid camper conflict when campgrounds fill to capacity and prevent incoming campers from being inconvenienced when campsites are still occupied by the previous night’s tenants. It is reasonable to expect campers will be able to make all necessary preparations to vacate their campsite by 11:00 a.m., unless they’ve extended.
(a)(5) Attaching or suspending any item from trees which may cause tree or limb damage is prohibited, as is attaching any item to trees or vegetation with nails, wire or chains. Candles or lanterns are not to be hung from tree limbs by any means. Clotheslines longer than 15 feet or numbering greater than one per campsite are prohibited. “Tree tents” are not permitted due to the number and length of guy lines exceeding the footprint of the campsite. The use of hammocks is considered a camping style and will be permitted, but limited to trees more than 10 inches in diameter with adequate padding and MUST be within the footprint of the campsite to limit resource and infrastructure damage. Nothing can be attached to park structures. No more than two attachments to any single tree. Temporary slacklines will also be permitted under the same conditions as hammocks (padding, tree size) provided they do not create any resource or infrastructure (sprinkler systems/pergola etc.) damage or safety hazard.
Justification: Certain items and methods of attachment cause damage to park resources or detract from scenic values and are not consistent with the purpose for which the campgrounds were developed.
(a)(6) Installation or use of any sports equipment that requires the placing of stakes or other items into the ground or whose use would cause resource damage or creates a public safety hazard is prohibited. Examples of such equipment includes, but is not limited to, horseshoe stakes, volleyball nets, lawn darts, group football games, etc.
Justification: In the interest of protecting environmental and scenic values and protection of natural resources and aesthetic values associated with the experience of camping in a National Park, restrictions must be placed on the participation in certain sports activities and the use of certain sports equipment which would negatively impact park resources and the visiting public.
(d) Within all campsites, picnic areas and parking lots, all food products and garbage must be stored inside a vehicle or a secure lockable hard sided container. This does not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption. For the purpose of the following food storage restrictions, "food items" shall be defined as food, drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and odoriferous attractants. Garbage (including empty cans, food wrappers, etc.) must be stored or disposed of consistent with these regulations. Coolers, dirty stoves, grills, non-disposable tableware and cookware must be washed, or stored in the same manner as food.
Justification: Food items and trash left unsecured are at high risk of becoming subject to opportunistic feeding by the local animal population and may also attract nuisance insects. This opportunistic feeding may pose health concerns to the animals over time, has proven to create an aggressive animal population and has resulted in avoidable visitor injury and property damage. The primary purpose of these regulations is to maintain public health and safety, and to avoid conflict between visitor use activities and natural resources.
§2.11 Picnicking
§1.5 Groups may use the campground amphitheater for campfires, meetings, etc., provided that such use does not conflict with park interpretive programs. Prior permission must be obtained from the Superintendent and group fee must be paid in advance. Group size cannot exceed the seating capacity of the amphitheater (approximately 50 persons).
Justification: There is not another space adequate to accommodate large group gatherings for this purpose.
§2.13 Fires
(a)(1) Open fires are permitted only in designated campsites and picnic areas. At these locations, fires shall be contained within designated grills/rings or in privately owned grills containing all fire ash and residue, where no scorching of the ground surface occurs. The use of lanterns, stoves, hot plates and heaters are authorized but must be attended at all times.
Justification: Certain Fire Restrictions are necessary to protect the public, natural and scenic values and the environment. Campground and picnic area fire receptacles are designed to minimize the risk of sparks igniting nearby flammable materials, and their controlled location helps prevent recreation sites from becoming unsightly.
(a)(1)(i) 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.
Justification: 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.
§2.14 Sanitation and refuse
(b) In non-developed areas, human body waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep. Associated paper must be carried out and disposed of in a proper receptacle.
Justification: Human body waste is a threat to public health and environmental or scenic values. Backcountry use demands thoughtful consideration of others in the successive use of resources. This requirement is common sense as well as long standing management practice.
§2.15 Pets
(a)(1) Pets, as defined by 36 CFR 1.4(a), are to be a dog, cat or other animal that has been domesticated. All pets must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restraint. Pets are permitted only within 25 feet of the center line of all roads open to the public vehicle travel, in parking areas open to public, within Point Supreme Campground and picnic area, and on any paved overlook or trail.
Pets are prohibited on all other park trails, except Sunset Point Trail and the Rattlesnake Trail with hikers that are completing a through hike, passing through Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Pet excrement must be picked up and properly disposed of by the individual responsible for the pet.
Justification: Consistent with public health and safety, protection of natural resources and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities, pets must be restricted. The burden is placed on pet owners and responsible party’s to assure their pets do not destroy park values for others in those areas where they are allowed.
(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended up to two hours, secured in a cage or tied to an object in developed campgrounds provided all other requirements of §2.15 are observed and ensuring that the animal has food, water, and shelter, adequate for conditions. Unattended pets observed making unreasonable noise will be considered prima facie evidence of failure by the owner to meet requirements of §2.15(a)(4). Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle with environmental conditions that pose a health risk to the animal is prohibited. If NPS personnel determine an animal is in imminent danger action may be taken to prevent further harm to the animal.
Justification: The burden is placed on pet owners to ensure their pet’s needs are adequately addressed and do not compromise the health and safety of the animal or other visitors. Environmental conditions that pose a health risk to the animal may be determined by NPS personnel observing ambient temperatures, the probability of unhealthy conditions within the vehicle, and observing signs of distress from an animal.
§2.16 Horses and pack animals
All horse and other pack animal use in Cedar Breaks NM is prohibited. Horses and other livestock are restricted to trailers while being transported through Cedar Breaks NM. All feed must be contained and/or covered in a manner that prevents plant material and seeds from being distributed in Cedar Breaks NM.
No commercial horse or livestock may be transported through Cedar Breaks NM on the Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive (S. R. 148 from the park’s south boundary to its junction with S.R. 143).
Justification: This is to provide for the protection of environmental values and natural resources and prevent conflict among other visitor use activities. Easily damaged vegetation types on the rim area and steep, crumbly, easily eroded slopes in the lower canyons are not compatible with horse use. Park trails receive heavy day use by hikers and many are short and narrow and have not been constructed for horse use impact.
§2.18 Snowmobiles
A snowmobile, defined in 36 CFR, “means a self-propelled vehicle intended for travel primarily on snow having a curb weight of not more than 1000 pounds (450 kg), driven by a track or tracks in contact with the snow, and steered by ski or skis in contact with the snow.
(b) The State of Utah defines a snowmobile as, “any motor vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice and steered, and supported in whole or in part by skis, belts, cleats, runners or low pressure tires.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 2.18 (b), and the Federal definition of a “Snowmobile,” machines that have been fitted with cleats, belts, runners or low pressure tires for driving in snow do NOT meet the Federal definition of a “Snowmobile” and therefore are not authorized. Only machines outfitted with “a track” or “tracks” and steered by “a ski” or “skis” are authorized to traverse the unplowed roadways of Cedar Breaks National Monument, pursuant to 36 CFR 7.52 (see below).
Justification: 36 CFR 2.18 (b) states that, “Except as otherwise provided in this section…” and at the end of the paragraph, “Non-conflicting State laws are adopted as a part of these regulations.” Section 36 CFR does provide a clear definition of what a snowmobile is and the Federal definition does conflict with the State definition, therefore machines not meeting the Federal definition of a snowmobile are prohibited.
Pursuant to this section, a special regulation (Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 7.52) has been promulgated to permit snowmobile use on designated sections of the unplowed roadway in the park. Use of snowmobiles on other than the designated routes is prohibited.
Justification: 36 CFR 7.52 is special regulation, specific to Cedar Breaks NM, allowing for snowmobile use on the main park roads, overlook parking lots and the paved viewpoint trail to Point Supreme.
§2.19 Winter activities
(a) All areas of the park are open to skiing and snowshoeing when the road is closed to motor vehicle traffic. Snowmobiling routes will remain 8’ from center line of any/all groomed ski or snowshoe trails within the road corridor.
Justification: The road corridors in Cedar Breaks NM are wide enough to accommodate snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing. For visitor safety and to prevent user conflicts, snowmobilers will remain 8’ from the center line of any groomed ski or snowshoe track/trail within the road corridor. While snowmobile use is restricted to designated areas, the entire park is open to use by skiers and snowshoers.
§2.21 Smoking
(a) Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings and 25 feet from any building entrance, exits, air intake, or window.
During times of high fire danger, smoking may be prohibited in all areas of the monument by the posting of appropriate signs at park entrances.
Justification: In the interest of fire prevention and public health, this prohibition is consistent with state law, past practice and fire restrictions in the Color Country area.
§2.35 Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances
(a)(3) All public use buildings are closed to the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages except during officially sanctioned activities when the building is closed to the general public.
Justification: The Superintendent has determined that the use of alcoholic beverages in the public buildings would conflict with the primary purpose of those buildings.
§2.62 Memorialization
(b) The scattering of ashes is permitted with a Special Use Permit on either side of the 400-yard trail that connects Chessmen Ridge Overlook to the Alpine Pond Loop Trail. Memorials or plaques are not permitted.
Justification: The Superintendent has identified this area where families can scatter ashes and impacts to other visitors will be minimized.
§4.11 Load, weight and size limits
(a) When posted as such, and generally beginning at the seasonal spring opening of The Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive (S. R. 148 from the park's south boundary to its junction with S.R. 143) is closed to vehicles that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000 lbs. or more, until it is determined by the Superintendent that the road base and road shoulders have dried sufficiently and postings are removed.
Justification: Due to heavy snow loads at the park's elevation, the soil along the margins and shoulders of the road is saturated with snowmelt from the deep snowbanks on the roadside for several weeks following the road opening each spring. Overnight freezing temperatures, with rising daytime temperatures, results in a freeze-thaw cycle in the soil of the strata underlying the road. The weight of heavy traffic, coupled with the freezing and thawing of soil moisture beneath the road, results in a rapidly accelerated deterioration of the road surface and margins.
The Superintendent has adopted the recommendations of the Federal Highway Administration, and comments received by the Utah Department of Transportation and other state and federal agencies and the public during a scoping process in 2004 to put in place a temporary ban on heavy traffic (defined as vehicles with a GVWR of26,000 lbs. or more) during the spring thaw. The amount of time these restrictions will be posted and remain in place will depend upon the time it takes for the soil beneath the road to adequately dry and the freeze-thaw cycle to end. Sensors buried in the road base are used to measure soil moisture content and temperature. Data from these sensors will be used to determine when the road base can withstand heavy loads without damage. Once conditions along the roadside have dried out and warmed up, heavy traffic can resume without causing significant break-up of the road base.
§4.21 Speed Limits
(b) The speed limit on all monument roads is 35 MPH, except for the section of the Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive between the campground service road and the cabin service road where it is 25 MPH. Other speed limits may be posted due to unforeseen circumstances.
Justification: Due to the character of park roads, 35 mph is the maximum speed limit, unless otherwise posted or when conditions for safe travel dictate less.
§4.30 Bicycles and E-bikes
(a) Groups of cyclists using park roads must break into groups of 6 riders or less with groups separated by one quarter mile. Cyclists must ride single file on all monument roadways. Commercial bicycle tours/groups are prohibited from riding on Monument roads.
Justification: Large bicycle groups prevent vehicles from passing them in a safe manner on the narrow park roads.
(f) 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 Cedar Breaks 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, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23 and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Cedar Breaks 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.
Bicycles and E-bikes are prohibited on all trails in Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Class of e-bikes allowed:
- Class 1 e-bike: are electric bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 electric bicycles are equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3 e-bike: ***For Law Enforcement and Emergency Response Use Only*** are electric bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
Justification: E-bikes increase cycling access to the monument by making travel easier and more efficient by allowing riders to travel further with less effort. E-cycling expands this form of travel to more people, who, because of age, fitness, or convenience might not otherwise be able to recreate in this manner. There are also environmental and personal benefits as e-bikes reduce carbon emissions, fuel consumption, improve air quality and promote visitor and park staff health and wellness.
4.31 Hitchhiking
(a) Hitchhiking is allowed only in established roadside pullouts.
Justification: It is occasionally necessary for park visitors to solicit transportation from others in order to reach their destinations and in order to complete hikes at Cedar Breaks National Monument. In order to provide for this transportation need and the safety considerations associated with hitchhiking, it will be allowed only in established roadside pullouts.
