Superintendent's Compendium

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 César E. Chávez 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.

The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary.

The Superintendent welcomes comments regarding the compendium at any time. Written comments may be sent to P.O. Box 201, Keene, CA, 93531, or contact us via email.

Approved March 12, 2026.

 

 

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

(a)(1) 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:

The Visitor Center and Memorial Garden is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closures:

• The area of the Chavez Home and adjacent fenced grounds is closed to the general public except by special tour or authorized access. Unauthorized entry into this area is prohibited.
• César E. Chávez National Monument is comprised of both federally managed and privately owned lands. The National Park Service manages approximately 2.8 acres of the monument. All other lands, roads, buildings, and areas within the boundaries of the National Historic Landmark that are not managed by the National Park Service are privately owned by the National Chavez Center.
• All lands not managed by the National Park Service are considered private property and are closed to public access unless expressly authorized by the National Chavez Center. Entry onto these private lands without permission is prohibited.

Determining Factors: The federally owned areas are closed in order to provide security for government facilities and safety to the public. Private property is not managed by the government.

Unmanned aerial system (UAS):

• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of César E. Chávez National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1); 36 CFR § 1.5(f).

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, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Determining Factors: This restriction is to protect the public from hazards and preserve the monument’s natural, aesthetic, and historic values. The use of unmanned aircraft devices, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (UAS) or drones, has the potential to interfere with public safety by posing an in-flight hazard to other legal aircraft use in the area. This restriction is in accordance with NPS Management Policy 8.2 which prohibits recreational uses that conflict with the scenic, natural, and historic values the monument was designated to protect, and the associated activities in which individuals seek solitude and tranquility with a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234). It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

 

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required:

• §2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net (excluding firearms carried in accordance with California State Law)
• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
• §2.12 Audio Disturbances
  • §2.12(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
• §2.17(a)(3) Aircraft and air delivery
• §2.17(a)(3) Delivery/retrieval of a person/object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
• §2.17(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
• §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
• §2.38 Explosives:
  • §2.38(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
• §2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
• §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views for groups of more than 25 people.
• §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising
• §2.60(b) Livestock use
• §2.62 Memorialization:
  • §2.62(a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director)
  • §2.62(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
• §5.1 Display, posting or distribution of advertisements
• §5.3 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)
• §5.4(a) Commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles
• §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming:
  • §5.5(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television
  • §5.5(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertisement.
• Any other permits required by state, county or other federal agencies (inquire at the Superintendent's Office).

 

GENERAL REGULATIONS

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

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE

(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:

Camping is not allowed within the boundaries of César E. Chávez National Monument.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

All trash and uneaten food items must be removed by the picnicking group in areas where picnicking is allowed.

36 CFR §2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) 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:

Fires are prohibited within César E. Chávez National Monument.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

The Visitor Center

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

Immediately scooped up with plastic bags or paper and disposed of in a trash can.

36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES

The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are allowed only in the following areas:

Use of these types of devices is prohibited within César E. Chávez National Monument.

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 prohibited in all buildings and structures.
Certain areas are restricted to protect public health and structures from fire danger or smoke. This prohibition is consistent with state law and past practice.

36 CFR §2.2 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) for Abandoned Property

Unclaimed, found property shall be stored for a minimum period of 60 days, and, unless claimed by the owner, or an authorized representative thereof, may be claimed by the finder, provided that the finder is not an employee of the National Park Service. Found property not claimed by the owner or an authorized representative or the finder shall be deemed abandoned.

36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES

(b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:

There are no entrance fees.

36 CFR §2.35 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) 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:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the Visitor Center, Memorial Garden and Desert Garden areas.

36 CFR §2.38 - FIREWORKS AND FIRECRACKERS

All fireworks and firecrackers of any kind are prohibited within César E. Chávez National Monument.

36 CFR §2.50 -SPECIAL EVENTS

Permits are required for any special event utilizing park areas. Special events are defined as sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, and similar events, or any event involving an organized gathering of 20 or more people (including non-profit or charitable organizations).

• Permits are required for any special event utilizing park areas.
• Written application for a permit is requested 30 days prior to the desired event date.
• Consideration will be given only to those activities where there is a meaningful association between the park area and the event, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the monument area.
• The permittee must abide by all conditions and amendments to the permit.
• Solicitation activities (per 36 CFR § 2.37) are prohibited except subject to a permit with the approval of the Superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 - DEMONSTRATIONS

(a) Permitted public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, sale, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views require a permit when the activity involves more than 25 persons or is requested for a location outside the identified designated areas. Smaller groups may still apply for a permit in order to guarantee their use of a particular area. The following location is designated for First Amendment activities:

• Garden of the Southwest; all visitors must stay on designated trails