Superintendent's Compendium

The purpose of this compendium is to produce a concise written document which provides all of the special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent. The preparation of the compendium is required under Section § 1.7, under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and shall be made available to the public upon request. The compendium will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure adequate protection of the parks resources, provide for public safety and enjoyment, and to meet changes in recreational use patterns.

It is important to utilize this document in conjunction with Title 36, CFR since the compendium only addresses restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, or regulations which authorize special designations, closures, or other use limits. The use of this compendium, in conjunction with the Memorial brochure, maps, sings and other media will provide a clear understanding of Memorial rules and regulations for both the National Park Service employees and park visitors. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

 

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 Chamizal National Memorial. 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 throughout this document.

36 CFR, PART 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS

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 Memorial, and the following closures are established for all or portions of the Memorial to all public use or to a certain use of activity:

Visiting Hours

• Memorial grounds are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm November 1st through March 31st and 7:00 am to 9:00 pm April 1st through October 31st.
• Cultural Center Complex (CCC) is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The CCC includes the visitor center and information desk, lobby, museum, bookstore and art galleries.
• Theater is open for scheduled authorized events only.
• Administrative Office is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Offices are closed on all Federal Holidays.
• Entire Memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day(s).

Note: Other areas, such as all or portions of the grounds, comfort stations, selected portions of roadways, parking lots or access gates, may be closed temporarily or intermittently to vehicle traffic, or other uses, during emergencies, periods of unusual visitor use, special events, or for other administratively determined purposes.

Public Use Limits

The number of persons; number and type of animals; amount, size, and type of equipment, vessels, mechanical modes of conveyance, or food/beverage containers allowed to enter, be brought into, remain in, or be used within a designated geographic area or facility; or the length of time a designated geographic area or facility may be occupied.

Closure and Public Use Limits

(a)(2) Designate areas for a specific use or activity, or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.

Packages, coolers, and other containers are subject to inspection for contraband by law enforcement staff.

The “Amphitheater” also designated as the “bowl” includes all the grounds, turf, and facilities within the curb-line of the inner circle of the main access roadway forming a circular area including the entire outdoor stage on the southern end.

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.

Audio and Video Cameras

The use of recording equipment and cameras (with or without flash) during performances in the Memorial Theater is prohibited except by authorized press and personnel or by permit

Balloons and Water Guns

Possession and use of balloons on Memorial grounds is prohibited without a permit. Popped balloons leave too much litter. Helium balloons are prohibited because of the high risk of or upon release pollutes environment.

Possessing, using, and filling balloons, water guns, or soaking sponges with water acquired from Memorial faucets, sprinklers, water fountains, or other similar government provided facilities to engage in water fights is prohibited.

Confetti Eggs

Possession or use of “confetti eggs or “cascarones” or engaging in other litter producing activities like spraying “silly string” or throwing water balloons is prohibited.

Drones

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Chamizal National Memorial is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. (Determination: This regulation is necessary to maintain public health and safety and avoid conflict among visitor use activities and no less restrictive measures will suffice due to the relative small size of the Memorial and its immediate proximity to the international border crossing and boundary with Mexico.)

Dumpsters

It is prohibited to remove materials already deposited in government refuse receptacles. Climbing onto or into refuse receptacles is also strictly prohibited.

Glass Containers

No person shall use or possess any glass beverage bottle or other glass beverage container on Memorial grounds. Broken glass can be a potential hazard to the public.

Model Rockets

It is prohibited for any person to launch or fly model rockets powered by ignitable fuels or to propel objects such as arrows, javelins, golf balls, stones, hard balls, missiles, or using other instrument(s) capable of throwing a projectile on Memorial grounds.

Parking

Overnight or after-hours parking is prohibited at Chamizal National Memorial. Exceptions to this regulation are only authorized by written permit issued in advance by the Superintendent or a designated representative of National Park Service.

Parking is permitted only in designated areas, during posted visiting hours.

Parking is authorized in front of the Delta Street entrance comfort station only for the specific time limit posted.

Playground Equipment

On Memorial grounds, no person shall bring in, set-up, use, or allow others to use, amusement park style equipment or structures such as: jumping balloons, trampolines, climbing walls, dunk-tanks, swing-sets, or other similar playground equipment.

Piñatas

It is prohibited for any person to climb into trees or to attach any rope, wire, or other contrivances to any tree or plant on Memorial grounds. This includes use of piñatas or any other activities which may damage tree branches or bark.

Sports

Games or other activities which damage turf or other vegetation are prohibited. For example, horse shoes or “wachas” may not be played on turf areas but are authorized in the non-turfed, dirt areas of the southwest corner of the grounds.

Special Events

During set-up for, during a scheduled authorized special event, and during the subsequent strike, the following applies in the “amphitheater / bowl”, audience viewing areas adjacent to the bowl and on the grounds where applicable:

• Packages, coolers, and other containers are subject to inspection for contraband by law enforcement staff before entry onto Memorial grounds will be allowed.

• Use of canopies, tents, umbrellas, banners, flags, and other similar objects which would block or obscure the view of other audience members is prohibited and must be removed before show’s start.

• Erection or set-up of sports equipment such as nets, goals, etc. is prohibited.

• Playing sports like throwing or kicking games is prohibited, e.g. football, baseball, Frisbee, or Hacky-Sac, etc.

• Possession of pets is prohibited.

• Persons and property may not block aisles.

• Persons may not block sight lines, for example, by sitting, standing, or climbing upon the mixing point wall, or upon aisle barricades, signs, or other structures.

• Riding bicycles through the “festival style” seating areas is prohibited. If necessary, dismounting and walking the bicycle through the audience is allowable.

• Persons may not engage in activities which distract or attract spectator attention away from the authorized event; examples include playing musical instruments, capoeira, sword dancing, clown costumes or comedy routine(s), hula hoops, or other activities such as loud, insulting language or comments or inappropriate conversation or behavior.

Mask-Wearing

• When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.
• When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.
• When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks.
• The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.
• Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so.

36 CFR §1.6 Activities that require a permit

The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is usually required. Until further notice, the park is closed to special uses, and no permits will be issued. For more information, refer to Appendix 1.

• § 1.5(d) Relating to Public Use Limits

  • To implement a public use limit, the superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservation system. Permits shall be issued in accordance with the criteria and procedures of 36 CFR § 1.6.

• § 2.4 Weapons, traps and nets

  • Carrying or possessing, using a weapon, trap, or net.

• § 2.5 Research specimens

  • Taking or killing of any plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals for research.

• § 2.10 Camping and food storage

  • Erecting a tent or shelter, preparing a sleeping bag or bedding material for use, or parking a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer, for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.

• § 2.12 Audio disturbances

  • Operating a power saw, a portable motor or engine (such as an electrical generating plant), or a public address system. Also, operating an audio device, such as a radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument that exceeds noise level of 60 decibels at 50 feet.

• § 2.13 Fires

  • Lighting or maintaining a fire outside the conditions established by the superintendent.

• § 2.14 Sanitation and refuse

  • Using government refuse receptacles outside conditions established.

• § 2.15 Pets

  • Possessing a pet in any structure or area closed by superintendent, leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object or activities outside conditions set by superintendent for pet excrement disposal.

• § 2.17 Air delivery

  • Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means, or removal of a downed aircraft.

• § 2.22 Property

  • Leaving property unattended, after visiting hours, and/or for over 24 hours.

• § 2.37 Noncommercial soliciting

  • Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services.

• § 2.38 Explosives

  • Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents, explosive materials, or fireworks and firecrackers.

• § 2.52 Sale or distribution of printed matter

  • Selling or distributing printed matter.

• § 2.60 Livestock use and agriculture or Grazing § 2.60(a) (1)-(3)

• § 2.61 Residing on federal lands

• § 2.62 Memorialization

  • Installing a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation (including) scattering of ashes from cremation.

• § 4.11 Load, weight and size limits. (Vehicles and Traffic Safety)

  • Operating a vehicle exceeding designated limits.

• § 5.1 Advertisements

  • Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements on federal land.

• § 5.3 Business operations

  • Engaging in or soliciting any business in park area (Memorial).

• § 5.5 Commercial photography

  • Still photography, filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, or for the purpose of commercial advertisement.

• § 5.6 Commercial vehicles

  • Use of commercial vehicles on park area (Memorial) roads.

• § 5.7 Construction of buildings or other facilities

  • Constructing or repairing any building, structure, facility, road, trail or airstrip on federal lands (within the legislative boundaries of the Memorial).

All recreation, photo or business permits are coordinated out of the Administrative Officer’s office.

36 CFR, PART 2 - RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION

36 CFR §2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources

(a)(4) No dead wood on the ground may be collected for use. Also reference section 2.13 “Fires” below.

(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, or berries may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in reasonable quantities. These natural products may be collected without negatively impacting the growth and replenishment of the producing plant:

• Prickly pear cactus fruit (also known as “tunas” [pl] in Spanish).

36 CFR §2.2 Wildlife protection

(b)(4)(d) Transporting lawfully taken wildlife through the park is prohibited.

(b)(4)(e) All areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light, except as required by official Government business or specifically permitted scientific studies.

36 CFR §2.10 Camping and food storage

(a) Camping is not permitted.

36 CFR §2.11 Picnicking

Picnicking is allowed on Memorial grounds and in designated picnic areas except in areas closed by the superintendent by §1.5.

The following designated areas are closed to picnicking:

• Within and between the buildings and structures of the cultural center complex, specifically within the area known as the “Spanish garden” which includes the entire breeze-way and the garden shade canopy.

• On roadways or parking lot(s) surfaces that are designated for motor vehicle travel.

36 CFR § 2.12 Audio disturbances

(a)The following are prohibited:

(1) Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an electric generating plant (generator), motor vehicle, motorized toy, or an audio device such as a radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument, in a manner (i) That exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet; or, if below that level, nevertheless; (ii) makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actors conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances.

36 CFR §2.13 Fires

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited; except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

• Fires using charcoal or small sized firewood may be ignited and maintained in government provided grills or privately owned grills designed to accommodate open fires, specifically only for the non-commercial preparation of food. Such fires must be attended until extinguished or properly disposed of.

• All materials used to fuel fires must be brought in from outside the Memorial and are limited to charcoal or uncontaminated, small-sized firewood, appropriate for food preparation. Only commercial BBQ lighter fluid shall be the only authorized accelerant used to start fires.

• Burning oils, asphalt, synthetic rubber, plastic, automotive fuels and pressure or chemically treated wood or similar materials is prohibited.

• All government provided grills and privately owned propane-style fuel powered stoves and charcoal grills may be used on the grounds. However, charcoal grills and stoves shall not be placed and used on top of picnic tables, benches, sidewalks, walking trails, roadways, paved parking lot surfaces, in close proximity to combustible materials which includes the turf, or landscaped grass areas. Minimum grill height of 6 inches above surface or other appropriate height to prevent scorching or damage to the turf is required.

• Fires shall be extinguished upon termination of use and all remaining hot coals, charcoals, embers, or still-burning, smoldering materials properly disposed of in appropriate containers including government provided “ash receptacles” placed around the Memorial grounds.

• Note: Throwing or discarding lighted or smoldering material into garbage cans or dumpsters or in any manner or location that threatens, causes damage to, or results in the burning of property, Memorial resources or creates a public safety hazard is prohibited.

(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stove and lanterns:

Restricted Areas:

• Use of charcoal grills, fuel powered stoves, torches, candles and all other types of open flames are prohibited within the “amphitheater bowl” of the Memorial.

36 CFR §2.15 Pets

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

Possession of pets, except for service animals, is prohibited in the “amphitheater bowl” during authorized special events.

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

• All pet excrement must be removed by the owner/keeper from all trails, roads, grounds, picnic areas, and parking areas and shall be deposited in refuse containers or removed from the area.

36 CFR §2.16 Horses and pack animals

In order to protect public health and safety, horses and pack animals are prohibited on all Memorial grounds, unless otherwise permitted by the Superintendent.

Note: These conditions do not apply to the use of horses by authorized government officials and public safety-related operations such as crowd control.

36 CFR §2.18 Snowmobiles

The use of snowmobiles is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.20 Skating, skateboards and similar devices

Using roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards, roller skis, scooters, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited throughout the Memorial.

36 CFR §2.21 Smoking

The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking:

• At all times within all federal government owned buildings of the Memorial and in any government owned or leased vehicles.

• When posted during scheduled events in the “amphitheater” also designated as the “bowl” including all the grounds, turf, and facilities within the curb-line of the inner circle of the main access roadway forming a circular area including the entire outdoor stage structure on the southern end.

These restrictions are intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and harmful effects of second-hand smoke and protect park structures from fire danger or smoke. This prohibition is consistent with federal law.

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, aluminum 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:

• When ordered by the Superintendent during designated authorized special events and when posted, open alcoholic beverages may not be possessed or consumed within the “event area” boundaries without a special use permit.

• Possession or consumption of open alcoholic beverages is prohibited when Memorial grounds are closed.

• Possession or consumption of open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited within Memorial buildings and facilities unless specifically authorized by the Superintendent by written permit. This excludes outdoor picnic areas, canopies, pavilions, and the public comfort station facilities during allowed times.

In accordance with all applicable Local, State, and Federal law, incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances will be diligently investigated and managed in order to alleviate problems related to such illegal conduct.

While alcoholic beverages are permitted on the grounds of the Memorial, rules and regulations regarding its use will be strictly enforced in order to best protect the public and the resources of the area.

36 CFR §2.50 Special events

Until further notice, the park is closed to special uses, and no permits will be issued. For more information, refer to Appendix 1.

36 CFR § 2.51 Public assemblies and meetings

The park is closed to all special use activities that require permits, including demonstrations of more than 25 people. First Amendment activities that do not require a permit under 36 C.F.R. § 2.51(b)(1) and 36 C.F.R. § 2.52(b)(1) because they involve groups of 25 persons or fewer are not affected by this closure and may occur in the following location:

On the esplanade south of the visitor center, and immediately south of the Benito Juarez Child to Man statue and the two self-standing walls; and extending nearly to the southern barrier between the esplanade and the grass, and extending east, west, and south to nearly the concrete barriers to the grass areas. To assure visitor access to the statue and the sidewalk to the grass area to the south of the designated area and the esplanade, the designated area is separated from the statue to the north by two rows of paver triangles, and on the east, west, and south, by one row of paver triangles from the concrete barriers. The trapezoid-shaped area measures approximately 20' X 50', or 1000 square feet.

This site may not be available at any given time due to other scheduled or unscheduled park functions or events. This area is designated on the attached map (Appendix 1). Visitors may not be approached outside these areas or anywhere else beyond the limits described.

36 CFR §2.52 Sale or distribution of printed matter

The sale or distribution of printed materials is allowed by permit only in the areas described in the public assembly areas (see Appendix 1) and on the last five feet of the west end of the information desk inside the cultural center. Visitors may not be approached.

36 CFR §2.60 Livestock use and agriculture

(a) Absent a permit, the running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing or grazing of livestock of any kind in a park area for agricultural purposes is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.62 Memorialization

(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited.

36 CFR, PART 3 - BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES

36 CFR §3.21 Swimming and bathing

(a)(1) All areas within the Memorial are closed to swimming and bathing.

36 CFR, PART 4 - VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY

36 CFR §4.10 Travel on park roads and routes

Use of motor vehicles on Memorial grounds including trails and sidewalks is prohibited without a permit. Segways, motorized scooters, electric cars, go-carts, and similar vehicles are prohibited. Operating a motor vehicle is prohibited except on park roads and in parking areas; this is limited to street legal vehicles.

Operating a motor vehicle within the Memorial is prohibited except on the paved (“black-top”) main access roadway, utility access road behind the cultural center, and in designated public parking areas. Use of the unpaved, gravel utility road in southeast corner of the Memorial is prohibited without a permit or by the conditions expressed in a legally executed Memo of Understanding.

Any park visitor with a disability is permitted to use an electric personal assistive mobility device (Segway) and similar devices throughout the Memorial, including all structures, facilities, park roads, sidewalks, trails, and other surfaces when such devices are used by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion for the sole purpose of mobility assistance. In effect, use is authorized anywhere a motorized wheelchair is allowed.

Finally, use of any mobility assistive device, as outlined above, must also adhere to the following:

• No person under 16 years of age may operate a Segway.

• A person shall operate any mobility assistive device in a safe and responsible manner, and when on pedestrian surfaces (i.e. sidewalks or trails) the maximum speed will not exceed more than 3 M.P.H., this so as not to endanger one’s self or any other Memorial visitor.

• A person riding any mobility assistive device upon and along a sidewalk, while crossing a roadway in a crosswalk, or on any other surface 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.

• Access through the “festival style” seating area of the Bowl during special events in the amphitheater is difficult by disabled visitors utilizing Segway’s or similar devices. Visitors wishing such access must use and operate at a speed and in a manner which ensures the safety of themselves and all other visitors.

36 CFR §4.12 Traffic control devices and §4.13 Obstructing traffic

Motor vehicles and passenger-carrying busses are subject to the following restrictions on park roads within the Memorial:

• All motor vehicles must park within designated parking spaces only. Spaces are designated by clearly marked white lines in the main lot; in the secondary gravel lot, a cement bumper block indicates each individual space.

• Busses must park within the designated double long spaces located between islands in the main lot and within the white lines. Parking perpendicular to white lines is prohibited.

• Curbs marked in yellow are designated as “loading and unloading zones only.” Unattended stopping or standing and parking is prohibited.

• Busses must shut down their engines when not underway.

• “Saving” parking spaces for vehicles not physically present and immediately next in line to park is prohibited.

36 CFR §4.21 Speed limits

The following maximum speed limit(s) are established and posted for the roads and parking areas as indicated:

• 15 MPH (as posted) on main access road and paved main parking lot area(s).

• 10 MPH when otherwise posted with temporary signage, for special events or special circumstances.

• 5 MPH in the gravel secondary parking in the southwest corner of the Memorial.

36 CFR §4.30 Bicycles

Bicycle use is permitted on park roads, parking areas, and on the following designated routes:

• Cordova “red gravel” Trail, except as designated by “No Bicycle” signs.

Bicycles must be ridden on the right-hand side of traveled roads, in the same direction of travel as all other vehicular traffic, and in general, conform with all state and federal vehicle traffic regulations.

36 CFR §5.1 Advertisements

Without the approval from the Superintendent no commercial or advertisement will be displayed.

When permission is granted, commercial and or advertisement will follow the protocols of the Code of Federal Regulations.

36 CFR §5.3 Business operations

Until further notice, the park is closed to special uses, and no permits will be issued. For more information, refer to Appendix 1.

 

APPENDIX 1

December 29, 2022, Record of Determination Closure of Chamizal National Memorial to Special Park Uses

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a)(1), the National Park Service (NPS) closes Chamizal National Memorial to special park uses. The NPS will not accept applications or issue permits authorizing special park uses until the closure has been terminated. This closure applies to First Amendment activities that require a permit, such as commercial filming, certain still photography activities, and large demonstrations. It also applies to special events, such as concerts and festivals. Special park uses that have been scheduled and authorized under a special use permit will be cancelled or postponed at the discretion of the permittee.

First Amendment activities that do not require a permit under 36 C.F.R. § 2.51(b)(1) and 36 C.F.R. § 2.52(b)(1) because they involve groups of 25 persons or fewer are not affected by this closure and may occur in the following location:

On the esplanade south of the visitor center, and immediately south of the Benito Juarez Child to Man statue and the two self-standing walls; and extending nearly to the southern barrier between the esplanade and the grass, and extending east, west, and south to nearly the concrete barriers to the grass areas. To assure visitor access to the statue and the sidewalk to the grass area to the south of the designated area and the esplanade, the designated area is separated from the statue to the north by two rows of paver triangles, and on the east, west, and south, by one row of paver triangles from the concrete barriers. The trapezoid-shaped area measures approximately 20' X 50', or 1000 square feet.

Any previous locations designated for First Amendment activities are revoked and superseded by this determination. Most still photography activities within the Memorial also may continue without a permit.

This closure will protect resources at the Memorial and ensure that the NPS manages special park uses in compliance with federal law and policy after the closure is terminated. Less restrictive measures will not suffice because continuing to allow special park uses under the current permitting program may adversely impact resources at the Memorial. The NPS has determined that this closure is not highly controversial; nor is it of a nature, magnitude and duration that will result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the Memorial, adversely affect the Memorial's natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the Memorial. The NPS expects to terminate this closure after it completes a review of the permitting program at the Memorial and implements changes to the program that will ensure compliance with federal law and policy. Accordingly, the NPS determines that publishing this closure as a rulemaking in the Federal Register is not required by 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(b).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.7, the NPS will provide public notice of this closure on the Memorial website (www.nps.gov/cham), at the Memorial visitor center, and through media advisories and instructions from NPS employees. The NPS will make this Record of Determination available to the public upon request under 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c) and this closure will be published in the Superintendent’s Compendium on the Memorial website.

 

First Amendment assembly area

 

First Amendment assembly area