Laws & Policies

As a unit of the National Park Service, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is goverened by various laws, policies and regulations. Each park is shaped by its enabling legislation, or the law passed by congress that specifically created or designated the area as a unit of the National Park Service. Various other laws, policies, and regulations affect how parks operate. Here are some of the laws and policies that govern Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

 

 

Superintendent's Compendium

The Superintendent's Compendium discusses the closures, request requirements, and restrictions delegated by the park’s Superintendent. Information on permits, natural resources, boat ramp access campsite locations, animal restrictions, and other important rules about park use are in this document.

The Superintendent’s Compendium is not a full listing of all park regulations. It should be reviewed in conjunction with Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for a full understanding of park regulations. Title 36 of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov.

 

Firearms Regulations

As firearms owners, it is important to understand the laws and regulations of bringing a firearm into the park. Federal law continues to prohibit firearms in federal facilities in this park. Those federal facilities are marked with signs at public entrances. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.

 

Fire Management Plan

The National Park Service put the Fire Management Plan (PDF) in place in order to protect human life, property, natural and cultural resources, and to preserve the C&O Canal for many, many years. This plan includes preparation, training, prevention, and treatment in order to keep fires from occurring and to stop them when they do occur.