Record of Determination for a Temporary Closure of Flight 93 National Memorial

Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations §1.5, the following park areas are closed beginning at 4:30 a.m. on September 11, 2025, through4 p.m. on September 11, 2025, to all members of the public. This is due to the unique security requirements associated with the 24th annual September 11 observance at Flight 93 National Memorial. All times are local and subject to change based on operational needs.

The area to be restricted is the Western Overlook Trail. The closure area is indicated on the attached map. It will also be noticed by physical barriers and staff. Violation of the temporary closure is prohibited.

The park closure and restrictions respond to a request from the Pennsylvania State Police to establish the security command post for the annual September 11 observance at this location. In order to provide a secure perimeter, ensure unobstructed access for law enforcement operations, and safeguard the visiting public, access to the Western Overlook Trail must be restricted for the duration of the event. Less restrictive measures were considered, including partial closures and limited access, but were determined to be insufficient to meet the security and operational requirements of the command post. This closure is required to protect public safety, support law enforcement functions, and maintain the security of memorial operations, and is therefore consistent with the protection mandates of the National Park Service.

This temporary closure will not result in a “significant alteration in the public use pattern.” The closure will not adversely affect the park’s natural, aesthetic, or cultural values; nor require significant modification to the resource management objectives; nor is it of a highly controversial nature. Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted under 36 C.F.R. §1.5(b). This is consistent with earlier partial and temporary park closures or public use limitations, the legal opinion of the Office of the Solicitor, and applicable case law.

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.7, notice of this temporary and partial closure will be made through public postings at conspicuous locations, physical barriers, and staff in the affected park areas, as well as online. Finally, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c), this determination is available to the public upon request.

Approval:

/s/

Stephen M. Clark, Superintendent

 

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