It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.
Superintendent's Compendium
The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
Copies of the Compendium are available at Park Headquarters located at: 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954. Request a signed copy via email and US Postal Service here.
2024 Superintendent's Compendium
Signed by David Hallac, Superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, November 15, 2024
In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36CFR), the following compendium actions apply to all lands and water administered by the National Park Service NPS) within the boundaries of Fort Raleigh national Historic Site. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR1.3.
The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and water administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. These include:
Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.
Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Title 16 and 54.
The compendium is organized by the sections of 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document under justification.
The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Written questions or comments on the Compendium may be submitted to:
Superintendent
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
1401 National Park Road
Manteo, NC 27954
Copies of the Compendium are available at Park Headquarters located at: 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954
NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply. In addition to terms defined in the CFR, the following terms used in this Compendium are defined as follows:
Day Use Area: Any area consisting of or adjacent to paved parking lots, buildings, or toilet facilities that are open to the general public.
Uncrewed aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight 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 recreational or commerce.
Walkway: Sidewalks, paths, trails, or hard-surfaced areas that are closed to the use of bicycles and motorized vehicles.
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity. Designated Area and Conditions on Use
Remote controlled ground devices
Remote controlled ground devices (remote controlled cars) are only authorized in the Lost Colony parking lot during the off season (after Labor Day to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend) except when an event is being conducted.
Justification: The regular use of the parking lot during the busy summer season is not conducive to such activity. The operation of remote-controlled model cars would pose a safety risk to visitors using the parking lots as well as put the RC ground device in jeopardy of being struck.Conditions or restrictions on a Use or Activity
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
In limited cases the following activities may be considered acceptable use of UAS systems and subject to approval by the superintendent.
Administrative use includes the use of uncrewed aircraft by:
NPS personnel as operators;
Cooperators such as government agencies and universities.
For Scientific Research that benefits the preservation of natural and cultural resources.
Justification: This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting view sheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by Reference Manual 60 (Aviation Management) chapter 12 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.
round disturbing toolsAll instruments that may be used to dig, disturb, or penetrate the ground (including but not limited to shovels, probes, trowels, digging knives, etc.) are prohibited to possess within the boundaries of National Park Service property.
Justification: Recent illegal activity associated with these instruments has occurred and caused significant damage to the park resources. The mere possession of these items represents the owner’s intent to potentially use them. This does not apply to instruments secured in a vehicle or beach toys.
36 CFR1.6(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required. A permit may be requested by contacting Park Headquarters at 252-473-2111. https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
Non-commercial soliciting (Section 2.37)
Special Events (Section 2.50)
Public Assemblies/meetings (Section 2.51) Designated First Amendment areas are identified in attached maps.
Sale/distribution of printed matter (Section 2.52)
Scattering of ashes. (Section 2.62(b))
Business operations (Section 5.3)
Commercial Filming and Still Photography (Section 5.5)
36 CFR2.1(c)(1), (c)(2) Designation of natural products for personal us or consumption.
The following fruits, nuts, berries, or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:
Edible fruits of wild grape, persimmon, blackberry, huckleberry, blueberry, mulberry, service berry, prickly pear cactus may be gathered.
Mushrooms may also be collected.
The above listed items have a one gallon, per person, per day limitation on quantity.
Justification: Those natural items enumerated are not endangered or rare, and are present in such quantities that the gathering or consumption thereof will not adversely affect park wildlife, reproductive potential of the species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. Shells may not be collected due to the potential that they may have been used as artifacts from earlier times.
36 CFR 2.2(e) All areas within the park are closed to viewing wildlife with any type of artificial light.
Justification: Prohibiting the use of artificial lights minimizes the potential for the illegal taking of wildlife and disorienting nesting turtles during night periods.
36 CFR 2.13(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:
Grills, camping stoves, or other self-contained units are only allowed for cooking fires within the Fort Raleigh picnic area and in the Waterside Theater parking lot. Only gas (propane, butane, and white), charcoal, and wood chips are allowed as fuel in grills and other self-contained units.
36 CFR2.13(b) Fires shall be extinguished upon termination of use and in accordance with such conditions as may be established by the superintendent.
Coals and ash may not be emptied onto the ground. Coals must be removed by the user.
Justification:Numerous visitors utilizing the park or attending the Lost Colony production have requested the ability to cook or grill food in the Fort Raleigh picnic area or Waterside Theater parking lot as part to their experience in the park. Charcoal or gas cooking fires, in self-contained units, present little hazard but can significantly enhance the visitor experience to the park.
*****Service animals are not subject to the park’s pet policies and, when accompanying an individual with a disability, they are allowed wherever visitors are allowed. A service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.
Pet excrement must be immediately picked up and properly disposed of.
36 CFR(e) Pets may be kept by residents of park areas consistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with conditions which may be established by the superintendent. Violation of these conditions is prohibited.
Refer to Housing Management Plan
Justification: Compendium item 2.15(e) allows permanent park residents the same opportunities to keep pets as they would have if they lived outside of the park boundary. Pets are to be confined or restrained at all times due to their potential negative impact on park resources, neighbors, and park employees. Removal of pet excrement is necessary due to health and sanitation.
Horseback riding is authorized along the shoulder of paved roads open to motor vehicles and the Freedom Trail. All other areas are prohibited.
Justification: Horseback riding and the use of pack animals is restricted to the areas specified above to ensure compatibility between visitor use, resource protection, and visitor safety. Use in areas not specified would cause unacceptable resource damage and/or cause unacceptable risks to visitor safety.36 CFR 2.16(g) Violation of conditions which may be established by the superintendent concerning the use of horses or pack animals is prohibited.
Horse excrement, hay, straw and/or bedding materials must be removed from all parking/staging areas.
All equine users upon request must provide proof of a negative Coggins test or similar Equine Infectious Anemia test performed within the last 12 months.
Justification: Horseback riding and the use of pack animals is restricted to the areas specified above to ensure compatibility between visitor use, resource protection, and visitor safety. Use in areas not specified would cause unacceptable resource damage and/or cause unacceptable risks to visitor safety. A negative Equine Infectious Anemia test are needed for the protection of visitor stock.
Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are prohibited, except in designated areas.The following area and times are designated for use by the items identified above.
Waterside Theater parking lot between Labor Day and May 1st.
No artificial ramps or jumps are permitted. Justification: All existing roads and other paved areas within the Fort Raleigh area are high volume areas designated either for motor vehicles or pedestrian use. The mixing of skating, skateboards, trikes, and similar devices in those areas would present a greater potential for personal injury. The Waterside Theater parking area is not a high volume area in the off-season.
The superintendent may designate a portion of a park area, or all or a portion of a building, structure, or facility as closed to smoking when necessary to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.
Smoking is prohibited in the following areas:
- All government buildings
Justification: Pursuant to Executive Order 13058, “Protecting Federal Employees and the Public From Exposure to Tobacco Smoke in the Federal Workplace” (3 CFR, 1997 Comp., p.216), it is the policy of the executive branch to establish a smoke-free environment for Federal employees and members of the public visiting or using Federal facilities. The smoking of tobacco products is prohibited in all interior space owned, rented or leased by the executive branch of the Federal Government.
36 CFR(a)(3)(i) – Closures to alcohol. The superintendent may close all or a portion of a public use area or public facility within a park area to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed.
Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all visitor centers, museums, government offices and buildings unless authorized by a Special Use Permit or authorized in a sanctioned event hosted by the Roanoke Island Historical Association.
Justification: The consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in visitor centers, museums, and government offices and buildings is not conducive to the purpose of the facilities.
36CFR 2.51(c)(2) The superintendent must designate on a map, which must be available in the office of the superintendent and by public notice under § 1.7 of this chapter, the locations designated as available for demonstrations and the sale or distribution of printed matter.
The following first amendment assembly areas are designated on a map in the Office of the Superintendent for Public Assemblies:
See attached maps for:Fort Raleigh Assembly Area #1Fort Raleigh Assembly Area #2
36 CFR 4.21(b) The superintendent may designate a different speed limit upon any park road when a speed limit set forth in paragraph (a) of this section is determined to be unreasonable, unsafe or inconsistent with the purposes for which the park area was established.
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is 20 mph on roads.
Justification: The majority of the vehicle roads within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are adjacent to or within parking lots containing several turns and directional signs which cause first time visitors to travel at slow speed in an attempt to find their intended destination, therefore, 20 mph is considered to be the maximum safe speed on roads of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
36 CFR 4.30(i) Electric bicycles.The use of an electric bicycle may be allowed on park roads, parking areas, and administrative roads and trails that are otherwise open to bicycles. The Superintendent will designate the areas open to electric bicycles, or specific classes of electric bicycles, and notify the public pursuant to 36 CFR 1.7
The following areas are open to all classes of electric bicycles:
All areas where bicycles are allowed.
Justification: Electronic bicycle shall be treated the same as a traditional bicycle and allowed for use where traditional bicycles may be used.
Federal Laws, NPS Policies, and Assimilated Laws
Laws are created by Congress and establish the highest order of legal authority over national parks.
Many laws, including the 1916 Organic Act that created the National Park Service, affect all areas managed by the National Park Service.
Service-wide policy for the National Park Service is developed by the Office of Policy with public input and in accordance with applicable laws. Policies dictate many of the overall directions and procedures used by all parks. More...
The Code of Federal Regulations 36 CFR parts 1-199 and the Park Compendium provide a complete listing of park rules and regulations. These most specific rules are developed with public input to implement applicable law.
As Fort Raleigh National Historic Site manages under concurrent jurisdiction, State of North Carolina statues are assimilated.
Firearms Regulations: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in this park.
1st Amendment Demonstration Areas
Fort Raleigh First Amendment Assembly Area near Lindsay Warren Visitor Center
National Park Service
Fort Raleigh First Amendment Assembly Area near Elizabethan Gardens
National Park Service
Last updated: November 18, 2024
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo,
NC
27954
