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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 Fort Stanwix 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.
36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits and closures are established:
Visiting Hours:
FORT
The Fort is open annually from mid-April through the mid-December dependent upon the weather/staffing.
Spring Visiting Hours (April/Mid-June): Five days a week, 9:30am-4:30pm (Tue-Sat)
Summer Visiting Hours (Late-June - Sept 1): Five days a week, 9:30am-4:30pm (Wed-Sun)
Fall Visiting Hours (Sept -Dec): Five days a week, 9:30am-4:00pm (Tue-Sat)
*The Fort is closed outside of this period for winter.
VISITOR CENTER
The Marinus Willett Visitor Center is open annually mid-April through mid-December dependent upon the weather/staffing.
Spring Visiting Hours (April/Mid-June): Five days a week, 9:00am-5:00pm (Tue-Sat)
Summer Visiting Hours (Late-June-Sept 1): Five days a week, 9:00am-5:00pm (Wed-Sun)
Fall Visiting Hours (Sept-Dec): Five days a week, 9:00am-5:00pm (Tue-Sat)
*The Visitor Center is closed outside of this period for winter.
ALL OTHER PARK AREAS
Park grounds outside of the Fort and Visitor Center are open to the public daily 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Check the park website for the most current operating schedule (www.nps.gov/fost).
Park hours of operation may be adjusted at the discretion of the superintendent for various reasons including but not limited to operational needs and requirements, visitor and employee safety, inclement weather, and special events and/or permits. Extended hours will only occur with approval by the superintendent.
(a)(2) Temporary Closures, Restrictions and Public Use Limits
FILMING, PHOTOGRAPHY, and AUDIO RECORDING
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) - Designate areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.
UNCREWED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Stanwix National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
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 viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Reference Manual #60: Aviation Management, Chapter 12 – Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.
CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE
Closure Order – Portion of a Park Area: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR [1.5], the follow park areas and facilities are closed, effective immediately, until further notice:
Willett Visitor Center-Winter Months (Mid-December through Mid-April)
Fort-Winter Months (Mid-December through Mid-April)
Public Use Limits: Pursuant to §1.5 (d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration or reservation system:
Occupancy limits for the Fort Stanwix seasonal visitor center (within the Fort/Gregg Barracks) is set at 125 people: 50 in the theater and 75 in the remainder of the building. Occupancy limits for the Park Visitor Center (Willett Center) is set at 200 people: 100 in the front lobby and 100 in the exhibit and staff support areas.
Space is limited in these areas and the occupancy limits are necessary to ensure public safety, comply with fire regulations, preserve park resources and promote the orderly management of the park.
Annual Park Closures:
HOLIDAYS
The Fort & Willett Center are closed on the following Federal Holidays for 2026: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Thanksgiving & Christmas
OTHER PARK CLOSURES
Areas on top of Fort casemates, curtain walls and fraise, and inside embrasures are closed to the public.
The use of park grounds, roads and bridges are closed to motor vehicle use (authorized vehicles only).
The park grounds within the Fort are closed to the following activities:
Picnicking, unless part of an interpretive program. See also 36 CFR § 2.11 of this document.
Recreational sports and similar activities, including but not limited to Frisbee, kite flying, ball-playing, sunbathing etc.
Bicycle riding. See also 36 CFR § 4.30 of this document.
These closures are subject to exception by permit and/or as part of an interpretive program.
Public Use Limits: Pursuant to §1.5 (d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservation system:
Pursuant to § 1.5 (e) except in emergency situations, the public will be informed of closures, designations, and use or activity restrictions or conditions, visiting hours, public use limits, public use procedures, and the termination or relaxation of such.
36 CFR § 1.6-PERMITS
Pursuant to § 1.6 (a) the superintendent may issue a permit to authorize otherwise prohibited or restricted activity or impose a public use limit. The activity authorized by a permit shall be consistent with applicable legislation, federal regulations and administrative policies and based upon a determination that public health and safety, environmental or scenic values, natural or cultural resources, scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, proper allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities will not be adversely impacted.
36 CFR §1.6(f) – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:
§1.5(d)* The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Exceptions to closures and limits
§2.4(d) Carry a trap, or net.
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)
§2.10(a) Camping
§2.12 Audio Disturbances:
(a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
(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 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means
(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
§2.19 Winter Activities
Sledding, skiing, and snowboarding are prohibited on Fort slopes.
§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:
(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
(b) Use or possess fireworks
§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, weddings, parades, and similar events
§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, religious services, and other public expressions of views (see §2.51, page 8 for permit exceptions).
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printer matter (see §2.52, page 8/9 for permit exceptions).
§2.60(b) Livestock use
§2.61(a) Residing on federal lands
§2.62 Memorialization:
(a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director)
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
§5.2(b) Sale of intoxicants on private lands.
§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)
§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available)
§5.7 Construction of Building
* Exceptions include: Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Service and by permit.
** Exceptions include: Eastern National Park and Monument Association Bookstore.
For additional permit information please contact the park special use permit coordinator.
By phone at 315-338-7730
Or visit (www.nps.gov/fost) for permitting criteria.
36 CFR 1.7 Public Notice
Any park closures/restricted use areas pursuant to (subsections 1.5 (a)(2)-Temporary Closures/Restricted Use) will be posted for public notice via;
(1) Signs posted at conspicuous locations, such as visitor contact stations, normal points of entry and reasonable intervals along the of the affected park locale.
(2) Other appropriate communication methods such as the use of electronic media, website, handouts, brochures etc. to convey the information.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR § 2.1-PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(1) Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing from its natural state (without research permit):
(i) Living or dead wildlife or fish, or parts or products thereof, such as antlers or nests.
(ii) Plants or the parts or products thereof.
(a)(2) Introducing wildlife, fish, or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem.
(a)(4) Using or possessing wood gathered from within the park is prohibited, except:
As part of an interpretive program or event.
(a)(6) Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing a structure or its furnishings or fixtures, or other cultural or archeological resources is prohibited, except:
By Archeological Resource Preservation Act permit and Antiquities Act permit
(a)(7) Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or subbottom profiler is prohibited, except:
By National Park Service Research permit.
36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS
(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed, or used at the following designated times and locations:
Firearms are prohibited in federal facilities pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §930. A “federal facility” is defined as a “building or part thereof owned or leased by the federal government, where federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.”
Park visitors who can legally possess and carry handguns, shotguns and rifles per New York State law are authorized to do so on park property (exception “federal facilities”-Park Visitor Center, Park Maintenance Building and Rome Historical Society/Park Headquarters-2nd Floor). However, weapons cannot be used in the park except by employees, agents, or authorized personnel in the performance of their official duties.
Traps and nets are not permitted because the park is closed to hunting.
Historic weapons and/or period reproduction weapons, traps and nets may be carried possessed and/or used by appropriate staff members, volunteers or groups who are authorized by the park to participate in official historic weapon living history programs. These programs and activities will be regulated/managed by the park Black Powder Safety Officer.
36 CFR §2.10 – OVERNIGHT CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
(a) The superintendent may require permits, designate sites or areas and establish conditions for camping.
Public camping is not permitted in the park except for interpretive programming, living history, special events or service projects sponsored by the park.
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Conditions for Picnicking:
Cooking, grills, or use of fires are prohibited, except as part of an interpretive/living history program.
36 CFR § 2.12-AUDIO DISTURBANCES
(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in a non-developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to § 2.50-Special Events or § 2.51-Demonstrations.
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:
Established Conditions, Designated Areas and Receptacles for Fires:
Fires are only allowed as part of an interpretive/living history program, special event, or service project. Fires must be contained within a fire pit/circle, sand platform or in fireplaces.
A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.
This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – create serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent are prohibited, except:
Guide and service animals that assist humans with physical impairments.
Park grounds outside the Fort and Visitor Center are open to pets if they are always restrained/leased.
36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is prohibited outside of trails, routes or areas designated for their use.
Horses and pack animals are prohibited from all park grounds except when used during law enforcement operations or interpretive/living history programming. In these exceptions, the animals must remain outside of the Fort.
36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT and AIR DELIVERY
(a)(1) Operating or using aircraft on park lands are prohibited, except for emergency response.
36 CFR §2.18 – SNOWMOBILES
(c) The use of snowmobiles is prohibited within park boundaries.
36 CFR §2.19-WINTER ACTIVITIES
(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, innertubing, tobogganing and similar winter sports are prohibited on park roads and in areas open to motor vehicles.
All other park areas are closed to these winter activities except as part of an interpretive/living history program or special event.
36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES
The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are prohibited.
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:
Within all park buildings/structures including the Fort and Smoking is permitted in all other outdoor areas.
This designation is based on Executive Order 13058 published in the August 13, 1997, Federal Register. It is also designed to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire.
36 CFR §2.22-PROPERTY
(a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited.
(b)(1) Impoundment of Property. Property determined to be left unattended more than 24 hours may be impounded by the superintendent.
(b)(2) Unattended property that interferes with visitor safety, orderly management of the park area or presents a threat to park resources may be impounded by the superintendent at any time.
(b)(3) Found or impounded property will be inventoried to determine ownership and safeguard personal property.
Impounded property will be disposed of after 60 days.
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:
Park Visitor Center/Museum-Due to the cultural/historical significance of the exhibits, artifacts, artwork and presence of audio/video equipment, gift shop merchandise, etc. the Park Visitor Center/Museum (Willett Center) is closed to all food and beverages (including alcohol).
36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES
(a) & (b) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents, explosive materials, fireworks, or firecrackers is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
36 CFR §2.50 SPECIAL EVENTS
(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area and a permit therefore has been issued by the superintendent.
Groups or individuals must apply for a Special Use Permit in advance of the event. Contact the park special use permit coordinator (315-338-7830) or visit the park website (www.nps.gov/fost) for permitting criteria.
36 CFR §2.51-DEMONSTRATIONS
(b) Permit and Small Group Permit Exception. Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated as available in below paragraph (c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity except that:
(1) Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park areas provide that:
(b)(1)(ii)The group is not merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the small group permit exception.
(b)(1)(iii)The group will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations and special events, or park program activities.
(b)(1)(iv)The group may use hand-carried signs, but stages, platforms, structures, or sound amplification may not be used.
FIRST AMENDMENT AREA DESIGNATION
(c)(2) The following park areas are designated as areas for public assemblies:
The west lawn of the Fort has been designated as the First Amendment rights area for demonstrations and activities for all size groups (Map Attached Below).
The designated location is in a prominent location near the visitor center that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to enter and leave the visitor center safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.
Fort Stanwix National Monument 2020 Permit Use Map Rome, Oneida County, New York State
36 CFR §2.52-SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER
(b) Permit and Small Group Permit Exception. The sale or distribution of printed matter is allowed within park areas designated as available in §2.51(c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity except that:
(1) Sale or distribution activity by 25 persons or fewer may be conducted without a permit within designated park areas provide that:
(b)(1)(ii)The group is not merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the small group permit exception.
(b)(1)(iii)The group will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations and special events, or park program activities.
(b)(1)(iv)The group may use hand-carried signs, but stages, platforms, structures, or sound amplification may not be used.
36 CFR §2.60-LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE
(a) 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, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a license, permit or lease.
Livestock are only permitted as part of an interpretive/living history program; however, they are not permitted within the Fort.
36 CFR §2.61 RESIDING ON FEDERAL LANDS
(a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, lease, or contract.
36 CFR §2.62 MEMORIALIZATION
(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
36 CFR §4.30-BICYCLES
(a) The use of a bicycle is permitted on park roads and in park areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.
Bicycles are permitted on park trails/walkways outside of the Fort. All areas within the Fort are closed to bicycle use.
(i) Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp).
E-bikes are allowed in Fort Stanwix National Monument where traditional bicycles are allowed (see above §4.30 (a). E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
36 CFR §5.1-ADVERTISEMENTS
Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.3-BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.
36 CFR §5.4-COMMERCIAL PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTOR VEHICLES
(a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicle except as authorized under a contract or permit from the Secretary or his authorized representative is prohibited in certain parks.
Commercial passenger-carrying motor vehicles are authorized for use within Fort Stanwix National Monument to transport visitors to/from the park.
36 CFR §5.6-COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within the park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.7-CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES
Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States.
