Laws & Policies

Superintendent's Compendium

Each year the Superintendent, under his discretionary authority, establishes certain amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 1.7(b)) that designate certain closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions in the park.

The 2025 Superintendent's Compendium is now available online on our Superintendent's Compendium page.

 

Management Plans

Final General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision, and Summary, Glacier National Park, 1999

Bear Management Guidelines - May 2010 (538 kb pdf)
Bear Management Plan - May 2010 (147 kb pdf)

 

National Park Service

• The Organic Act of 1916: Created the National Park Service.
• Key Legislative Guidance: Acts that include the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Antiquities Act of 1906, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
• Executive Orders: Presidential orders directly related to the management of America's public lands.
• Directors' Orders: Directives from the head of the National Park Service.
• National Park Service Management Policies: Tools to implement legislative acts and orders by the entire National Park Service system.
• Code of Federal Regulations: General and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

 

Firearms

As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit our state’s website: www.doj.mt.gov

Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Those places include all Government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities.

For more, open the dropdown menus below, or consult these Firearms in National Parks Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

• A 2010 federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal and state law in the state in which the national park is located to possess firearms in that park.
• Prior to February 22, 2010, firearms have generally been prohibited in national parks except in some Alaska parks and those parks that allow hunting.
• The 2010 law does not affect existing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms or hunting in national parks.
• More than 30 parks are located in more than one state; visitors must be aware of what state they are in and the laws that apply.
• Federal law continues to prohibit possession of firearms in designated "federal facilities , " for example, visitor centers, offices, or maintenance buildings.

Background

Sec. 512 of P.L. 111-24, a provision of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, was passed by Congress and signed by the President in May 2009. It directs the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to follow the applicable state and local laws regarding the possession of firearms open and concealed carry in national parks and national wildlife refuges.

Current Status

• Superintendents and park staffs are ensuring they have a clear understanding of state and local firearms laws.
• Regional offices and headquarters are working to ensure there is consistency in NPS administration of a law across parks within a state, and in similar laws across states.
• Parks are working with friends groups, concessioners, volunteers, tour operators, and other park partners so they understand any effects of the new law on their activities.
• Firearms prohibited signs are being posted at public entrances to federal facilities.
• Park websites are being updated to provide visitors information and links to state firearms laws.

 

Unmanned Aircraft

The public may not launch, land, or operate unmanned aircraft (aka remote piloted vehicles, or drones) in the national parks.

Read the Director's Policy Memorandum 14-05.

 

Motor Vehicle Accident Report Request

With the "routine use exception" to the Privacy Act which is now in effect, all or most of an Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) report may be made available upon written request by parties designated in that routine use exception; for example, individuals involved, injured, or who suffered property damage in such incidents, their duly verified insurance companies, personal representatives, or attorneys. The revised NPS-19 provides that information on MVA reports may be released to parties designated in the routine use exception only when the release will not interfere with an on-going law enforcement proceeding, risk the health or safety of an individual, or reveal the identity of an informant or witness that received explicit assurance of confidentiality. Report requests will be filed with and become a permanent part of the original report.

A Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) report request form must be completed and signed. Please download either a MVA Requesting for Self form or a MVA Requesting for Another form and then mail or email to:

Glacier National Park
ATTN: Routine Use Request
PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Email: [e-mail]