National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
4068 Golden Hill Road
Church Creek, MD 21622
410-221-2290
Superintendent’s Compendium
Of Designations, Closures, Permit
Requirements and Other Restrictions
Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.
Approved: 1/28/2026
X Kirsten Talken-Spaulding
Kirsten Taulken-Spaulding, NER DRD for Superintendent
Signed by: KIRSTEN TALKEN-SPAULDING
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Superintendent’s Compendium Described
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.
The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public.
As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature.
Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park.
A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the national Park System.
A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at:
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
The CFR is also available on the Internet at:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfrv1_05.html
2. Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This Compendium
The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1 et.seq. (Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations” (16 U.S.C. Section 1). In addition, the NPS Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service” (16 U.S.C. Section 3).
In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (16 U.S.C. Sections 1a1-1a8), Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916.
In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.”
Title 54 § 100501 defines the National Park System as”…any areas of land and water administered by the Secretary, acting through the Director for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.”
In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, than that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.
3. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and Requirements
The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared.
4. Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium
As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
• Is there use or activity consistent with the NPS Organic Act and NPS policy?
• Is the use or activity consistent and compatible with the park’s enabling legislation, management objectives, and corresponding management plans?
• Will the use or activity damage the park’s protected natural and cultural resources and other protected values?
• Will the use or activity disturb or be in conflict with wildlife, vegetation, and environmental protection actions and values?
• Will the use or activity conflict with or be incompatible with traditional park uses and activities?
• Will the use or activity compromise employee or public safety?
5. Applicability of the Compendium
The rules contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise present on Federally owned lands, including submerged lands, and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters.
6. Enforcement of Compendium Requirements
NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.
7. Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium Requirements
A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below.
8. Comments on the Compendium
The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time.
9. Effective Date of the Superintendent Compendium
The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document, and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year.
10. Additional Information
Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions.
11. Availability
Copies of the Compendium are available at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD 21622. It may also be found at https://www.nps.gov/hatu/index.htm.
B. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUM
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 Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. 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.
I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
Visiting Hours:
• The park’s visitor center, operated jointly with the Maryland State Park system, is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday through Sunday, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Temporary Closures:
• Severe weather or emergency situations may necessitate temporary closure of park facilities until conditions are safe.
• The park may occasionally alter days and hours of operation, or may close the park, or portions thereof at any time for weather, emergency purposes, public health, construction, or security reasons to protect staff, visitors, and resources.
• The park, or portions thereof, may close at any time for emergency, public health, or security reasons to protect staff, visitors, and resources.
• Temporary closures will be announced via the park’s website alert section, social media pages, phone greeting, and postings at key park locations as available.
• All permanent closures will be in accordance with the rulemaking procedures in the Federal Register.
Note: Operating hours for national park service owned properties may differ from those of external organizations, businesses, and our other buildings located within the park boundaries, including the
jointly managed Maryland State Park dependent on staffing and other controlling factors.
Determination: Establishing specific visiting hours and acknowledging holiday and temporary closures ensures safety, security, protection of park resources, and a quality visitor experience
Public Use Limits:
Closures:
• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park. is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: 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 recreation or commerce.
Determination: 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.
• Jacob and Dinah Jackson Home Site is currently closed to the public.
Determination: This closure is in effect due to safety concerns in this undeveloped area and historical site fragility.
• Administrative offices and maintenance spaces are closed to the public.
Determination: These closures are implemented to ensure public safety, protect sensitive equipment, secure government property, and maintain operational efficiency. Restricting access prevents unauthorized entry, minimizes safety hazards, and allows staff to perform duties without disruption.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
- 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.
Areas Designated for a Specific Use or Activity:
None
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
Camping
• Camping is prohibited in all areas of the park.
Prohibiting camping ensures visitor safety and protects the natural resources of the park.
Horseback Riding
• Horseback riding is prohibited in all areas of the park.
Prohibiting horseback riding ensures visitor safety and protects the natural resources of the park.
Swimming and Wading
• Swimming and wading in the park is prohibited.
Prohibiting swimming and wading in the park ensures visitor safety.
Passenger Carrying Buses:
• Engines must be shut down when not underway.
The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park. Due to the nature of the service provided by the shuttle busses, they are excluded from the requirement.
(a)(3) The following restrictions, limits, closures, designations, conditions, or visiting hour
restrictions imposed under §§(a)(1) or (2) have been terminated:
• N/A
CCTV Policy Statement
In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park. uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.
The park’s use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)
This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1).
Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2)
Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.
II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required. Contact the park Administration Office (410-221-2290) for permit applications:
• 1.5(a)(2) 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.
• §2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net
• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
• §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
• §2.37 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)
• §2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
• §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views
• §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising
• §2.62 Memorialization:
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
• §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits
• §5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
• §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)
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(4) Using or possessing wood gathered from within the park area is prohibited, except that dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
(a)(5) Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource, monument, or statute is prohibited, except in the following areas and/or under the following conditions:
(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail(s) or walkway(s) listed in 36 CFR §1.5 of this document.
Under, §2.1(a) collecting natural materials from the park is generally prohibited. However, pursuant to §2.1(c), 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 possession and consumption restrictions:
36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION
(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
- All areas are closed to “spotlighting” of any kind
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:
- There are currently no areas under federal ownership that allow this action
36 CFR §2.5 – RESEARCH SPECIMENS
(a) Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with other regulations of Chapter I of 36 CFR or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit.
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
Camping is defined as erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other material for use, parking a motor vehicle, motorhome, or trailer, or mooring a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
(a) The superintendent may require permits, designate sites or areas, and establish conditions for camping.
- Camping is prohibited in Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.
Determination: The park was not established for overnight occupancy and does not provide the infrastructure or facilities necessary to safely support camping activities. Allowing camping would adversely affect cultural resources, visitor safety, and park operations. Prohibiting camping is necessary to protect park resources, maintain public safety, and support the preservation and interpretation of the historic landscape.
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a)(1) “Closures”.
Conditions for Picnicking:
- May only happen in/around the jointly managed Visitor Center
- Visitors are responsible for removal of all garbage and other evidence of picnicking activities
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 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 or §2.51.
36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES
(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:
- The lighting or maintaining of fires by visitors in the park is prohibited.
Determination: Due to the fragile nature of the park, this activity is not suitable outside of the Maryland State Park pavilion’s fireplace.
36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION and REFUSE
(a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is allowed under the following conditions:
(a)(5) Bathing or washing food, clothing, dishes, or other property at public water outlets, fixtures, or pools is prohibited, except at the following outlets, fixtures, or pools designated for such purposes:
(b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches, and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited, except in the following areas and/or under the following conditions:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
- Pet feces are to be cleaned up by the owner and disposed in trash receptables or otherwise removed from the park.
36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT and AIR DELIVERY
(a)(3) Delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means is prohibited, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES
Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited, except in the following designated areas:
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:
- Smoking and the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is prohibited in all government vehicles
- Smoking and the use of ENDS is prohibited while attending interpretive (ranger-led or other park staff) programs
- Smoking and the use of ENDS is prohibited around all fuel and flammable storage areas
- Within 10 feet of all government buildings and structures/facilities.
Determination: These restrictions are in place to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and/or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.
36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY
(a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited, except in the following locations or under the following conditions:
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:
- All areas of the park are closed to these activities
36 CFR §2.37 – NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services in the park is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.
36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES
(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials in the park is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(b) Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
36 CFR §2.50 – SPECIAL EVENTS
(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a 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.
36 CFR §2.60 – LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE
(a) Livestock are generally prohibited in any park area. They are only permitted in park areas pursuant to the exceptions provided for in §2.60(a) and only pursuant to the terms and conditions of a license, permit, or lease.
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, or in the following areas and according to the following conditions:
- No areas within Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.
Determination: The scattering of cremated human remains is not appropriate within Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. Restricting this activity is necessary to protect nationally significant historic resources, preserve the integrity of the historic landscape, and ensure the appropriate and equitable use of shared public spaces.
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES
(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, in parking areas, and on routes designated for bicycle use. Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in §1.5 of this document.
(b) 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 h.p.).
E-bikes are allowed in the park where traditional bicycles are allowed. 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).
Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within the park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
36 CFR §4.31 – HITCHHIKING
Hitchhiking or soliciting transportation in the park is prohibited.
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 §5.6 – COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within 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.
