Superintendent's Compendium

Hovenweep National Monument

May 2025

Superintendent's Compendium of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority.

Approved by: Lena Pace, Superintendent, 20 May 2025

 

 

Introduction

The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), United States Code, and other CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level. The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park-specific rules implemented under 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 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.

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 or found on the internet at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title36/36tab_02.tpl

Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This Compendium

The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 100101 et. seq. (Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, previously Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” [54 U.S.C. Section 100101(a)].

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.”

54 U.S.C. Section 100501 defines the National Park System as “… any area 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, then that superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.

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 the Regulatory Flexibility Act or 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 12 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared.

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 the 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 injure 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?

Applicability of the Compendium

The rules contained in this compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting, orotherwise 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. The rules contained in this compendium shall not be construed to prohibit administrative activities conducted by the National Park Service, or its agents, in accordance with approved general management and resource management plans, or in emergency operations involving threats to life, property, or park resources.

Enforcement of Compendium Requirements

NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.

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. In addition, to any fines or imprisonment an individual may be subject to a period of probation not to exceed five years in length (18 USC 3561).

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. Written comments on the compendium may be submitted to:

Superintendent
Hovenweep National Monument
2282 Resource Blvd
Moab, UT 84352

Effective Date of the Superintendent Compendium

The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed above.

Additional Information

Some of the terms used in this compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR § 1.4 Definition

 

36 CFR § 1.4 Definitions

In addition to definitions found in 36 CFR § 1.4(a), the following definitions, created by the superintendent, apply to all parts of this compendium for parkwide consistency:

Geocaching is defined as the placement of a cache within the park boundaries and distributing the coordinates, or other clues to the coordinates, for the purpose of locating the cache at a later time.

Remotely piloted aircraft means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air 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, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation and commerce.

Slacklining or Sling-lining is defined as walking on a rope or other line that is anchored between rock formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is immaterial.

 

36 CFR § 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits

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 apermit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or ifthe 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 under36 CFR 1.3.

Determination: 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 36CFR 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 36CFR 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.

Closures and Restrictions

• Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. These times will be determined by the Skywatcher’s Almanac for Hovenweep National Monument, 37° 22’ North Latitude, 109° 7’ West Longitude, published annually by Astronomical Data Service, P.O. Box 26180, Colorado Springs, CO 80936.
• The paved sidewalk leading from the visitor center to the overlook at Stronghold House is open 24 hours, 7 days/week. The Little Ruin Canyon / Square Tower trail, beginning at the overlook, is closed sunset to sunrise.
• Public use is restricted to established trails, roads and parking areas, the campground and visitor center. At the Square Tower Unit, public access below the rim is allowed only when accompanied by a park employee or by obtaining a Special Use Permit from the superintendent.
• The service access roads to the water tank, sewage lift station and Horseshoe/Hackberry Ruins are open to government vehicles and/or contractors for official business purposes only.

Determination: These restrictions serve to protect park infrastructure and the monument’s archaeological resources and their surrounding natural features from damage due to concentrated use

Hang Gliders, BASE Jumping, and Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles

Hovenweep National Monument is closed to the use of hang gliders, paragliders, and parachutes. BASE jumping is prohibited in Hovenweep National Monument. 36 CFR 2.17 (a)(3); NPS Management Policies 2006, 8.2.2.7.

Launching, landing, or operating a remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. 36 CFR 1.5

Determination: These restrictions are vital for ensuring visitor safety and protecting the park’s unique natural resources. The prohibition of these activities prevents potential accidents and injuries in an area known for its stunning but challenging landscapes. Additionally, the ban on remotely piloted aerial vehicles helps to maintain the park’s tranquility, protecting wildlife and minimizing disturbances to both natural and cultural resources. Allowing such activities could lead to negative environmental impacts, including disruption of wildlife habitats and potential damage to sensitive geological formations. By regulating these activities, the park preserves its pristine environment and enhances the visitor experience, ensuring that the beauty and integrity of Hovenweep National Monument are safeguarded for future generations.

Off-highway Vehicles

Vehicles are not permitted to be used off of designated roads in Hovenweep National Monument, as stated in 36 CFR 4.10(a) and (b).

All vehicles operated within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument must have a valid state registration as a "motor vehicle," display a valid state license plate(s), and be operated by someone in possession of a valid state issued operator’s license. Motorcycles that are registered for road use are allowed. 36 CFR 4.2.

All vehicles must be equipped to legally operate on interstate highways. 36 CFR 1.5

Off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, by definition are any motor vehicle designed primarily for off-road travel that is not licenses and registered for interstate travel. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), including street-legal ATVs, sand rails, side-by-sides, and dune buggies, are examples of OHVs whose use is prohibited. 36 CFR 1.5

Determination: These restrictions are crucial for preserving Hovenweep National Monument's delicate ecosystems and unique geological formations. By limiting vehicle use to designated roads, the regulations minimize soil erosion, protect native vegetation, and safeguard wildlife habitats. Ensuring all vehicles are properly registered and operated by licensed individuals promotes safety within the park.

Engine Idling and Generators

Operators are prohibited from running generators in the park, with the following exceptions:

• In Hovenweep Campground, a generator may be operated during the hours of 8:00 am–10:00 am and 4:00 pm–8:00 pm.

Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines, with the following exceptions:

1. After long uphill grades, engines may be idled for up to 15 minutes in order to cool.
2. Engines may be left running to provide cooling or heating for disabled passengers who have difficulty in disembarking.
3. Engines may be left running while the driver is actively completing a pre-trip vehicle inspection.

Determination: These restrictions aim to protect the natural environment and enhance visitor experiences by reducing noise pollution and air quality impacts.

Swimming and bathing

The following restrictions apply to all park lands:

• (a)(1) All springs, seeps, and other natural water sources are closed to swimming, bathing, wading, or immersion of humans or domestic animals.

Determination: These restrictions serve to protect water quality and ecosystems within the monument.

Artificial Light Sources

The use of artificial light sources for purposes other than personal route-finding or minimum impact camping—that is, to light up landscapes, rock formations, or other park features—is prohibited.

Determination: This regulation helps maintain the park's pristine environment, reduces light pollution, and enhances the experience of visitors wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky and its celestial features.

Fixed Lines

The use of fixed lines (any line made from any material which is stretched between two points) is prohibited except for tie downs used in conjunction with tarps or tents affixed to ground stakes. This includes but is not limited to clothes lines, dog runs, hammocks or slack lines, and prohibits attachment to vegetation, natural features, or government property. This regulation does not apply to recreational climbing, which is managed under separate guidelines.

Determination: This regulation aims to prevent interference with wildlife habitats and minimize environmental impact while ensuring that the integrity of the park's landscapes is maintained. The prohibition also encourages visitors to engage with the natural environment responsibly, preserving the area's unique character and beauty.

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36 CFR §1.6 Permits

Permits are required within Hovenweep National Monument for the following (36 Code of Federal Regulations) activities:

• Carrying or possessing a weapon, with the exception of firearms – 2.4(d)
• Specimen collection – 2.5(a)
• Camping in developed area campgrounds – 2.10
• Audio disturbance – 2.12
• Horse and pack animals – 2.16
• Aircraft and air delivery – 2.17
• Noncommercial soliciting –2.37
• Explosives – 2.38
• Special events – 2.50(a)
• Public assemblies, meetings – 2.51(a)
• Sale or distribution of printed material – 2.52(c)
• Livestock use – 2.60(b)
• Memorialization – 2.62
• Business operations – 5.3
• 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.
• Commercial vehicles – 5.6
• Construction of buildings or other facilities – 5.7

Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. In those cases where permit use is frequent, a specific permit form has been designed, i.e. entrance and campground fee permits. In most other cases a special use permit or letter of authorization will be prepared which will articulate the specific conditions under which the permitted activity is authorized. In all cases a permit or letter of authorization must be in the permittee's possession at all times and must be presented to any authorized person upon request.

Determination: These restrictions are essential for protecting natural resources, promoting visitor safety, and managing recreational impacts. By regulating activities such as camping and some commercial operations, the permit system ensures compliance with guidelines that safeguard the monument’s ecosystem.

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36 CFR §2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources

(a)(4) It is unlawful to gather or cut firewood anywhere within the monument

Determination: This restriction serves to protect the desert ecosystem within the monument. Dead and downed wood is part of the natural and scenic landscape and an essential survival component for many species.

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36 CFR §2.2 Wildlife Protection

(e) The viewing of wildlife or areas frequented by wildlife using a hand-held light, vehicle headlight, or any other type of mounted light within the park is prohibited.

Determination: This regulation is essential for minimizing disturbances to sensitive habitats and ensuring the integrity of wildlife populations.

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36 CFR §2.10 Camping and Food Storage

(a) All overnight use within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument requires a campground campsite permit and is permitted only in the designated campground.

(b)(9) Camping in the monument has the following restrictions:

• No person or party, or their equipment, shall occupy the campground for more than seven (7) nights (consecutively or non-consecutively) in any 30-day period or a total of 14 nights per year.
• All campsites are fully reservable through a national reservation service and open year-round.
• Occupancy of each campsite is limited to eight (8) persons, two (2) tents, and two (2) vehicles. (A trailer counts as one vehicle.)
• Campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
• All motor vehicles (includes all wheeled vehicles, RVs, camp trailers, etc.) must be parked on designated vehicle pads and must not extend into the roadway. Vehicle barriers may not be moved to enlarge the available parking space and natural resources must not sustain damage from a parked vehicle.
• Camping structures must be placed on the tent pad where a tent pad is provided. One additional camping structure may be placed off the tent pad on the hardened/impacted area around the pad or picnic table. All camping structures must be erected within the footprint of the campsite's impacted and hardened area.
• The use of generators is restricted to the following hours: between 8 am and 10 am, and between 4 pm and 8 pm.
• Quiet hours must be adhered to between 10 pm and 8 am. Quiet hours require that no unreasonable noise be created or sustained.
• Visitors are prohibited from soliciting other campers to share their campsites.
• Checkout time is 10 am daily. Persons still occupying sites, including vehicles and/or equipment, after checkout time, will be required to pay the campground fee for an additional day.
• Disposal of grey water within the camp area is prohibited.

Determination: These restrictions are essential for protecting natural resources, ensuring visitor safety, and preserving the monument’s delicate ecosystems. By regulating camping activities and food storage, the park minimizes the risk of wildlife conflicts, thereby fostering a harmonious coexistence between visitors and nature. These regulations promote responsible camping practices, prevent environmental degradation, and help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the park for all guests. Additionally, limiting occupancy levels helps manage visitor impact, ensuring a sustainable experience while preserving the monument’s natural beauty.

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36 CFR §2.11 Picnicking

Picnicking is allowed in all areas except:

• Hovenweep Campground as posted.

Garbage must be disposed of in designated receptacles and may not be left in bags or other soft containers. Food must be stored in vehicles or hardened containers (with securing mechanisms in place) except when being prepared or consumed.

Determination: This restriction is essential for preserving cleanliness and safety while protecting natural resources. Requirements for proper garbage disposal and food storage help prevent wildlife disturbances, promoting responsible visitor behavior and enhancing the overall experience in the monument.

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36 CFR § 2.13 Fires

Except during fire restrictions:

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is permitted only under the following conditions:

• Fires are restricted to the campground and only in metal fire grills provided.
• Burning trash or other waste is prohibited.

Determination: These regulations prevent wildfires and environmental degradation, and help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the park for all guests. Only approved uses of fire grills ensures responsible management of fire-related activities.

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36 CFR § 2.14 Sanitation and Refuse

In non-developed areas, toilet paper must be carried out. Burning or burying toilet paper is prohibited.

Determination: This restriction serves to protect public health, natural resources, and water quality.

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36 CFR §2.15 Pets

(a)(1) Dogs, cats, and other pets are prohibited on any monument land, trails, or public buildings, except for those locations identified below:

• Pets are allowed on all park roads open for public vehicular use, parking areas, established picnic areas, campground, and hiking trails.

Pets may not be led by leash from a bicycle or vehicle within Hovenweep National Monument.

(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended is prohibited, except in the following circumstances:

• Pet is secured at a location where it will not interfere with wildlife or normal travel by other visitors, AND
• Pet does not bark excessively or exhibit aggressive behavior, AND
• Temperatures or conditions do not pose the risk of endangering the pet’s health, AND
• The pet is not being left unattended overnight, AND
• The pet is secured such that no resource damage occurs.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle. Bagged pet excrement may not be disposed of in pit toilets. If there is not a trash receptacle in the area, the excrement shall be transported to the nearest receptacle or transported out of the park.

Determination: These restrictions serve to protect park natural/cultural resources, wildlife, and visitors from the impacts of domestic animals.

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36 CFR §2.16 Horses and Pack Animals

(a) Animals designated as pack animals shall be limited to the following:

• Horses
• Burros
• Mules
• Llamas

The use of pack animals is not permitted within the boundaries of Hovenweep National Monument with the following exceptions and with the authorization of the superintendent:

• Removal of trespassing livestock
• Search and rescue activities
• Law enforcement incidents
• Other emergency operations

Determination: These restrictions serve to protect biological soil crusts and other natural resources. Hiking trails and routes are not compatible with stock.

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36 CFR §2.21 Smoking

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices are prohibited in all public use and administrative buildings and facilities, and in all government-owned or -leased vehicles.

Determination: These restrictions are intended to protect public/employee health and government property from the effects of smoking and minimize the risk of fire/explosions in fuel storage areas. They also serve to minimize the risks of wildland fires during extreme weather conditions.

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36 CFR §2.22 Property

(a)(2) Traditional geocaches are prohibited.

Virtual caches and waymarks within the park must be approved by the superintendent on a case-by-case basis to ensure they align with park management goals. This review process evaluates whether the virtual caches will impact park resources, disrupt visitor experiences, or interfere with the natural and cultural integrity of the area, thereby maintaining the tranquility and purpose of the park.

Determination: These regulations prioritize the safety of visitors and the preservation of the monument’s natural resources. The decision to prohibit traditional geocaches is rooted in the need to protect sensitive ecosystems from disruption. Meanwhile, the requirement for superintendent approval of virtual caches ensures that any recreational activities align with the park’s objectives, maintaining the ecological balance and enhancing the overall visitor experience without compromising the monument’s integrity.

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36 CFR §2.35 Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

(a)(3)(i) All public use buildings of the monument are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages except during officially sanctioned activities when the building is closed to the general public.

Determination: The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for public safety concerns and the orderly management of the facilities.

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36 CFR §2.51 Public Assemblies, Meetings

Locations designated as “First Amendment” areas—that is, available for demonstrations, the sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items—are shown on the “First Amendment” maps in Appendix A.

Alternative locations may be approved by the superintendent on a case-by-case basis, and will be reviewed to ensure that the activity(ies) will not cause injury or damage to park resources; unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones; unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the National Park Service; substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners, holders of commercial use authorizations, or contractors; present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety; or be incompatible with the nature and traditional use of the particular park area involved.

Note: Gathering for the purpose of expressing views and making statements such as is protected under the First Amendment does not require a permit as long as the activity takes place in one of the designated “First Amendment” areas indicated in this document and the involved group is fewer than 25 people. Groups larger than 25 people need a special use permit. Printed matter used as part of a “First Amendment” activity may be allowed in the “First Amendment” area (see Appendix C) without a permit for groups of fewer than 25 people.

Determination: These restrictions are essential for balancing the rights of individuals to express their views with the need to protect park resources and maintain tranquility. Designating specific “First Amendment” areas ensures that activities such as demonstrations and the distribution of printed materials occur in locations that minimize potential conflicts with visitors and park operations.

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36 CFR §2.62 Memorialization

Scattering of human ashes from cremation is allowed pursuant to conditions of a special use permit issued by the superintendent, with the exception of archeological sites, standing pools of water, potholes, or side streams and creeks.

Determination: These restrictions are implemented to ensure respectful and environmentally responsible practices while preserving the monument’s natural and cultural resources. Allowing the scattering of ashes in undeveloped areas, under a special use permit, facilitates personal memorialization while minimizing impact on sensitive sites, such as archaeological locations and water sources. By prohibiting scattering in standing water and sensitive ecosystems, these measures protect the integrity of the park's landscapes and water quality, balancing personal memorialization with the need for environmental stewardship.

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36 CFR §4.30 Bicycles

(i)(1) Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are open to motor vehicle use by the public.

Determination: The regulations permitting bicycles and electric bicycles on park roads is designed to enhance access while ensuring visitor safety. By allowing bicycles only in areas open to motor vehicles, the monument can better manage traffic and reduce conflicts between users.

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Appendix A

Designated Area for First Amendment Activities

Hovenweep Visitor Center Parking Lot

 

NPS