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 articulatingspecific 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: www.gpo.gov.
OR
Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 The CFR is also available on the Internet at: www.ecfr.gov.
The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under Title 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C. 1a-1, “Organic Act”) 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.” In addition, Title 54 U.S.C. §100751(a) allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “prescribe such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units.”
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, 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.”
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.
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.
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?
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.
NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium.
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.
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:
Kevin Tillman - Superintendent
11149 U.S. Highway 16, B12
Custer, SD 57730
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.
Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions.
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 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Jewel Cave 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 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:
Jewel Cave National Monument is open year-round.
Visitor Center hours are: Summer hours will begin the Sunday preceding Memorial Day to Labor Day
7 days a week
8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Winter hours will begin the Tuesday following Labor Day to the Saturday preceding Memorial Day
6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Historic Cabin Area is Day Use Only with a gate closure in effect from late September through late May.
Determination: The above schedule is in place to provide maximum visitor services while still allowing for visitor and resource protection consistent with current staffing levels.
Exception: The Superintendent may shorten or lengthen operating hours due to special park uses, or other circumstances benefitting the park operation, management objectives and the public
Public Use Limits:
While participating in a public Jewel Cave tour the following are required:
All cave tours are ranger-guided and require a minimum of 3 participants.
Fully enclosed footwear is required while traveling within Jewel Cave.
Scenic Tour participants must be able to independently navigate the tour route unassisted.
Adults may not carry a child of any age on the Scenic Tour.
Infants and toddlers may be carried in a front-carrier only and must remain in the carrier throughout the duration of the tour and there is a maximum of 30 participants per tour.
Jewel Cave Discovery Talks have a maximum of 20 participants.
Jewel Cave Historic Lantern Tour participants must be a minimum of 8 years of age and there is a tour maximum of 20 participants.
Jewel Cave Wild Caving Tour participants must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
16- and 17-year-old require written parental permission. Supervising parents or guardians must remain on site during the entire tour. There is a maximum of 5 participants
While participating in a public cave tour the following are prohibited:
The following items are not allowed on cave tours: food, candy, tobacco products, drinks, gum, tripods, mono pods, selfie sticks, hiking/walking sticks/poles, weapons, pets, strollers, backpacks, and backpack baby carriers.
Touching the cave surfaces/features or cave formations.
Disposal of human waste (Urine/feces).
All items (purses, handbags, camera bags, flashlights, etc.) carried into the cave must be less than 10” x 6” x 5”.
During guided cave tours visitors are prohibited from leaving paved or developed tour routes
Determination: Human skin cells, skin oils, body waste, food particles and/or liquids can permanently impair cave formations and may introduce unwanted bacteria to grow in the cave damaging sensitive cave resources.
Determination: Cave tour trails are extremely narrow, have very low ceiling heights, and have uneven and slippery surfaces that prohibit the use of most walking aids or wheelchairs. The Park can accommodate most special need requests with modified or alternative tours.
White Nose Syndrome Prevention:
Possession and/or use of any footwear, clothing, equipment, or any other items that have been present in any cave or mine is prohibited within Jewel Cave National Monument.
In adherence to the monument’s White Nose Syndrome (WNS) mitigation plan, all persons entering caves are required to be screened for WNS and if necessary, to undergo approved decontamination procedures on footwear and equipment before entering any cave.
(See current WNS Policy for additional details.)
(d)
The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
Entering a closed area
Entering any off-trail area (recreation routes, research & exploration routes) in Jewel Cave.
Determination: Limited public vehicle access on park service and administrative roads provide for public safety, protect natural and cultural resources, protect park equipment, and provide privacy for park residents. Cave closures protect sensitive cave resources and provide for public safety.
(a)(2)
The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Jewel Cave National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Definition: Unmanned Aircraft (UA) - The term "unmanned 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, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within Jewel Cave National Monument will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experience, visitor safety, and has the potential to disturb wildlife, impact view sheds, cause excessive noise, and interfere with other visitors' enjoyment of the area.
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.
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 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
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:
36 CFR § 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.
36 CFR § 2.50 (a) Special Events: Sporting events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided:
36 CFR § 2.51 (a) Public assemblies of 26 or greater, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views.
36 CFR § 2.52 (a) Sale or distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items.
36 CFR § 2.62 (b) Memorialization: Scattering ashes from human cremation. A permit is not required under the following conditions:
The remains to be scattered have been cremated and pulverized.
The scattering of remains is performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.
The scattering of remains from the air is performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the ground and are not released over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.
36 CFR § 5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
36 CFR § 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).
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.
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 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
36 CFR § 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)
Determination: Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. In most cases a special use permit or letter of authorization that is signed by the superintendent and identifies the specific conditions under which the permitted activity is authorized will be prepared. In all cases, a permit or letter of authorization must be in the permittee’s possession at all times and exhibited to any authorized person upon request.
General Regulations
36 CFR § 2.1
Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources
(a) (4) All areas of Jewel Cave National Monument are closed to wood gathering.
Determination: Prohibiting the gathering of wood prevents damaging natural resources and aids in the prevention of accidentally spreading bug contaminated wood (mountain pine beetle) into the monument.
(a) (5) All person on guided cave tours must stay on established trails or designated routes.
Determination: Cave tour routes are complex and potentially dangerous. In order to protect visitors from injury and/or getting lost; off trail travel while on a public cave tour is prohibited. Limiting cave travel to established tour routes also protects sensitive cave resources.
(c) (1), (c) (2) Gathering of fruits, berries, nuts in small quantities (1 quart per person/per day) for non-commercial use is permitted. The collection of mushrooms and pinecones is prohibited. The following products may be collected: Chokecherry-(Prunus Virginiana), Wild/American plum- (Prunus Americana).
Determination: The above allowable quantities will not adversely affect monument wildlife, the reproductive potential of the plant species, or otherwise adversely affect monument resources.
36 CFR § 2.2
Wildlife Protection
(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
Transportation of lawfully taken wildlife through Jewel Cave National Monument, on U.S. Hwy 16 will be conducted in compliance with applicable South Dakota State game laws.
Lawfully taken wildlife may be transported through the park directly without stopping.
Determination: 36 CFR 2.2 (d) provides the Superintendent with authority to allow, and set conditions for, the transportation of lawfully taken wildlife. In this case the Superintendent has approved the brief and direct transportation of wildlife as it will not overly affect monument visitors on monument values.
(e) The retrieval/transportation of wounded or dead wildlife from the park is prohibited.
Determination: Jewel Cave National Monument has a clearly marked a three-foot barbwire fence around its boundary. The continued tracking, shooting, game processing and transportation of wildlife is prohibited by the CFR and would cause conflicts with visitors, damage fences and natural resources, and is not in keeping with park values.
(e) Wildlife Viewing
All areas within Jewel Cave National Monument are closed to the viewing of wildlife with artificial light, which includes the purposeful direction of headlights, spotlights, infrared lighting/beams, and flash photography.
The use of artificial light for special events, research, interpretive programs, emergencies, and maintenance functions may be permitted by the Superintendent or designee.
Determination: Artificial lights disturb wildlife significantly by eliminating their ability to see and have long-term effects on night vision which is critical to most of their survival. The use of artificial lights to view wildlife creates unnecessary man-caused stress upon the animals, causing them to change their behavior patterns. It can also be a precursor to poaching activities.
36 CFR § 2.10 (a)
Camping
CAMPING: All areas of Jewel Cave National Monument are closed to camping.
Determination: Overnight camping or overnight parking/sleeping in vehicles within the boundaries of Jewel Cave National Monument creates unsafe conditions for visitors and creates issues with trash and human waste disposal.
36 CFR § 2.11
Picknicking
Picnicking is permitted throughout the surface area of Jewel Cave National Monument.
Determination: Areas closed to picnicking are designated to meet various Monument management objectives. These objectives are usually short term and may be related to wildlife, fire protections, storm damage, etc.
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:
Designated Areas:
Fire pit in NPS housing/apartment common areas
Receptacles Allowed:
Established fire pits in monument housing and apartment complex areas.
Proper receptacles which adhere to the Guidelines for Minimum Acceptable Safety Requirements for Outdoor Fireplaces as set forth by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.
(a) (2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
Use of a gas stove or lantern in the Monument is allowed as long as it is used in a manner that does not threaten, cause damage to, or does not result in the burning of property or Monument resources or creates a public safety hazard.
(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:
All fires shall be completely extinguished and cold to the touch prior to abandonment.
Disposal of remaining ash and by-products into garbage cans is prohibited.
Determination: The Monument is located in the Southern Black Hills where fire danger remains high throughout much of the year. During extreme fire danger or by order of the superintendent fires of any type may not be allowed. Visitors may contact the Visitor Center at (605) 672-8300 for current fire conditions.
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:
Residents may utilize government receptacles when occupying Monument quarters.
Monument employees may bring recyclable items from home if their local community does not have a recycling program.
(c) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
Determination: To encourage recycling and conservation of resources the Monument has authorized employees to dispose of recyclable items at the Monument in cases where no community recycling program exists. In order to protect cave sensitive resources all human waste must be packaged and removed from the cave.
36 CFR § 2.15
Pets
(a) (1) Possessing a pet in a public building, public transportation vehicle, or location designated as a swimming beach or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent is prohibited.
All areas closed to motor vehicle use are closed to pets (i.e., Hiking trails, and backcountry areas). The outdoor area from the top of the stairs through and including the patio area adjacent to the Visitor Center and Theater is closed to pets
Determination: To reduce conflicts with visitors and monument activities all buildings are closed to pets. Pet hair, saliva, and sharp claws can permanently impair cave formations and may introduce unwanted bacteria to form in the cave damaging sensitive resources. The narrow, slippery, and uneven surfaces can cause dangerous conditions for pets and pet owners.
Service animals are an exception to most pet restrictions and are allowed on trails, in public buildings. Service animals must be kept on a leash at all times and due to risk of injury to the animal on the Scenic Trail are prohibited.
Pets are permitted on established roadways, sidewalks adjacent to roadways and roadway corridors.
Determination: The outdoor area described above is a confined space, surrounded by areas that are not open to pets (buildings, trails, etc.) The flow of visitors, which occurs in larger groups after tours, could be impeded by visitors’ pets and /or could encroach on safe space between visitors and pets. Outdoor areas closed to pets will be properly signed to avoid visitor confusion.
(a) (5) Pet excrement must be disposed of by the pet owner/handler from all public use areas.
Determination: The Visitor Center, housing/maintenance areas and picnic areas are highly developed cultural and natural resource areas where concentrations of people gather. This restriction is intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and to provide for a healthy safe environment.
(e) Pets may be kept by park residents consistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance conditions established by the superintendent.
Determination: The Superintendent has approved the keeping of pets in designated monument housing to provide for permanent employees who are required to live in monument housing.
Service animals are allowed on Discovery and Scenic Tours. Booties are strongly recommended for both tours for the safety of the service animal, especially the Scenic Tour which has 734 metal-grated stairs.
Determination: The metal grating construction of the staircases and platforms found on the both the Scenic and Discovery Tours can cause injury to the paws of service animals. Booties are strongly recommended.
36 CFR § 2.16
Horses and Pack Animals
(g) Violation of conditions which may be established by the superintendent concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
Horses and pack animals are prohibited within the boundaries of the Monument.
Determination: The Superintendent has set the above restrictions to reduce conflicts between user groups, prevent damage and erosion to monument trails, and prevent damage to monument resources, increase safety, and aid in the prevention of exotic plant/weed introduction.
36 CFR § 2.18
Snowmobiles
(c) Snowmobiles are prohibited within the boundaries of Jewel Cave National Monument.
Determination: Snowmobile use is inconsistent with the monument’s natural, cultural, scenic, and aesthetic values. There are no known traditional routes or periods of traditional use. JECA is completely fenced and snowmobile activity inside the fence will disturb wildlife and damage park resources.
36 CFR § 2.20
Skating, Skateboards and Similar Devices
SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES may be used in residential areas only.
Determination: The areas around the Visitor Center and parking lot are congested with motor vehicles and pedestrians. These restrictions are intended to reduce any possible conflict between users, protect natural and cultural resources, and for public safety.
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 including E-cigarettes, or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is prohibited in all Monument buildings, including government housing, or any park owned or leased vehicle.
Smoking is prohibited within all caves and caverns.
Public designated smoking area has been established at the end of the north end of the pedestrian sidewalk.
Determination: Smoking is prohibited to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.
36 CFR § 2.35
Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances
(a) (3) (i) All administrative facilities public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, 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.
Determination: Park buildings are places of business, to reduce conflict among visitors, the consumption or possession of an open container of alcohol is deemed inappropriate.
36 CFR § 4.10
Travel on Park Roads and Routes
(a) Monument roads open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document (attached hereto):
Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD) motorized scooters and similar devices, as defined under 36 CFR 1.4 are motor vehicles. The monument has imposed a restriction on the use of EPAMDs, motorized scooters and similar devices from all park areas including roads and sidewalks.
However, visitors or employees with a disability are permitted to use EPAMDs, motorized scooters, motorized wheelchairs, or similar devices in park buildings and developed areas, such as parking lots, when the sole purpose for use of such devices is mobility assistance. For safety reasons ruggedized all terrain wheelchairs are authorized on the Roof Trail between the Visitor Center and the view deck, and Canyon Trail from the Roof Trail Junction toward the Historic District for safety reasons.
Individuals with disabilities who operate one of the above described devices must operate the device in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger oneself or other park visitors. The maximum speed for such devices is 8 mph. The operator of an assistive mobility device will have the same rights applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, except the operator must yield to other pedestrians.
Wheelchairs (either manual or motorized) are not considered motor vehicles or mechanized vehicles and are allowed on park trails, although this is not recommended.
Determination: The Monument wishes to provide as much access as possible to visitors with disability’s while maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and protect the monuments natural and cultural resources.
Roads open to motor vehicle traffic, either year-round or seasonally, are shown in the National Park Service Jewel Cave National Monument official color brochure.
Roads that are gated shut are closed to public motor vehicle use.
Administrative use areas are signed closed.
Determination: Limited public vehicle accesses on park administrative roads are in place for public safety, protect natural and cultural resources, protect monument equipment, and provide privacy for monument residents.
36 CFR § 4.21
Speed Limits
(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
US Highway 16— 45 miles per hour.
Jewel Cave Entrance Road—25 miles per hour.
Visitor Center parking lot – 15 miles per hour.
Administration Road, housing, Maintenance/Fire—15 miles per hour.
Determination: The Superintendent has set speed limits that provide for public safety on the Monument’s road system and are consistent with surrounding State roads.
36 CFR § 4.30
Bicycles
(a) The use of e-bikes, traditional bikes on all paved or gravel roadways and parking areas open to the public motor vehicle use.
Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor exclusively to move an e-bike for an extended period of time without pedaling is prohibited.
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).
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 Jewel Cave National Monument 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.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined the use of e-bikes in accordance with regulations on traditional bicycles meets the parks established goals and mission designated for the monument.
Last updated: April 24, 2025
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12
Custer,
SD
57730
Phone:
605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.
