Superintendent's Compendium

JIMMY CARTER NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

APPROVED:
Acting Superintendent, Karen Barry 07/10/2025

AUTHORITY

Under the authority of 54 USC (United States Code), Sections 100302, 100751, 100752, 100753, 102102, and 103104, and Title 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 and 12, this Compendium of Superintendent’s Orders is established for Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Regulations listed in this compendium are in addition to those listed in Parts 1-7 and 12 of Title 36 CFR unless otherwise noted. The specific authority for this regulatory procedure is found in Section 1.5 through 1.7 of Title 36.

In addition to these regulations, the following are also provided:

• Section 1.6(f) states that a list of those activities which require a permit must be maintained. That list appears in this document under Section 1.6.
• The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document. As required by 1.7(b), these regulations, permit requirements, and written determinations shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request.

PURPOSE

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 1, Parks, Forest, and Public Property, has been established to provide for the proper use, management, government, and protection of persons, property, and natural and cultural resources under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS). {36 CFR 1.1(b)}

Regulations within 36 CFR will be used to fulfill the statutory purposes of units of the National Park System: to conserve scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife; and to provide for the enjoyment of these resources in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. {36 CFR 1.1(b)}

Within 36 CFR the park Superintendent has discretionary authority to establish regulations more or less restrictive than a given regulation in certain instances. The Superintendent is required to compile in writing all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. {36 CFR 1.7(b)}.

All designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions are addressed in Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 12 below under the appropriate section number and heading where they are applicable. Violations of compendium restrictions will subject a person to the same penalties as violating provisions of 36 CFR.

PUBLIC NOTICE AND INFORMATION

In addition to the compendium, all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions will be made available to the public by at least one other method of notification. Methods include maps, signs, and publication in news media, brochures, handouts, or other appropriate media. {36 CFR 1.7(a)} A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at www.gpo.gov OR from the Superintendent of Documents at P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The CFR is also available on the Internet at www.ecfr.gov. This Superintendent’s Compendium is available for review at https://www.nps.gov/jica/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm or at the Superintendent’s office, Visitor Center, or by request.

Written comments on the compendium may be submitted to:
Karen Barry, Acting Superintendent
300 N Bond Street
Plains, GA 31780
[e-mail]

36 CFR PART 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

36 CFR §1.5 - Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, And Area Designations For Specific Use Or Activities

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:

(a)(1) Visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established as follows:

Visiting Hours

Visitor Center (Plains High School): Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
*Operating hours are subject to change dependent upon seasonal visitor demands, staffing, and special programs.

Plains Depot: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
*Operating hours are subject to change dependent upon seasonal visitor demands, staffing, and special programs.

Carter Home and Gardens (Gardens ONLY): Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
*Operating hours are subject to change dependent upon seasonal visitor demands, staffing, and special programs.

Park Grounds: Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset unless otherwise permitted by the Superintendent.

Park Archives and Library: Open by appointment.

Park sponsored and approved meetings, programs, and special events: May be scheduled outside of posted visiting hours.

Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.

Closures

The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.

The Superintendent may close any portion of the park and/or roadways to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices are prohibited.

Locations Closed to Public Access

• Park Administration Offices: By appointment only.
• Park Maintenance Area: Determination: Maintenance yards can be dangerous and are closed for visitor safety.
• Museum Collections Storage Area: Determination: Museum collections are closed to visitors for preservation purposes.
• Carter Home: The residence of former President and Mrs. Carter is located on the western side of Woodland Drive as part of the Carter Home and Garden property. Determination: Rehabilitation work is being done on the property.
• Boyhood Farm Pasture: Determination: The pasture is closed for public safety.

Public Use Limits

Parking (passenger vehicles): Parking is allowed only in designated parking areas, delineated by painted lines. Parking lots are located at Plains High School – south and north lots), Plains Depot, Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm, and Carter Home and Gardens (along Woodland Drive).

Parking (buses/RVs/other over-sized vehicles): Parking is available at Plains High School (north lot) and Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. No over-sized parking is permitted at Plains Depot or Carter Home and Gardens.

Fishing is currently not permitted at the Carter Gardens pond.

(a)(2) Areas designated for specific uses or activities, and restrictions or conditions for specific uses or activities include:

Areas designated for specific uses or activities:

Plains High School Picnic Area: The picnic area is located on the south side of Plains High School adjacent to the parking lot and ballfield. Picnic tables should be used on a first-come, first-serve basis. Picnic area is only open during park hours.

Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm Picnic Area: The picnic area is located on the north side of the Boyhood Farm adjacent to the over-sized parking area. Picnic tables should be used on a first-come, first-serve basis. Picnic area is only open during park hours.

Plains High School Ballfield: The ballfield is location on the south side of Plains High school adjacent to the parking lot and picnic area. Use is available for both non-organized recreational activities and organized use. It shall be used on a first-come, first-serve basis for non-organized recreation. Use of the ballfield for organized use requires a Special Use Permit.

First Amendment Area: The park’s First Amendment Area is located in the grassy area between the north and south Plains High School parking lots, adjacent to Hwy 45/N Bond Street. This area is designated for public assemblies, gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views. Determination: To maintain the dignity and reverence for which the historical park was established by its enabling legislation, the Superintendent has designated specific areas for the purpose of First Amendment Rights. Requests for a special use permit will be reviewed to determine if they are appropriate and reasonably consistent with protection and use of the park area for the purposes for which it was established.

The following activities are prohibited as specified:

• Conducting events or demonstrations at the Carter Home and Gardens except for official events and programs authorized by the Superintendent
• Collecting wood
• Food and drinks in museum exhibit areas
• Geo-caching
• Hunting
• Pets in buildings
• Use of metal detectors, ground penetrating radar, and other such detecting or imaging devices except as authorized by the Superintendent
• Wading or swimming in the pond at Carter Home and Gardens

The following conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities as noted:
Use of Mobility assistive devices:

• Park visitors with mobility disabilities are permitted to use manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, or electric scooters in any area where pedestrian visitors are permitted.
• Park visitors with mobility disabilities are permitted to use Segways in park structures and facilities, and on sidewalks and paved walkways. Use of other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs) such as golf carts requires Superintendent authorization.
• Mobility assistive devices must be operated in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger one’s self or other park visitors, or cause damage to property, facilities, or historic or other resources. Maximum speed will not exceed eight (8) miles per hour.

Determination: Wheelchairs and OPDMDs provide a range of mobility aid options for those who would otherwise be unable to visit the park or find it difficult to visit sites due to personal mobility limitations.

Use of e-bikes:
Use of e-bikes, defined as 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 permitted where traditional bicycles are allowed. Except where public use of motor vehicles is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
• E-bike operators are subject to sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5) of 36 CFR part 4.
• Except as specified in this Compendium, use of e-bikes in the park is governed by state law, which is adopted and made part of this Compendium. Violation of so adopted state law is prohibited.

Determination: Park intent is to allow e-bikes to be used for transportation and recreation in a manner similar to traditional bicycles. Except on park roads and other locations where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, operators may only use the power provided by the electric motor to assist pedal propulsion of an e-bike. It will not create any adverse impacts to park visitors, resources or values due to the existing use of these locations by motor vehicles and bicycles. This action is covered by the categorical exclusion 3.2.E in the NPS NEPA Handbook.

Idling of buses and other motor vehicles: Buses and other motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines more than five minutes when parked with no passengers on board and are prohibited from blocking traffic.
Determination: Idling vehicles create noise and pollutants which can disrupt visitor experience and interfere with outdoor programs. The Superintendent may make exceptions from this depending on weather conditions and locale of planned activities.

Use of drones or other unmanned aircraft (UA): Launching, landing, operating, or other use of drones or other unmanned aircraft (UA) from, on, or over lands and waters within the boundaries of the park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. UA include any devices used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention, and the associated operational elements and components required to operate or control the device.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within the park conflicts with or impacts visitor experience, health, and safety as well as park resources and values.

36 CFR §1.6 -Activities That Require a Permit

(f) The following activities require a permit or written permission from the Superintendent as specified. Unless noted otherwise in this document, permit applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the scheduled date of the event or activity.

• Carrying or possessing a weapon, trap, or net (excluding legal firearms) – see also Part 2 Section 2.4.
• Collection of specimens (take of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals) – see also Part 2 Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5.
• Professional or commercial filming involving more than 5 persons may require a permit depending on equipment use, location, and potential impacts to visitors, resources, and other factors.
• Conducting a sports event, pageant, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, or similar event.
• Display, posting, or distribution of advertisements.
• Engaging or soliciting any business without a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or unless pursuant to special regulations.
• Holding public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, or other public expressions of views involving more than 25 persons – see also Part 1 Section 1.5.
• Installation of a commemorative monument or plaque.
• Operation of a public address (PA) system.
• Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances – see also Part 2 Section 2.35.
• Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising.
• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods, or services.
• Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
• Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads.
• Use or possession of fireworks.

36 CFR PART 2 – RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION

36 CFR §2.1 - Preservation of Natural, Cultural, And Archaeological Resources

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following is prohibited:

(1) Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing from its natural state:
(i) Living or dead wildlife or fish, or the parts or products thereof, such as antlers or nests.
(ii) Plants or the parts of products thereof.

(2) Introducing wildlife, fish, or plants (including their reproductive bodies) into a park area ecosystem.

(3) Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing a structure of its furnishings or fixtures, or other cultural or archeological resources.

(4) Using or possessing wood gathered from within the park area.

(5) Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler.

(a)(5) Possession or use of a metal detector, magnetometer, ground penetrating radar (GPR), or other detecting or imaging device is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent.

(c)(1), (c)(2) Up to one gallon per family or group of figs and pecans may be gathered for personal use or consumption only. No other fruits, nuts, or berries may be collected. No collection can be done at the Carter Home and Gardens.

Determination: The unrestricted collection of native fruits, berries, nuts, and fruiting bodies could adversely impact plant propagation and/or wildlife food sources. If significant changes in visitor use patterns or measurable adverse effects to park resources are detected, these limits may be revised or the authorization to gather a particular item eliminated entirely.

36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife Protection

(a) The following are prohibited:
(2) The feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities.
(3) Possessing unlawfully taken wildlife or portions thereof.

36 CFR §2.15 - Pets

(a)(1) Conditions for pets and service animals are as follows:

• Service animals are welcome anywhere visitors are permitted. Service animals include dogs and miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Pet policies apply to all other animals.
• Even if carried or in a stroller, pets are prohibited in park buildings.
• Pets must not be left unattended and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
• Pets and service animals must always remain under human control.
• Owners must immediately remove and properly dispose of pet waste.

36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking and Tobacco Products

(a) Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and other nicotine delivery systems are prohibited in the following locations and under the following conditions:

• Inside park vehicles and buildings.
• Within 25 feet of a building entrance or exit.
• In hazardous material storage areas.
• During periods of high fire danger.

Determination: Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited in government buildings and vehicles to comply with government-wide health and safety policies. Smoking is prohibited where posted and during high fire danger to protect park resources and reduce risk of fire.

36 CFR §2.35 - Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park except within the established picnic area and in locations designated by and under conditions specified by the Superintendent.
• Consumption or possession of controlled substances is prohibited without a valid prescription.

36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives

(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials are prohibited.
(b) Using or possessing fireworks and firecrackers in prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit or in designated areas under such conditions as the superintendent may establish, and in accordance with applicable State law.

36 CFR §2.5 - Research Specimens

Research specimens may only be collected under the authority and conditions of an approved research permit. See also Part 1 Section 1.6.