Joshua Tree National Park Releases 2015 Superintendent's Compendium

Date: April 24, 2015
Contact: George Land, 760-367-5507
Contact: Jeff Ohlfs, 760-367-5540

Twentynine Palms, CA — Joshua Tree National Park has issued revised park regulations contained in the Superintendent's Compendium. The Compendium is a list of park-specific regulations National Park Service superintendents are authorized to issue under the Code of Federal Regulations.

The Compendium codifies park regulations "necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, aid to scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, equitable allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities."

Revisions to the 2015 Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent's Compendium are as follows:

Only the following archeological and cultural sites are open to public entry, with the exception of entering within a rock shelter or climbing on physical structures:

• Site commonly referred to as the Disney Petroglyphs on Barker Dam Nature Trail (RIV-906).
• Hidden Valley Boulder (RIV-29).
• Indian Cave at Ryan Mountain (RIV-359).
• Surface structures associated with mining operations unless otherwise prohibited under other provisions in this compendium, fenced, or signed as closed to public entry.

"Day use" closure definition changes from, "sunset to sunrise" to "from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise".

The Barker Dam is closed to entry by the public to protect the structure.The closure limit is 10 feet around the dam except on the Barker Dam Trail side which will be limited to staying on the trail and off the dam.

Camping permits (reservation service or self-registration) may not be transferred, sold, or purchased beyond initial issuance.

New compendium exempts employee, park housing from alcohol restrictions in government buildings.

These revisions to the Compendium are adopted with the issuance of this press release.The complete Superintendent's Compendium is available from Park Headquarters or on the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm

Questions about the Superintendent's Compendium and the current revisions should be directed to Joshua Tree Chief Ranger Jeff Ohlfs at 760-367-5540.

www.nps.gov