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A signed copy of the Minute Man National Historical Park Superintnendent's Compendium can be requested by mail:
Superintendent, MInute Man National Historical Park 174 Liberty Street Concord, MA 01742 The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level. The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public. As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature. Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park. A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the national Park System. A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at: Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 The CFR is also available on the Internet at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title36/36tab_02.tpl The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 1 et.seq. (Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations” (16 U.S.C. Section 1). In addition, the NPS Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service” (16 U.S.C. Section 3)
In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (16 U.S.C. Sections 1a1-1a8), Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.” 16 U.S.C. Section 1c defines the National Park System as” …any areas of land and water now or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service 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, 4 the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, than that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use. 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:
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 5 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.
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.
Copies of the Compendium are available at 174 Liberty St. Concord, Ma. . It may also be found at https://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm
In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Minute Man NHP. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print. I. GENERAL PROVISIONS36 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 Minute Man National Historical Park. Visiting hours for the Park, including all lands, trails facilities, and parking lots, are sunrise to sunset. This includes all areas administered by the Park including the North Bridge area and North Bridge Parking lot, the Wayside House area, and associated parking lot, and the areas and parking lots associated with the Battle Road unit which runs along both side of a stretch of Rt. 2A in Lexington and Lincoln, and along both sides of a stretch of Lexington Rd. in Concord,. Signs signify the Park entrances but are not exact boundary markers.
Determinations: The park trails, grounds and parking lots are closed at sunset in order to protect historic structures, livestock, cultural resources, and natural resources when made more vulnerable by the cover of darkness. Please Note: The grounds and lots are “closed” even when the gates are not physically closed. Signs in the lots indicate the closed condition and visitors are expected to keep out of the lots and off the grounds and out of the parking lots after sunset. Areas and Structures:
Definition: 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, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
The idling of motor vehicle engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.
This condition is established to protect the availability of parking space for visitors. The parking lots are not provided as a place to leave a vehicle for a period of time while the occupants are doing something other than visiting the park as this limits the availability of parking for visitors.
This is a “Carry in, Carry out, Park. There are no trash receptacles available. Visitors are asked to “Carry Out” their trash.
In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Minute Man NHP uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.
The park’s use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1) This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1) Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2) Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law. 36 CFR §1.6: Activities that Require a Permit§1.5(d) The following activities related to “Public Use Limits”: Application for, and approval of locations for a special event use §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Taking of plant, fish, wildlife, artifacts, rocks, or minerals) §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52) §2.50(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events. §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views; “First Amendment Activities” §2.52(c) The sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising (Note: Commercial advertising is prohibited without a Commercial Use Authorization) §2.60(b) Livestock use §2.61(a) Residing on federal lands §2.62 Memorialization (a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Director) (b) Scattering ashes from human cremation §5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.) §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations). §5.5 Commercial filming, still photography, and audio recording. §5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc. §5.10(a) Operation of eating, drinking, or lodging establishments in park areas.
For more information on permit requirements please go to Permits - Minute Man National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) or contact Minute Man National Historical Park’s Chief Ranger at 978-318-7828 (Voicemail). More information about Special Use Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/doingbusinesswithus.htm
General Regulations (b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the areas listed in Section 1.5 of this document.
(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, and berries may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:
(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
In accordance with state law and procedure. NOTE: NO HUNTING IS ALLOWED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF MINUTE MAN NHP NOTE: ALL FIREARMS MUST BE CARRIED OR STORED IN COMPLAINCE WITH MASSACHUSETTS STATE LAW. EXEMPTIONS FOR HUNTING DO NOT APPLY AS HUNTING IS NOT PERMITTED. PARKING WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF MINUTE MAN NHP IN ORDER TO HUNT IN AN AREA OUTSIDE THE PARK MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF “ILLEGAL TAKING OF WILDLIFE” AND/OR A WEAPONS VIOLATION. (e) The entire park is closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
(a) Fishing in designated areas
For visitor safety, fishing is allowed from the banks of the Concord River within the park but not in areas that are near the heavily trafficked North Bridge and adjacent areas. Refer to the graphic on the following page to find suggested areas for fishing the Concord River from the banks in Minute Man NHP. Fishing in the Concord River from a boat is regulated by Massachusetts law in is not regulated by this Compendium. Fishing at all locations in Minute Man NHP is regulated by Massachusetts state law. 36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING: Locations Indicated. There shall be NO fishing from the North Bridge There shall be NO fishing from the shore in the park as indicated by the red line on the graphic below. Fishing from a boat in the Concord River is not restricted by this compendium and must conform to all applicable law and regulation. The area suggested for fishing is indicated by the green line linked in the graphic below. Image of designated fishing area (2)(ii) Discharging weapons in Minute Man NHP is not allowed.
The possession of Firearms is regulated under Massachusetts State law. Firearms are not permitted in Federal Facilities. Possession or use of trap or net is prohibited. Possession of other weapons (“edged” for example) is regulated under Massachusetts State Law. (a) There are NO designated camping areas within Minute Man NHP.
Camping is occasionally allowed by Special Use Permit when the camping helps to facilitate a Park Event. Conditions and restrictions for picnicking are listed under (a)(2) on a previous page.
(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. (a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51. (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Fires are not permitted except under the conditions of a Special Use Permit. Using a grill of any kind, except inside a trailer or RV, is not permitted except under the conditions indicated in a Special Use Permit or other official agreement. This condition is established in order to prevent wild land and structural fires. Minute Man NHP follows the national “Leave No Trace” program’s “Carry In and Carry Out trash” policy. Trash cans are not provided. Park visitors must remove all trash, including pet waste, from the park.
(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:
Horses for law enforcement purposes are allowed on the park trails and lands. Horses for interpretive purposes are allowed on the park trails and lands (only by Special Use Permit or as part of a NPS sponsored program). Recreational use of horses is not allowed. Pack animals and other livestock (oxen, cows, etc.) are allowed in the park only by permit or as part of a Park Program. Horses may be ridden on public roads running through the park under conditions established by State Law. There is no designated area for the riding of horses in Minute Man NHP. This condition is established in order to prevent conflicts between horse riders and others and to protect park resources and trails which are not suitable for horses g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals: Horse riding within the park is not allowed unless by permit. Such permits are granted only in conjunction with a park event, or in order to facilitate the park meeting mission goals. Horseback riding is not permitted for recreation purposes. (c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent through written authorization.
(c) Snowmobile use is not allowed within the park boundary.
(a) The Battle Road Trail may be used for skiing and snowshoe use.
(b) The towing of persons on skis, sled or other similar device by motor vehicle or snowmobile is not allowed. The use of roller skates skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are allowed only in the following areas:
On public or private ways in accordance with State Law. (a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
The use of ENDS is not permitted in any location where Smoking is not permitted. For more information see 36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING (a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:
Vehicles and other property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in parking areas or other locations when a permit has been granted for that activity. The park’s Law Enforcement can be reached at 508-254-7491 In all other situations where property is left unattended for longer than 24 hours that property may be considered abandoned and will be removed. Geocaching is not currently allowed at Minute Man NHP. Anyone wishing to make a case to allow geocaching is invited to present their case to the Chief Ranger and Superintendent for future consideration. (b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:
Interpretive Fee Areas: The Wayside House interpretive tour (a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
All areas of Minute Man NHP are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, with the following exceptions:
(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(b) Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted: (a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent. See park webpage for more information.
(b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.
(c)(2) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations under the Small Group Exception:
The Superintendent may designate additional areas as needed. See Appendix A for maps. (b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, or in the following designated areas without a permit, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
(a)(2) Launching a vessel is prohibited from the banks of the river at Minute Man NHP (other than those that had arrived by water)
Boats (including canoes and kayaks) may NOT be launched (i.e. carried from a vehicle down to the river) into the Concord River within the park boundary except from the boat house adjacent to the Old Manse with the permission of the Director of the Old Manse. (Note: The Old Manse is owned and operated separately from the Minute Man National Historical Park). Small boats may pull up on the shore of the river so that passengers may disembark and visit the Park except at any time or location where there is not a sign on the shore prohibiting that activity. (Example: a project to restore vegetation to the riverbank might require the area not be trampled thus canoes and kayaks would not be allowed to be dragged on to the shore in that location. The prohibition on launching boats is to preserve the limited parking space in the North Bridge lot and to prevent conflicts and injuries resulting from boaters carrying their boats and equipment through areas often crowded with visitors. There is a popular boat launch available just upstream at Lowell Rd. (b)(3) Vessels may not create a wake or exceed 5 mph in the following areas: The Concord River within the park boundary which is the section of river between the Monument Street bridge and the Lowell Road Bridge. PWC (Jet Ski) use on the Concord River within the park boundary is prohibited.
Water Skiing/Towing Areas:
No water skiing or towing on the Concord River within the park boundary. This condition is established to protect the lives of skiers, boaters & visitors in the North Bridge area. These restrictions are necessary to achieve such protection. (a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
The “no swimming” from shoreline condition is established to protect the commemorative atmosphere of the grounds surrounding the physical location where individuals lost their lives during the conflict between British Troops and Colonial Minutemen on April 19, 1775. a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below:
(a.1) 15 miles per hour: within parking areas, utility areas, business or residential areas, other places of public assemblage and at emergency scenes.
(b). The superintendent has designated the speed limit on roads within the boundary of the park at rates consistent with what has been posted by the applicable town or State of Massachusetts authority. Speed designations by the Superintendent are indicated on several attached graphics. The speed limit for Airport Road in Lexington, which is not otherwise posted, has been designated by the Superintendent to be 20 mph. For enforcement purposes, the posted limit, if different from the limit indicated in this compendium, shall be enforced. Graphic depictions of the speed limit designations for public roads within Minute Man NHP can be found on pages 21, 22, and 23. (a) Bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.
(d) Bicycles are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park in the following areas and trails with special exceptions noted below:
The speed limit for bicycle on the above trails is 10mph Riders must walk bikes across boardwalks, on the North Bridge and between Monument St. the Minute Man Statue, and on the Vernal Pool and Fisk Hill Loop Trails. Riders must yield right of way to pedestrians Operation of bicycles must comply with Massachusetts law Bicycles may not be ridden in fields, on lawns, or in undeveloped areas or off-trail. The use of bicycles in the following areas and/or trails not designated for bike use is prohibited:
(h) Prohibited acts
(i) Electric bicycles. (1) The use of an electric bicycle (“e-bike”) is allowed on park roads, parking areas, and on the Battle Road Trail and North Bridge Trail with the below restrictions. (2) The use of an electric bicycle is prohibited in locations not designated by the Superintendent under paragraph (i)(1) of this section. (3) Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor exclusively to move an electric bicycle for an extended period of time without pedaling is prohibited. (7) Closures, limits, restrictions Minute Man National Historical Park: All bicycle closures, limits and restrictions listed in 4.30(f) above apply to e-bikes with the addition of:
Determination: Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are now defined in 36 CFR. These provisions protect the park’s natural, scenic, and aesthetic values, while contributing to minimal disturbance to wildlife or park resources. Allowing electric bicycles on public roads and in parking areas will create new opportunities for recreation and access within the park. 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. Planning documents regarding this topic include the park’s 1999 EA which can be viewed at park headquarters.. Hitchhiking is not permitted within the park boundary
Appendix A: First Amendment Areas The NPS regulations create a small group permit exception that allows groups of 25 people or less to demonstrate or sell or distribute printed matter within parks’ designated areas without a permit.
Activities under the small group permit exception may not interfere with other permitted activities or park programs. Permitted activities are given priority use of designated areas, after which the area is made available on a first-come basis. Should more than one small group seek to use a designated area without a permit, and it is determined that the area cannot reasonably accommodate multiple groups, the later-arriving group will be directed to another designated area if available. Superintendents are directed to designate areas available for First Amendment activities using a set of regulatory criteria designed to protect park resources and values where individuals and group may express their views. Superintendents may accept applications for First Amendment activities no more than one calendar year prior to the start of the event, including set-up. Applications must be approved or denied within ten days. See the following pages for locations of designated “First Amendment” areas. For groups larger than 25 people a permit is required. If you have any questions regarding First Amendment activities, please call the Chief Ranger (978) 318-7828. Minute Man National Historical Park, like other National Park units, has designated several areas within the park in order to accommodate the “small group permit exception.”
What is a “small group permit exception” for “First Amendment” activities? Under 36 CFR 2.51(b)(1), 2.52(b)(1) groups of 25 or fewer people may demonstrate, distribute or sell printed matter, or give away noncommercial, message-bearing, non-printed matter in designated, available areas without obtaining a permit. Small groups may still apply for a permit in order to reserve their use of a particular area. The “First Amendment Area” in the North Bridge Unit is indicated by the blue circle on the image on the following page. The circle is intended to indicate the relatively flat area on the hillside west of the North Bridge that is accessible from Liberty Street through the gate in the stone wall. That designated space encompasses the area between the stone wall to the west, the flagpole to the east, the embankment and vegetation to the north, and the slope that runs to the south (compass headings approximate). The intended area is evident upon inspection. That designated area is the only defined “First Amendment” area in the North Bridge unit of Minute Man NHP. The lines on the graphic on the following page that circumscribe much of the remaining open space on the hillside between Liberty Street and the Concord River indicate areas in which the Superintendent may define other areas for “First Amendment/Free Speech activities that may occur at the same time that a “First Amendment/Free Speech” activity is taking place in the area designated by the blue circle. Note: The area indicated by the thin lines is NOT available for use without a permit and the location and scope of the area designated by the permit, within those indicated areas, will be determined by the Superintendent as a condition of the permit. The parameters of the Superintendent’s decision-making process include public safety considerations as well as event management logistics. First Amendment Area:
Image of First Amendment AreaNorth Bridge Graphic indicating location of designated area Blue Circle indicates the area designated for “Free Speech” activities to occur without a permit under the Small Group Exception. Please Note: The area indicated by the blue circle is also known as the Hillside Ceremony Area and is used for other activities by permit. If the area is being used by permit or by the National Park Service for an NPS sponsored activity, the area is not, simultaneously, available for use as a “Small Group Permit Exception” area. In case such a conflict should occur, there are other designated “First Amendment/Free Speech areas elsewhere in the park that may be used under the Small Group exception. The areas circumscribed by the thin blue lines approximately indicate areas in which the Superintendent may define additional First Amendment Areas if the Hillside Ceremony area is occupied by another group. First Amendment Area:
Paul Revere Capture Site: The Paul Revere Capture Site is located along Rt. 2A in Lincoln Massachusetts. The Paul Revere Capture Site is located along Rt. 2A in Lincoln Massachusetts. The map above shows the parking lot and the Monument. The area designated for First Amendment Activities is marked in Blue. Individuals or groups using this area must keep a distance of at least 20 feet from the Monument, the path, and the parking lot and must stay behind the stone wall that separates the Paul Revere Capture Site from the highway (Rt. 2A). First Amendment Area:
The Minute Man Visitor Center is located along Rt. 2A in Lexington Massachusetts. There is a small amphitheater on the grounds consisting of several rows of benches. The area immediately in front of those benches is designated as a First Amendment Area. That area is marked in Blue above. That area is also used as a presentation space for NPS activities and occasionally as part of an area used by a Special Park Use Permit. If that area is being occupied by the NPS for an NPS activity, or otherwise occupied by a permitted activity, that space is not, simultaneously available to be used for a First Amendment activity under the “Small Group Exception.” In that case there are other designated First Amendment areas in the park that are available for use. People using this area must keep back twenty feet from the pedestrian walkway. The Superintendent may more specifically define the limits of this area if needed for public safety.Minute Man Visitor Center: Appendix B: Speed LimitsSpeed Limits in Minute Man NHP
North Bridge Unit Speed Limits on Monument Street and Liberty Street in Concord within the boundary of the Park are 30mph. The Superintendent has designated the speed limits on roads within the park. The designations do not conflict with posted limits. In any instance where a speed limit has been officially and legally posted by another jurisdiction in such a manner that conflicts with the designation in the compendium, the posted speed limit supersedes the designation for the purposes of speed enforcement by NPS officers. Speed Limits in Minute Man NHP
Speed Limits in Minute Man NHP
Battle Road Unit: East Lincoln on Rt 2A (North Great Rd.) as indicated by sign: 40 mph Lincoln on Airport Rd: 20 mph Lexington on Airport Rd: 20 mph Lexington on Rt 2A (Marrett Rd.) as indicated by sign: 35 mph Lexington on Mass Ave as indicated by sign: 35 mph Lexington on Old Mass Ave as indicated by sign: 35 mph The Superintendent has designated the speed limits on roads within the park as indicated. The designations do not conflict with posted limits. In any instance where a speed limit has been officially and legally posted by another jurisdiction in such a manner that conflicts with the designation in the compendium, the posted speed limit supersedes the designation for the purposes of speed enforcement by NPS officers.
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Last updated: November 16, 2022