National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.
Missouri National Recreational River
508 East Second Street
Yankton, SD 57078 605 665-0209 phone 605 665-4183 fax
Approved: 04/10/2024 Curt Dimmick, Superintendent
SUPERINTENDENT'S COMPENDIUM
In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions apply to all land and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Missouri National Recreational River. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.
The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Missouri National Recreational River. These include:
Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.
Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Title 16 and 54.
This Compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in the document in italicized print.
Please e-mail us if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium. Written comments on the Compendium may be submitted to:
Superintendent
508 East Second Street
Yankton, SD 57078
NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in CFR are used in this Compendium are defined as follows:
Day Use Area: Any area consisting of or adjacent to paved parking lots, buildings, or toilet facilities that are open to the general public.
Uncrewed Aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight without the possibility of direct human intervention form 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.
Walkway: Sidewalks, paths, trails, or hard-surfaced areas that are closed to the use of bicycles and motorized vehicles.
36 CFR §1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS
36 CFR 1.5 (a)(1) - Visiting hours, public use limits and closures
Visiting Hours
Missouri National Recreational River Visitor Center and Park Headquarters is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except for federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving and December 26. Severe winter storms may cause facilities to close until such time it is safe for visitation.
Mulberry Bend Overlook is open from dawn to dusk, subject to severe weather closures.
Bow Creek Recreation Area, Green Island Recreation Area and Goat Island Recreation Area is open from dawn to dusk unless engaged in overnight camping or properly licensed hunting and/or fishing activities.
Public Use Limits
No more than 6 people and two tents per designated campsite at Bow Creek Recreational Area, Goat Island Recreation Area, and Green Island Recreational Area except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. Bow Creek and Green Island Recreational Areas designated primitive campsites are small with limited flat ground. Setting up tents outside the designated campsite would result in erosion, damage to native plants and alter the scenic value.
Dispersed camping no more than 4 people and one tent per site except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. Campsites will be at least 50 yards apart from another tent. Campsite will be at least 100 feet from a flowing stream, river or body of water. Minimize impact to vegetation and scenic value in non-developed areas.
Fishing with set lines is prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas
Closures
Bow Creek Recreation Area:
Dispersed camping from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Minimizing visitor conflicts with hunters and provides for a safer hunting experience.
Hunting from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Memorial to Labor day visitor use in the park is recreational boating, shore fishing, picnicking, hiking and camping.
Trapping. Closures are necessary to meet NPS goals for visitor safety, such as dispersed camping.
Hunting within 100 yards of developed facilities including designated primitive campsites. Minimize visitor use conflicts.
Green Island Recreational Area:
Hunting and trapping Necessary to meet NPS goals for visitor safety. Green Island is a small acreage parcel of land not suitable for hunting or trapping.
Goat Island Recreational Area:
Dispersed camping from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Minimizing visitor conflicts with hunters and provides for a safer hunting experience.
Hunting and trapping from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Memorial to Labor Day visitor use in the park is recreational boating, shore fishing, picnicking, hiking and camping.
Small game and nongame hunting. Closures are necessary to meet NPS goals for visitor safety, such as dispersed camping.
Hunting or trapping within 100 yards of developed island facilities Minimize visitor use conflicts
Mulberry Bend Overlook Area:
Hunting and trapping. Closures are necessary to meet NPS goals for visitor safety such as day use area and protection of environment or scenic values
36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2) – Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity
Conditions or Restrictions on a Use or Activity
Camping or overnight occupancy in any primitive or dispersed area, within a single district in Missouri National Recreational River, by any person or group for more than 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period is prohibited. Primitive / dispersed camping is with no water or trash services, It is “pack it in and pack it out.” Campers must leave the respective Missouri National Recreational River district for at least 16 days before returning to camp. Camping compendium actions are established to protect sensitive park resources, such native grasses and preserve visitor experience of solitude. Avoid visitor use conflicts between various activities that take place in these areas such as waterfowl hunting.
Hunting and trapping are permitted within the Missouri National Recreational River at the Bow Creek Recreation Area in accordance with Nebraska state regulations and park specific regulations (see below: 36 CFR 2.2 (b)(2)-(4) – Hunting and trapping) as applicable. Hunting, with park specific regulations (see below: 36 CFR 2.2 (b)(2)-(4) – Hunting and trapping), is allowed on the Goat Island Recreation Area. In general, hunters and trappers on Goat Island need to be familiar with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks state regulations, whereas those hunting at Bow Creek Recreation Area only need to be familiar with Nebraska state regulations
Artificial light in the act of hunting is allowed where acceptable following Nebraska or South Dakota regulations.
The use of set lines (unattended bank lines) is permitted, as established and in accordance with South Dakota and Nebraska fishing regulations, with the following exceptions: Set lines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. The use of set lines adjacent to public landings and/or designated (cordoned off and/or signed/posted) swimming areas is prohibited to reduce the possibility of damage to equipment, or injury to others. 36 CFR §2.3(d)(8)
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Missouri National Recreational River is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, birds of prey, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Policy Memorandum 14 - 05 dated June 19, 2014
Bicycles and electric bicycles are prohibited except for special or routine access for official / administrative use on hiking trails on park owned properties.
36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
36 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit
The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statues and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions
Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5
Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5
Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6
Camping in designated primitive sites at Bow Creek, Goat Island, and Green Island Recreation Areas. Dispersed camping in the Bluffs Unit of Bow Creek Recreation Area and on Goat Island Recreation Area between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 36 CFR 2.10 Camping permit
In non-developed areas, operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor engine. This does not apply to vessels in areas where motor boating is allowed. 36 CFR 2.12
Operating a public address system. 36 CFR 2.12
Deliver or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.17
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37
Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38
Excavating or removing archeological resources. 43 CFR part 7
Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR part 49
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
36 CFR 2.1(a)(4) – Using or possessing wood gathered from the park
Dead and down wood may be gathered in the vicinity of the Green Island, Bow Creek and Goat Island Recreation Areas designated camping areas for immediate use within the provided fire grates. An adequate amount of dead and down wood on the ground may be used for campfires. The use of this wood will help reduce the amount of ground fuels available to a wildfire. The introduction of firewood from outside the area could bring with it unintended non-native pests and disease.
36 CFR 2.1(c)(1)-(2) – Designation of natural products for personal use or consumption
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 use or consumption restrictions:
One quart equivalent of all species of edible berries by hand per day per person.
One gallon equivalent of all species of edible fungi / mushrooms by hand per day per person. The superintendent has determined that the gathering and consumption of these natural products in the manner allowed will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
36 CFR 2.2 (b)(2)-(4) – Hunting and trapping
Bow Creek Recreation Area
Upland game, small game, furbearer, turkey, deer and waterfowl hunting are permitted in accordance with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regulations and seasons.
Trapping is prohibited.
Permanent decoys are not allowed.
Waterfowl decoys must be removed from bodies of water at the close of each hunting day. All other decoys (e.g., turkey) must be removed at the close of each hunting day.
Non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting.
Two portable tree stands per hunter and the portable tree stand can remain in place for the duration of the season. Portable tree stands cannot be permanently mounted, no nails, screws or bolts in trees. Portable tree stands can be erected one week before the season starts and must be removed one week after the season ends. Stands must be labeled with the owner’s name and applicable state hunter identification number.
Portable or mobile blinds are allowed to be set up at Bow Creek Recreation Area or on a sandbar attached to the area but must be removed daily.
All hunters and users of the area are required to pack out all hunting debris, such as spent shell casings or other personal trash.
The following tools, devices, or techniques are not allowed at Bow Creek Recreational area: feeders, bait stations, amplified, electric or recorded calls, drones, devices utilized for transmitting information regarding the location of game, cellular trail cameras, running and/or game drives.
Non-cellular trail cameras maybe used. Name and applicable hunting license number of the person using the non-cellular trail camera must be on the exterior of the non-cellular trail camera. Attaching non-cellular trail cameras with nails, bolts or screws to trees, posts or other structures is prohibited. Non-cellular trail cameras can be placed one week before the season and must be removed one week after the season closes; non-cellular cameras can remain in-use for the duration of the season.
All hunters are required to provide harvest information to the park including dates hunted and species harvested. Please e-mail us with harvest information or call 605-665-0209 ext. 29. or mail to: National Park Service, Visitor and Resource Protection, 508 East Second Street, Yankton, 57078. Hunting is a long-standing use of the Bow Creek Recreational Area. Construction of a permanent hunting stand or blind or staking claim to public islands and sandbars would amount to private use of public property and must be prohibited to protect equal public access and enjoyment. Regulations for hunting and trapping were developed in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to ensure equal access for all visitors, provide a safe environment for recreation, and protect resources for present and future generations to enjoy.
Goat Island Recreation Area
Hunting or trapping on Goat Island must have a valid Nebraska or South Dakota license / permit, applicable to the species and location.
Archery only deer and archery only turkey hunting is permitted.
Trapping is permitted in accordance with Nebraska and South Dakota state laws and Regulations.
Waterfowl hunting is open only to firearm use per the laws and regulations of either the state of Nebraska or South Dakota according to the state hunting license in possession.
Permanent decoys are not allowed. Waterfowl decoys must be removed from bodies of water at the close of each hunting day. All other decoys (e.g., turkey) must be removed at the close of each hunting day.
Portable tree stands are allowed for deer and turkey archery hunting only. Portable tree stands must not be permanently mounted, no nails, screws or bolts into trees. Up to two portable tree stands allowed per hunter and the portable tree stands can remain in place for the duration of the season. Portable tree stands can be placed one week before the season starts and must be removed by the last day of the season. Portable tree stands must be labeled with the owner’s name and applicable state hunter identification number.
Portable or mobile blinds are allowed to be set up on the island or on a sandbar attached to the island; all blinds must be removed daily.
Hunters and trappers are required to pack out all hunting debris, such as spent shell casings or other personal trash.
The following tools, devices, or techniques are not allowed at Goat Island Recreation Area: feeders, bait stations, amplified, electronic or recorded calls, drones, devices utilized for transmitting information regarding the location of game, cellular trail cameras, running and / or game drives.
Non-cellular trail camera may be used. Name and applicable hunting license number of the person using the non-cellular trail camera must be on the exterior of the non-cellular trail camera. Attaching non-cellular trail cameras with nails, bolts or screws to trees, posts or other structures is prohibited. Non-cellular trail cameras can be placed one week before the and must be removed one week after the season closes, non-cellular cameras can remain in-use for the duration of the season.
Deer and turkey hunters and trappers are required to provide harvest information to the park including dates hunted and species harvested. Please e-mail us with harvest information or call 605-665-0209 ext. 29. or mail to: National Park Service, Visitor and Resource Protection, 508 East Second Street, Yankton, 57078. Unrestricted rifle hunting and other types of hunting are incompatible with camping, hiking and other recreational activities. Construction of a permanent hunting stand or blind or staking claim to public islands and sandbars would amount to private use of public property and must be prohibited to protect equal public access and enjoyment. Regulations for hunting and trapping were developed in cooperation with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to ensure equal access for all visitors, provide a safe environment for recreation, and protect resources for present and future generations to enjoy.
36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING
36 CFR 2.3(a) - Designated areas
Fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the applicable State within exterior boundaries of a park area or portion of the park area. Non-conflicting State laws are adopted.
Live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs and fish roe may be used in accordance with applicable State regulations. State regulations allow the use of bait fish if such fish are used in the same waters in which they are captured. This practice will not introduce non-native fish into park waters.
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE
36 CFR 2.10(a) – Permits, designated sites or areas, and conditions for camping
Permitted primitive designated camping sites at Bow Creek Recreation Area, Goat Island Recreation Area, and Green Island Recreation Area.
Permitted primitive dispersed camping all year at Green Island Recreation Area.
Permitted primitive dispersed camping at Bow Creek Recreation Area and Goat Island Recreation Area between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Camping regulations are established to protect sensitive park resources, to preserve visitor experience of solitude, and to avoid visitor use conflicts between the various activities that take place in these areas (e.g., hunting or trapping).
36 CFR §2.13 – FIRES
36 CFR 2.13(1) - Lighting or maintaining a fire in designated areas or receptacles
Metal fire ring and grates at Bow Creek Recreation Area, Goat Island Recreation Area, and Green Island Recreation Area. Campfires are a consistent use with primitive camping. To reduce unwanted wildfires, campfires are restricted to provided fire ring grates and must be cold to the touch when not attended. The use of campfires may be banned or restricted due to the local fire danger level.
36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY
36 CFR 2.22(2) - Unattended property longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions
Waterfowl decoys must be removed from bodies of water, at the close of each hunting day.
Portable tree stands are allowed for deer and turkey archery hunting only. Portable tree stands must not be permanently mounted, no nails, screws or bolts into trees. Two portable tree stands per hunter and the portable tree stand can remain in place for the duration of the season. Portable tree stands can be placed one week before the season starts and must be removed by the last day of the season. Portable tree stands must be labeled with the owner’s name and applicable state hunter identification number.
Non-cellular trail camera for hunting. Name and applicable hunting license number of the person using the non-cellular trail camera must be on the exterior of the non-cellular trail camera. Attaching non-cellular trail cameras with nails, bolts or screws to trees, posts or other structures is prohibited. Non-cellular trail cameras can be placed one week before the season and must be removed by one week after the season closes, non-cellular cameras can remain in-use for the duration of the season. Removing waterfowl decoys at the close of the hunting day prevents decoys from blowing away from wind or pulled down stream by the river current. Portable ground blinds will be removed daily to prevent them from blowing away by the wind or destroyed in inclement weather. Removing portable tree stands and non-cellular trail cameras daily is impractical and a hardship to the hunter during the hunting season.
36 CFR §2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS AND DESIGNATED AVAILABLE PARK AREAS
36 CFR 2.51(c)(2) – Designated location
The following location at Mulberry Bend Overlook: The sidewalk at the south end of the parking area.
Park Headquarters/visitor contact station: The lawn to the east of the building. The designated locations will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. The designated locations leave space for visitors to enter and leave those areas safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.
36 CFR §2.52 – SALE OF PRINTED MATTER AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER AND OTHER MESSAGE – BEARING ITEMS
The following location at Mulberry Bend Overlook: The sidewalk at the south end of the parking area.
Park Headquarters/visitor contact station: The lawn to the east of the building. The designed locations will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. The designated locations leave space for visitors to enter and leave those areas safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such interpretive events.
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES
36 CFR 4.30(i) – Electric bicycles
Class 1 – 3 electric bicycles are allowed in the following locations where traditional bicycles are allowed:
Park roads and parking areas.
Allowing electric bicycles on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because those locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles provide a recreational opportunity for visitors who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise because of physical fitness, age, or convenience
Bow Creek Recreation Area Hunting and Non-hunting areas.
NPS
The area marked, the lawn east of the MNRR Headquarters building, is the designated First Amendment permit area.
NPS
The sidewalk at the south end of the parking area is the designated First Amendment area at Mulberry Bend Overlook.
NPS
The National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (i.e. GIF or JPG format files) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. The related graphics are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not appropriate to use the related graphics as data. The National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an NPS server and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on computer systems at the National Park Service, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on other systems for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data.
