NPS The turf area requires significant restoration following damage from the recent permitted events. A temporary closure is necessary to support efficient turf regrowth, as foot traffic will impede the process. This brief closure will allow the turf to regrow and return to functionality for park visitors, future permitted events, and other park uses. This temporary and partial closure is not of nature, magnitude and duration that will result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of these park areas. Other nearby park areas will remain open to the public. The closure will not adversely affect the park's natural, aesthetic, or cultural values. Additionally, the closure will not require significant modification to the resource management objectives, and is not controversial in nature. Accordingly, the National Park Service determines that publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register, is unwarranted per 36 C.F.R. § l.5(c). This finding is consistent with hundreds of earlier partial and temporary park closures, the legal opinion of the Office of the Solicitor, and judicial adjudications. Picciotto v. United States. No. 99-2113 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. United States, No.94-1935 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. Lulan, No. 90-1261 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. Hodel, No. 87-3290 (D.D.C.); Spiegel v. Babbitt, 855 F.Supp. 402 (D.D.C. 1994), affld in part w/o op. 56 F.3d 1531 (D.C. Cir. 1995). Pursuant to 36 C.F.R.§ 1.7, notice of this temporary and partial closure will be made through fencing and posting of signs at conspicuous locations in the affected park area. Finally, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c), this determination is available to the public upon request. Michael Commisso for Kevin Griess 5/11/26 Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks |
Last updated: May 12, 2026