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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 lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. 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 CRF 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 Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
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.
Statues codified in the U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.
Please contact Carla Beasley if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.
NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply. In addition to terms defined in the CRF, the following term used in this Compendium are defined as follows:
Uncrewed Aircraft:
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, quad copter, drones) that are used for any purposes, including recreation or commerce.
36 CFR 1.5 - Closures and Public Use Limits
36 CFR 1.5 (a)(1)- Visiting hours, public use limits and closures
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park grounds are open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day federal holidays. Severe storms and other emergency situations may cause the park to close until such time as it is safe for visitation. Park operating hours are subject to change dependent upon seasonal visitor demands and special programs. Park sponsored special events and programs, and activities authorized by the Superintendent through a written permit are exempt.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park was established to protect significant archeological and cultural resources. No overnight camping facilities exist in the park. Closing the park in the evening and on federal holidays is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times, and except for scheduled evening interpretive programs, visitation during evening and overnight hours without a permit leaves the park vulnerable to looting and vandalism.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park uses controlled accessibility. All vehicular visitors and service representatives are required to enter through the signed park gate located at 1207 Emery Highway. Service vehicles, such as emergency and utility vehicles, that are too large to utilize the tunnel under the railroad tracks along the park road are exempt from this limit.
Ocmulgee Mounds was established as an archeological/cultural preserve. Because of the great public interest in arrowhead and pottery collecting, the National Park Service must be constantly aware of an existing threat to the resource by those who would not respect its preservation ideals. Controlled access is necessary to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the park.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.
All areas under the jurisdiction of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park east of Walnut Creek and north of Emery Highway are closed to the public, except when part of a park-led guided tour.
The limitation of visitor use at unimproved land east of Walnut Creek and north of Emery Highway does not adversely affect the cultural or natural resource experience of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The area has not been provided with facilities for visitor safety, control, protection, or sanitary needs, and without these facilities, significant damage to the natural and cultural resources can occur. Tradition and public expectations are consistent with not permitting visitor access to this area, except by a guided walk by the park staff where the service has had an opportunity to advise the visitor of potential safety hazards and resource protection regulations. The area is a teeming ecosystem protected against damage or human involvement.
Maintenance areas and residential areas are closed to the public except in emergencies or with the permission of the Superintendent.
The parks residential and maintenance area contains personal belongings and government equipment and supplies that are secured by keeping all but authorized traffic from entering. There are no park theme related sites in these areas.
The park is closed to swimming and bathing.
It is unsafe to swim or bathe in waters within the park due to water level issues and hazardous downed trees and limbs.
Launching, docking, or removing boats from the water of Ocmulgee River and Walnut Creek.
The shorelines are susceptible to damage from soil erosion. Damage caused to vegetation along the Ocmulgee River and Walnut Creek shorelines caused by the dragging of boats through the area would put the resource at risk and would be an intrusion on the cultural setting of this area.
The entire park is closed to kite flying and model motorized vehicles.
This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public safety and for the protection of cultural resources and values. Kite flying and motorized model vehicles pose a threat to visitor safety along roads and pose a threat to cultural resources near mounds. Kite flying along trails results in kites being caught in trees impairing the scenic cultural value of the park. These uses also create the potential for visual intrusion of the historic and cultural scene.
The entire park is closed to Easter egg and treasure hunts, geocaching, Earth caching, and pursuits utilizing Global Positioning Systems that cache a real object.
Certain recreational uses are prohibited as they detract from the significance and purpose of the park. These uses also create the potential for visual intrusion of the historic and cultural scene. •
Balloons are prohibited in all park areas except building and vehicle interiors. Release of any type of balloon into the air is prohibited.
This restriction is necessary to protect wildlife that may encounter and become entangled with or swallow punctured balloons.
The public may not access park lands from the railroad property nor may no access railroad property from park roads, parking areas, trails, or other park property.
This restriction is necessary to protect park visitors from the hazards associated with the railroad. Trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related fatalities in America. Nationally, approximately 500+ trespassing deaths occur each year, the vast majority of which are preventable.
All roads, lands, and waters within the park are closed to the operation of all-terrain 3-and 4- wheel cycles, off road utility vehicles (UTV), similar vehicles intended only for off road use, and golf carts except for emergency and administrative use.
The Superintendent has determined this closure is necessary because all-terrain type vehicles and golf carts pose a risk to public safety, damage park natural and cultural resources as well as infrastructure, and create public use conflicts. No routes within the park are designated for off road motor vehicle use. Past activities of ATV users within the park have damaged natural and cultural resources and infrastructure.
Fishing in the Clay Hole Pond adjacent to the Great Temple Mound and fishing from trail boardwalk and bridges is prohibited.
This restriction is necessary to protect the scenic natural value wetland ecosystem, and to ensure the safety of park visitors using the trail system.
Lighting or maintaining a fire within the park is prohibited, except as approved by the Superintendent for administrative uses.
Limitations on the use of fire are necessary to prevent adverse impacts to resources, as well as to prevent fire from escaping to adjoining residential areas, major highways, and adjacent lands.
The Superintendent reserves the right to close the park or portions thereof, for resource management purposes, non-public meetings, government-to-government meetings and consultations, activities of culturally associated American Indian Tribes, public holidays, national security, or emergency situations.
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park 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 disturbing visitors, creating public safety risks, disturbing wildlife, interfering with park operations, causing excessive noise, and impacting view sheds.
Recreational activities such as disk throwing, ball playing, etc. are restricted to the mowed turf area adjacent to the visitor center and the associated parking lot. Activities are further restricted, at the discretion of the Superintendent, to those that are low impact and do not result in damage to turf or other resources or cause undue interference with other park visitors.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park exists to preserve and protect indigenous ceremonial and burial areas. Protection of the surviving features requires etiquette from visitors. There is no valid educational reason to allow sport-like recreational activities in these areas. The use of the park for organized athletic events or competitive recreational events is not generally compatible with the significance and purpose of the park.
Motor vehicles may only stop or park in designated parking areas or in pull-outs along the roadway. No off-road operation or parking of motor vehicles is permitted, except in designated overflow parking areas.
Parking or driving off designated roadways or parking facilities can create opportunities for erosion and otherwise damage park resources.
Passenger carrying bus engines must be shut down when not underway.
The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary noise and exhaust fumes which diminish enjoyment of the peace and tranquility of the park.
Operating an audio amplification device such as a radio, sound system, or public address system, is restricted to the mowed turf area adjacent to the visitor center and the associated parking lot and requires approval in writing by the Superintendent.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park exists to preserve and protect indigenous ceremonial and burial areas. Protection of the surviving features requires etiquette from visitors to maintain the commemorative nature and for respect for those who are buried in these areas. Audio amplification interferes with interpretive talks and adversely affects the cultural or natural resource experience of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
Pedestrian use of the park tour road is restricted to small groups of 10 or less. Pedestrians should walk single file, and as near to the side of the road as possible.
The above limitations are established to ensure the safety of the public, as well as that of the motoring public during normal operating hours. Park roads in most areas have little or no shoulder and limited site distance in some areas.
Public parking during the annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is limited to designated off-site parking areas.
This restriction is necessary to ensure public safety and to protect archeological and cultural resources. Event attendance exceeds the capacity of designated and overflow parking within the park. Parking outside authorized areas poses a risk of damage to cultural resources. In addition, the significant increase in visitation during the event substantially heightens vehicle–pedestrian interactions, creating an increased risk of pedestrian injury.
36 CFR 1.6 Permits
The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Exceptions to closures and public use limits. 36 CFR 1.5
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5
Specimen collection (the taking of any plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals). 36 CFR 2.5
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views involving more than 25 persons require a permit or outside the designated demonstration area. 36 CFR 2.51
Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian Tribes. 36 CFR 2.6
Operation of an audio amplification device such as a radio, sound system, or public address system. 36 CFR 2.12
Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.12
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods, or services. 26 CF 2.37
Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38
Conducting special events, such as a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events. 36 CFR 2.50
The sale or distribution of printed matter, buttons, and bumper stickers. 36 CRF 2.52
Residing on federal lands. 36 CFR 2.61
Memorialization. 36 CFR 2.62
Scattering of ashes from human cremation. 36 CFR 2.62
Operating a submersible. 36 CFR 3.19
Displaying, posting, or distributing, commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1
Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.3
Some audio recording (if conditions are met). 36 CFR 5.5
Using commercial vehicles on NPS-administered roads. 36 CFR 5.6
Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, structure, or utility. 36 CFR5.7
Rights-of-way. 36 CFR 14
Examining ruins, excavating archeological sites, and gathering of antiquity. 43 CFR Part 3
Excavating or removing archeological resources. 43 CFR Part 7
Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR Part 49
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 54 U.S.C. 100905
36 CFR 2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resource
Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource, except in designated areas and under conditions established by the Superintendent is prohibited.
Walking on identifiable mounds and other archeological resources may damage those resources. There is no valid interpretive or educational reason for walking on the mounds outside of the designated walking paths provided.
Possessing or using mineral or metal detectors, ground penetrating radar, side scan sonar, other subbottom profiler, and other such devices is prohibited without a permit.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park exists as an archeological/cultural preserve to preserve and protect indigenous ceremonial and burial areas. Because of the great public interest in collecting objects of antiquity, the National Park Service must be constantly aware of an existing threat to the resource by those who would not respect its preservation ideals.
The following nuts and berries may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted quantity and use or consumption restrictions:
Nuts, such as pecans and acorns, when collected from the ground. One quart per person per day.
All species of edible berries by hand for immediate personal consumption on site. Nor more than one handful may be taken 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 park resources. Collecting nuts that have already fallen to the ground will have no direct and immediate impact on the plants that produced the nuts. There is a sufficient volume of nuts to allow for the designated harvest amounts without creating any adverse impacts to the propagation of the species or to wildlife that consume nuts for the subsistence. The species of edible berries in the park are widespread. Collection is limited to one handful in order to ensure that enough berries are available to feed wildlife in the area.
36 CFR 2.10 – Camping and Food Storage
The park is closed to camping, except as approved by the Superintendent for housing temporary volunteers conducting approved volunteer activities.
Opportunities exist outside the park for camping. There are no designated campgrounds in the park and infrastructure does not support public camping.
36 CFR 2.11 – Picnicking
The park is closed to picnicking except in the areas designated for that purpose located adjacent to the visitor center parking lot and the center island in the Funeral Mound parking lot.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park exists to preserve and protect indigenous ceremonial and burial areas. Protection of the surviving features requires etiquette from visitors. There is no valid educational reason to allow picnicking activities in these areas.
36 CFR 2.15 – Pets
Domestic pets are allowed within the park, including on park trails, if they are physically restrained on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confined at all times. Voice commands alone, electronic shock collars, and similar devices do not meet the requirements for physical restraint of a pet as required by 36 CFR § 2.15. The following additional restrictions apply:
All animal waste must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings). Visitors bringing pets to the park must carry on their person a bag or other device for the containerization and removal of excrement.
Further restrictions on pets/animals may be established by the Superintendent during events. Pet owners are responsible for their animals, including cleaning up after them. The nature of the park, an indigenous burial and ceremonial site, requires the park to be treated with respect.
36 CFR 2.16 – Horses and Pack Animals
The entire park is closed to horses and pack animals.
This restriction is necessary to maintain public safety and for the protection of the cultural, environmental, and scenic values of the park.
36 CFR 2.20 – Skating, Skateboards, and Similar Devices
Use of roller skates, skateboards, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is permitted only by park residents and their guests in the residential area and on park roads after the park is closed to the public.
This restriction is necessary to maintain public safety and for the protection of the cultural, environmental, and scenic values of the park during operating hours. This relaxation of regulation permits park residents the use of such devices while still providing for public safety.
36 CFR 2.21 – Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all government facilities, structures, and vehicles, or within 25 feet of any Government vehicle while fueling.
Smoking in government facilities and vehicles is prohibited by departmental policy. Smoking is also prohibited to protect sensitive cultural and historic structures from the presence of tobacco smoke and the potential for fire.
36 CFR 2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substance
All areas of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park are closed to the 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, except the mowed turf area adjacent to the visitor center and the associated picnicking area, and the park residences and immediate curtilage.
The restriction is in place to protect facilities and resources from potential damage which may occur from accumulation of refuse where receptacles are not present. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park exists to preserve and protect indigenous ceremonial and burial areas. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the immediate vicinity of the mound areas is disrespectful.
36 CFR 2.51 - Demonstrations and Designated Available Park Areas
Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within the designated demonstration area, provided the conditions of § 2.51(b)(1) are met. The location in Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park designated as available for these activities is the lawn area behind the visitor center on the south and west side of the paved sidewalk intersection.
NPS
4.0 – Vehicles and Traffic Safety
Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is twenty-five (25) miles per hour on all park roads; except that the maximum speed limit is fifteen (15) miles per hour within all parking areas, the administrative office access road, and on the maintenance facility access road.
Twenty-five miles per hour is determined to be the maximum speed a vehicle can be operated safely on the park road. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is an animal sanctuary as well as a place for visitors to relax and learn of past cultures. Operating vehicles at speeds in excess of twenty-five (25) mph is a risk to both human and animal life. It is determined that 15 mph is the safest maximum speed for parking lots as established in 36 CFR 4.21(a)(1). Since the access roads to the administrative office and maintenance facility are one lane roads, it is determined that 15 mph is the safest maximum speed for employee and public safety.
Bicycles are permitted on the administrative road between the rear of the visitor center and park road.
The Superintendent has determined that public bicycle access on this administrative road is an appropriate public use. This road provides the bicycle access route between the end of the Heritage Trail behind the visitor center and the main park road.
Bicycles are permitted on the following trails:
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail along the Ocmulgee River between Walnut Creek and the Railroad Bridge near the Otis Redding Bridge (1 mile)
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail between the visitor center and the Clinton Street gate (0.75 mile)
River Trail along Walnut Creek between Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (along the Ocmulgee River) and the main park road near the Great Temple Mound (1 mile)
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and River Trail are both wide concrete trails that can accommodate pedestrian and bicycle recreational use.
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are allowed in the following locations where traditional bicycles are also allowed:
The administrative road between the rear of the visitor center and park road.
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail along the Ocmulgee River between Walnut Creek and the Railroad Bridge near the Otis Redding Bridge (1 mile)
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail between the visitor center and the Clinton Street gate (0.75 mile)
River Trail along Walnut Creek between Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (along the Ocmulgee River) and the main park road near the Great Temple Mound (1 mile)
Allowing electric bicycles on roads, parking areas, and designated trails 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. Class 3 electric bicycles, which allow the motor to assist pedaling up to 28 mph, would create unacceptable risks to visitor safety on roads and parking areas in the park due to potential conflicts with heavier motor vehicles and with other electric bicycles and traditional bicycles, which travel at slower speeds. Accidents that occur at higher speeds increase the risk of serious injury or death.
