NPS National Park Service Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.
A. INTRODUCTION1. Superintendent’s Compendium DescribedThe 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. 2. Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This CompendiumThe National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under Title 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C. 1a-1, “Organic Act”) to “….regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” In addition, Title 54 U.S.C. §100751(a) allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “prescribe such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units.” 3. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and RequirementsThe 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. 4. Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s CompendiumAs 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:
5. Applicability of the CompendiumThe 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. 6. Enforcement of Compendium RequirementsNPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. 7. Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium RequirementsA person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this 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. 8. Comments on the CompendiumThe Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time. 9. Effective Date of the Superintendent CompendiumThe 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. 10. Additional InformationSome of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions. 11. AvailabilityCopies of the Compendium are available at River Raisin NBP, 1403 East Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162. The compendium can also be found online. B. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUMIn 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 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. I. 36 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 all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity: Visiting Hours:
Determination: Visitation in other than daylight hours is incompatible with the educational and memorial purposes for which the park was established, The Superintendent makes exceptions for evening programs, approved special use permits, or approval on an individual basis. Emergency closures will be posted and/or announced through the media. The park was established to permanently preserve and protect and interpret areas of great historic and memorial interest relating to the events of the Battles of the River Raisin and its Aftermath that occurred within Monroe and Wayne Counties, Michigan. There are no overnight camping facilities in the park, and except for scheduled evening interpretive programs and special events, there is no valid scientific or educational reason to allow visitor use after dark. After dark the Battlefield is vulnerable to looting or vandalism. Visiting is therefore limited to daylight hours. Public Use Limits:
Closures:
Definition: The term “uncrewed aircraft system” 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 onboard 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. Determination: The unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAS within the boundaries of River Raisin National Battlefield Park has the potential to conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experience or unimpaired view sheds; the disturbance or harassment of park wildlife to include threatened and endangered species and presents a public safety hazard.
The area is closed due to hazardous conditions caused by dumping prior to the establishment of the Battlefield. The area algae growth on broken slabs of concrete, and generally unsafe to foot traffic. The area is posted with signs.
The old visitor center is in poor condition and will be removed in the future.
The River Raisin National Battlefield Park is the final resting place for many who paid the ultimate price to defend their Nations and people. The Battlefield is considered sacred soil by many. Many people from multiple Nations with differing religious and after-life beliefs died in the battles and in many cases their physical remains are likely still present at the Battlefield. In addition, areas of the Battlefield have been traditionally used as the final sacred resting place of ancestors of Tribal Nations since time immemorial.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted.
Determination: River Raisin National Battlefield Park was a field of battle and is a memorial to those that died in the battle. Many of the fallen were interred on the field of battle, and the area should be respected as an unmarked grave site.
Determination: Placing of Geo-Caching sites without supervision may result in resource damage from visitor use outside normal areas or from manipulation of the resource in the placement and replacement of Geo-Caching sites.
Passenger carrying busses produced loud noises and fumes that disrupted the sacred and contemplative atmosphere of the Battlefield. II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMITThe following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: §2.2(e) Viewing wildlife with artificial light.§2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap or net.
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Taking of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals).§2.10(a) The following camping activities:
§2.12 Audio disturbances:(a)(2) Operation of a chain or power saw in a developed areas §2.17 Aircraft and air delivery(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means §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)§2.38 Explosives:(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives and or blasting agents §2.50 Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events.§2.51(b) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views involving more than 25 people. Demonstrations involving 25 persons or less are allowed within the park areas designate as available in the attached map.§2.52(c) Sale or distribution activities of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising.§2.60(b) Livestock use§2.61(a) Residing on federal lands§2.62 Memorialization(a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from the Director) §4.11(a) Vehicles exceeding load, weight, and size limits (See, section III. §4.10)§5.1 Advertisements including the 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 pursuant to special regulations)§5.5 Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information) (See 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905)§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The Superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available)§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.Determination: The listed activities may be appropriate in very limited situations or may be compatible with the purposes of the park for specific educational or commemorative events. Some situations may make the park the appropriate space for the exercise of Constitutionally protected rights. Therefore, the listed activities may be permitted with the approval of the Superintendent. III. GENERAL REGULATIONS36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending, or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments, or statues:
(c)(1), (c)(2) Due to the contaminations in the soil, it is recommended visitors do not ingest fruits, nuts, berries, or any vegetation within the Battlefield.36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS OR NETS(a)(1)(i) & (ii) Visitors may possess and carry firearms within River Raisin National Battlefield Park in accordance with federal and state laws.Federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances. The federal facilities firearms are prohibited at River Raisin National Battlefield Park are as follows:
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Determination: All units of the park contain sensitive archeological features. Appropriate scientific and educational activities near or at these features would be adversely impacted by allowing picnicking throughout the grounds. The park provides picnic tables and other facilities at designated areas to limit impacts from erosion, burrowing animals, insects, and interference with educational activities. 36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited in the park except that the Superintendent may permit the use of fires for educational or interpretive purposes. If permitted, a fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.Determination: Fire is a potential hazard to park resources and facilities and to neighboring properties. No fires shall be set for the purposes of camping activities or food preparation by visitors without a permit. This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition. 36 CFR §2.15 – PETS(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:
Determination: To prevent conflicts with other visitors and staff, animals are not allowed in park buildings with the exception of service animals. (a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
Determination:The developed units of the park are commemorative spaces which should be treated with respect and decorum. 36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the specified trails, routes, or areas:
Determination: The potential introduction of invasive plants is a concern. 36 CFR §2.18 – SNOWMOBILES(c) The use of snowmobiles is prohibited in River Raisin National Battlefield Park.36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES
36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures, or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to the use or possession of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances:
Determination: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is inappropriate to the educational and interpretive activities that occur in areas outside picnic areas of the Battlefield. 36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES & ELECTRIC (E-BIKES) BICYCLES(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads, trails and parking lots. No bicycles shall be operated off established pathways.(b) In accordance with 36 CFR §4.30(i)(1) Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes are allowed in River Raisin National Battlefield Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited. Because of the public health and safety risks associated with the speed Class 3 E-Bikes travel and the limited line of sight along some sections of trails Class 3 E-Bikes are only allowed where motor vehicles by the public are allowed.
In accordance with 36 § 4.30(1)(6), Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within River Raisin National Battlefield Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited. 36 CFR §5.6 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited, and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent. |
Last updated: February 13, 2026