San Antonio MissionsApril 2023In 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, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (SAAN). 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. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIESa)(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:(I) VISITING HOURS(i) Parking Areas and Grounds
The following parking areas and grounds are open daily during the following times unless authorized by the Superintendent:
The designated times are set by the Superintendent; to preserve and protect the Archeological resources from unintentional and intentional damage. To include, deterring any illegal activities aside from the archeological resources’ preservation status. All areas within the boundaries of the San Antonio Mission N.H.P. may be closed without immediate public notice due to an emergency or severe weather; Or to conduct an immediate recovery or repair project. All exigent closure circumstance will be provided a public notice at the earliest convenience. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Policy
Facilities may be open for additional hours related to a special event or special use permit. Information Stations are limited staffing only and vary from site to site; information tabloids are displayed for use at these locations in lieu of staffing.
Mission San Jose Compound gates are closed daily at 5:00 P.M. to keep visitors out of this walled area to reduce the risk of vandalism to park resources. This closure does not apply to Mission San Jose church sponsored events.
Park trails are secluded and have been used as an avenue for illegal activity including camping.
Park picnic areas have a history of overnight illegal activity.
(II) PUBLIC USE LIMIT
The Harris House Service Road is for staff, emergency vehicle and permitted access only and the gate is subject to closure at any time; there is sufficient visitor parking in the Mission San Jose Visitor Center parking lot. The Mission San Juan Service Road is for staff, emergency vehicle and permitted access only, there is sufficient visitor parking in the Mission San Juan visitor parking lot. All San Juan Farm access roads (Listed Above) along Villamain Road are closed to the public. San Antonio Food Bank staff and volunteers are authorized access to the San Juan Farm and its listed access roads as needed. The San Juan Farm access roads are closed to the general public to deter criminal activity in remote areas and prevent potential damage to park resources.
The Visitor Center parking lot is not big enough to safely accommodate vehicles in excess of 20 feet in length. There is sufficient parking for these vehicles just east of the parking lot and adjacent to the Mission San Jose picnic area. Visitors should follow posted “Bus and Oversize Vehicle Parking” signs from the main parking lot to these designated areas.
Rancho de las Cabras is a remote location with no regular staff presence on site. The area is closed to protect park resources.
These areas are closed for safety, privacy, and to protect park resources.
Maintenance facilities, San Juan Barn yard, and Huizar Warehouse and yard are closed to the public for visitor safety and for security of park facilities. San Antonio Food Bank staff and volunteers have access to these areas in accordance with its written agreement with the National Park Service.
San Antonio Missions is a small metropolitan park with high concentrations of buildings and visitors. The prohibition is needed to protect historic structures from possible damage caused by unmanned aircraft, the protection of cultural view sheds from encroachment and for the protection of park staff, visitors, and property from falling objects. 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 use of EPAMD must adhere to the following:
(a) Only visitors with a substantial mobility limitation in accordance with Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and as defined in 43 CFR Part 17, Subpart E are covered. (b) Users of a Segway (or other EPAMD) as a mobility assistance device must display a state issued disabled plaque or a NPS issued disabled plaque which may be obtained at the Mission San Jose Visitor Center. Visitors requesting the disabled plaque may use their park Access pass to demonstrate need or sign the “Statement of Disability” form affirming their need for the mobility device. (c) Visitors using a Segway or other EPAMD, without a disabled plaque may be approached by a Law Enforcement Ranger who will verify that the device is being used for mobility assistance by a person who meets the criteria in (a) as well as offering any other special assistance. If the user does not meet the above criteria, he/she will be asked to dismount and exit the park. (d) The visitor must operate the mobility assisted device in a safe and responsible manner; maximum speed is 6 mph. A slower speed of 3 mph is recommended when operating in areas with other visitors or in buildings. (e) Tires must be “commuter” tires or similar, not ATV tires. (f) The park follows Segway’s recommendation that users be at least 16 years old. (g) Visitors riding an EPAMD or Segway on a sidewalk or while crossing a street in a crosswalk have the same rights as pedestrians, except that the EPAMD operator must always yield to pedestrians. Segways, hoverboards, and other brands of EPAMD are considered motor vehicles as defined under 36 C.F.R. § 1.4 Therefore, pursuant to 36CFR 1.5(a), 4.10(a) the Park will not allow the recreational use of Segways and other EPAMD within the park including sidewalks, lawns, and buildings. Use by NPS or City of San Antonio emergency or law enforcement personnel is permitted. However, disabled visitors are permitted to use Segways or other EPAMD in the park on sidewalks, paths and on the ground floor of park buildings when such devices are used for the sole purpose of mobility assistance. Visitors who do not have substantial mobility limitations, as defined below, are not allowed to use Segways or EPAMD in the park. This policy is consistent with EPAMD restrictions as per the River South Management Plan, San Antonio River Authority. (III) CLOSURES
Park management reserves the right to implement emergency closures on a temporary basis any time public safety or other concerns arise. II. 36 CFR § 1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required as per Park Special Use Permit Guidelines:
III. GENERAL REGULATIONSSection 2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources(a)(1)(ii) Climbing on or tying of anything including, but not limited to; slack lines, hammocks, or swings to any vegetation or trees is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent. Collecting any plant material or vegetative products is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent.
(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect; walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, or traversing any archaeological or cultural resources, monuments, or statues is prohibited. c)(1) Pecans, figs and chile/chili pequins may be collected by hand for personal use or consumption without a collection permit park wide except for areas that are normally restricted to public access (See Section I above for park visiting hours). The maximum allowable amount allowed is one (1) gallon per person per day. These items cannot be collected for future commercial use [36 CFR 2.1 (c)(3)(v)]. Pecan tree, figs and child/chili pequins are abundant in the park; pecans may be collected by hand so as not to damage pecan trees or cause a hazard to other visitor use activities. The Superintendent has determined that hand collection of pecans, figs, and chile/chili pequins will not have a negative impact on natural resources. (c)(3)(i) The collection and/or removal of fruit, vegetable, or any other harvested crop from the San Juan orchard and/or the San Juan Farm (“Labores”) is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent. The National Park Service and the San Antonio Food Bank maintain and harvest orchards and other crop fields within the Mission San Juan unit of the park. These crops are grown for the purpose of interpretive display and interpretation, San Antonio Food Bank programs and other National Park Service purposes. Section 2.4 – Weapons, Traps and Nets(d)(3) The carrying or possessing of a weapon by an employee, agent or cooperating official, outside of their legal jurisdiction, except as provided elsewhere in 36 CFR § 2.4, without a National Park Service (NPS) permit is prohibited. (g) The following buildings within the park are designated as "federal facilities," and shall be signed to indicate that firearms are prohibited inside these buildings in accordance with 18 USC § 930:
Federal facilities are buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing official duties. 18 USC 930 is Federal law that supersedes Section 512 of Public Law 111-24 and prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility unless specifically authorized. The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.
Section 2.10 Camping and food storagesCamping is prohibited in all areas within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions N.H.PCamping is typically a recreational activity that requires permit monitoring and management of resources to establish suitable conditions. San Antonio Missions NHP is a metropolitan park driven to provide historical, cultural, and educational insight therefore, there are no designated recreational camping sites available within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions NHP. Section 2.11 PicnickingPicnicking at Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Concepcion, and the Brown Park/River Rest areas is restricted to the designated picnic table(s) area. Designated picnic tables areas are for use during daylight hours only (sunrise to sunset).There are sufficient designated picnic tables at each of these locations with available trash and recycling containers. Fire ants are common in other grassy areas and as such are not deemed appropriate for picnicking. Section 2.13 Fires(a)(1) All fires, including propane, wood and/or cooking coals are prohibited at all National Park Service managed locations including all missions, park picnic areas, Espada Aqueduct, Brown Park River Rest area and Rancho de las Cabras unless authorized by permit from the Superintendent.There are no available fire grills and/or fire rings available in the park and no facilities exist for the disposal of hot wood or coals. Coal grills for cooking are readily available at city and county park facilities immediately adjacent to NPS units. Section 2.15 Pets(a)(1) Pets are prohibited inside all NPS public buildings including all visitor contact stations. This does not apply to approved service animals.(a)(5) Pet owners or responsible persons shall promptly police and dispose of pet fecal matter into the nearest trash receptacle when within the boundaries of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Pets are prohibited from NPS buildings by regulation. San Antonio Missions NHP is a metropolitan park with high concentrations of visitors in a small area. For the health and enjoyment of all visitors it is necessary for pet owners to clean up after their pet. Section 2.16 Horses and Pack Animals(b) (g) The uses of horses or pack animals outside of trails, routes or areas designated for their use is prohibited.Horses are prohibited in all mission compounds without a permit from the park Superintendent. Section 2.20 Skating, skateboards, and similar devicesThe use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices in all National Park Service managed areas is prohibited except River Walk trails that fall within the park boundaries.Due to high concentrations of visitors, heavy vehicle traffic throughout park and the availability of nearby county and local parks which permit such devices, the use of these devices is prohibited. Section 2.21 Smoking(a) Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.In order to protect park historic resources, reduce the risk of fire and for the health and wellness of staff and visitors, smoking is prohibited inside of all park buildings. Section 2.22 Property2.22(b)(2) – Leaving property unattended, for ANY period of time, in or near any park building or resource is prohibited. All property left unattended in violation of these conditions may be considered dangerous or threatening to park resources and may be impounded for inspection. Such an inspection may be destructive.
2.22(b)(4) – The owner of record is responsible and liable for charges to the person who has removed, stored, or otherwise disposed of property impounded pursuant to this section, or the Superintendent may assess the owner reasonable fees for the impoundment and storage of property impounded pursuant to the impoundment company’s fee schedule. Unattended property presents and hazard and is potentially dangerous to park visitors. Given The short distances to parking lots, where personal property can be stored, there is no reason for Visitors to leave their property unattended. The exceptions to this are:
Section 2.35 Alcoholic Beverages(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage, unless otherwise authorized by permit:
Prohibitions on alcohol use at the San Jose Picnic Area and Espada Aqueduct are required due to the history for aberrant behavior directly to the use of alcohol which has led to disorderly conduct and vandalism.
Section 2.51 - Demonstrations and Section 2.52 – Sale or Distribution of printed matter(c)(1)(2) - Designated available park areasThe following areas are designated for demonstrations, and the sale or distribution of printed matter under section 2.52 provided they do not substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners, holders of commercial use authorizations, or contractors, within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park:
These designated areas are in close proximity to primary visitor facilities and provide safe gathering places for demonstrations and/or sale or distribution of printed matter. Use of sidewalks and park buildings for demonstrations is prohibited to allow for safe visitor access to park facilities.
Section 4.10 - Travel on park roads and designated routes
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Last updated: April 25, 2023