Superintendent's Compendium

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park is a unit of the National Park Service, which is part of the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior is a cabinet department of the Executive Branch of the United States government. It is therefore subject to all the laws of the federal government pertaining to the Executive Branch and specific laws related to the National Park Service. The 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.

Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements, and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority

Approved for Fiscal Year 2024

James R. Kendall, Superintendent
Updated February 29, 2024

In 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, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. 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 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:

• The visitor center and exhibit buildings are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, including holidays, from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to October 31. From November 1 through Memorial Day weekend, only the grounds remain open to the public. Park grounds are open daily, year-round, from dawn until dusk.

• The visitor parking lot and all park grounds are closed to the public after dark.

• Blow-Me-Down Farm is open to visitation only for special events or tours accompanied by park staff.

These visiting hours were determined to be in the best interests of the park and are necessary for the proper management of the park.

Public Use Limits: All areas of the Park, not otherwise closed to public use, will be open to public use with the following limits:

• Aspet, the historic home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is available by guided tour or open house times supervised by a park staff member or volunteer. Group sizes are limited to twelve (12) people.

• All school groups consisting of fifteen or more students who are under the age of eighteen shall be accompanied by a minimum of one chaperone for every 15 students during the group visit. Chaperones must be a minimum of eighteen years of age.

• Disorderly persons or groups may be removed from the Park and prevented from returning to the Park on the day they are removed.

• Climbing over, under or around railings, gates, doors, stanchions, and lines, barricades or other physical barriers used to control public access is prohibited.

• Marking trees, benches or structures by inscribing with a sharp instrument or by drawing with ink or paint is prohibited. See also 36 CFR § 2.1 (a)(1 )(ii).

• Touching the furnishings or objects in Aspet, any of the Studio or Gallery buildings, or any other historic building is prohibited.

• Persons and packages are subject to searches. Failure to allow an authorized person to perform a search will be cause for removal from the Park.

• It is prohibited to consume food or drink inside any structure in the park except for the Visitor Center or designated staff lunchrooms.

These public use limits are deemed necessary for the safety and security of park visitors and staffand the preservation of the parks natural, historic, and cultural resources. Space in the historic homeis limited and contains original furnishings and museum collections. Visitor numbers are limited inorder to preserve and protect the structure and its contents.

Closures:

• Any or all areas may be closed to public use, or a special use permit may be cancelled, at the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee when an emergency or potentially hazardous condition exists. Potentially hazardous conditions may include, but are not limited to, severe weather events, natural resource management activities, and road maintenance.
• Additionally, the following areas of the Park shall be closed to all public use. Access to any of the above areas is permitted only with the permission of the Superintendent or his/her designee.
  • The Park residential areas
  • The Park maintenance areas
  • Administrative/Headquarters offices in the Caretaker’s Cottage
  • Library and Office space in the Visitor Center
  • All Museum Storage Spaces
  • Blow-Me-Down Farm
• The following areas are closed to entry during the months of April and May each year to prevent damage from fiddlehead poaching:
  • The floodplain forest between the Connecticut River and State Route 12A, north of the Blow-Me-Down Brook.
  • Forested areas on either side of Saint-Gaudens Road.

Visitor and staff safety are paramount. In the event of any unsafe conditions that may jeopardize the safety of people, park facilities may be closed if it is determined that specific course of action will mitigate the unsafe condition(s).

• The use of Segway scooters or similar devices is permitted but must adhere to the following conditions:
  • No person under 16 years of age may operate Segways or similar devices without adult supervision.
  • Use of Segways and similar devices is limited to individuals with a bona fide handicapped access need.
  • Due to accessibility and safety issues, Segways or similar devices are not permitted in any buildings or within the Little Studio pergola or the New Gallery atrium.

(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

The primary mission of the park is to interpret the life and cultural achievements of an American artist, which is accomplished in a museum setting. Activities that are incompatible with the operation of a museum are not permitted.

• The park is closed to swimming and bathing.
• Bicycles (including ebikes) are not permitted on the lawns, gardens, meadows, pedestrian walkways and the nature trails of the park.
• The park is closed to recreational and sporting activities that potentially detract from the historic setting of the park, result in conflict among visitor use activities, or threaten natural or cultural resources.

First Amendment Assembly Area:

• The designated area for demonstrations is the lawn to the south of “Aspet” and west of the brick path from the entrance of the house to Saint Gaudens Road. Groups of more than 25 people may demonstrate in this area when the superintendent has issued a permit. Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may generally be held without a permit within designated park areas. Applications for permits should be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office.
  

Use of Unmanned Aircraft:

• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Definition: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 a 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 and commerce.

Passenger Carrying Busses:

• Engines must be shut down when not underway.

The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.

II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities and/or public uses for which a permit from the superintendent is required:

Activities requiring a permit are listed throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.

Permits may be obtained by contacting the park directly:
Special Park Uses Coordinator
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
139 Saint-Gaudens Road
Cornish, New Hampshire 03745
603-675-2175
e-mail us

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

36 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:

• Climbing on parks signs, exhibits, or statuary is prohibited.

(c)(1) The superintendent may designated certain fruits, berries, or nuts, which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption upon a written determination that the gathering or consumption will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.

• Fruits, nuts, and berries may be gathered by hand for non-commercial, personal use or consumption in amounts not to exceed two quarts, per person, per day. Cultivated fruits such as apples or grapes may be gathered by hand for non-commercial, personal use or consumption in amounts not to exceed one gallon per person, per day. Removing fruits, nuts or berries shall not damage the remainder of the plant. Commercial sale or use of permitted collected items is prohibited. The gathering or consumption of these materials will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
• Collection of fiddleheads, ramps and other plant materials that are not fruits, nuts, or berries is prohibited. NPS units are only permitted to regulate collection of fruits, nuts, and berries. Superintendents do not have discretion to allow collection of other types of plant materials. Collection of fiddleheads, ramps, and other plants have a deleterious effect on the health of plants.

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:

• Artificial lighting for viewing of wildlife is prohibited park-wide.

36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING

(a) State fishing laws and/or regulations as noted, apply in the listed areas:

• Fishing is permitted in the Blow-Me-Down Pond, and Blow-Me-Down Brook under New Hampshire state fishing laws. Fishing may only occur in areas which are not otherwise administratively closed in Section 1.5 above.

36 CFR §2.4 - WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS

(a)(2)(i) Weapons, traps, or nets may only be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations:

• Park visitors who can legally possess and carry firearms in New Hampshire are allowed to carry them in the park pursuant to P.L. 111 24 § 512. Weapons cannot be used in the park except by authorized federal, state, or local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
• Firearms are prohibited in federal facilities pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §930. A federal facility is any "building or part thereof owned or leased by the federal government, where federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties."
• Traps and nets are only allowed in park with a permit from the Superintendent.

36 CFR §2.5 - RESEARCH SPECIMENS

(a) Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with other regulations of Chapter I of 36 CFR or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit.

36 CFR §2.10 - CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE

(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:

• Camping and food storage in any area of the Park is prohibited.

(a) Camping is allowed in the following designated sites or areas and is subject to the following established conditions:

• Camping in any area of the Park is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

Conditions for Picnicking:

• Picnicking on the grounds is allowed provided that it does not interfere with tours and other visitor uses of the site.

• It is prohibited to leave picnicking items unattended at any time.

• The use of stoves, barbeques, or other cooking fires is prohibited in all areas of the Park.

• Picnic waste shall be disposed of in available refuse containers or removed from the Park.

36 CFR §2.12 - AUDIO DISTURBANCES

(a)(1) Operating motorized equipment' or machinery in a manner: (i) That exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet; or, if below that level, nevertheless; (ii) makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact to park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances is prohibited.

(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in nondeveloped areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

• Fires are prohibited at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, unless approved by the superintendent.

Established Conditions for Fires:

• For special demonstration purposes or special events approved by the superintendent.

36 CFR §2.14 - SANITATION and REFUSE

(a)(2) Using park refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse is prohibited.
Under no conditions is the dumping of refuse brought from private or municipal property into government refuse sites permitted.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

“Pet” means dogs, cats, or any animal that has been domesticated. [36 CFR §1.4]

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

• Pets are not permitted within the visitor center or in any exhibit buildings. This restriction does not apply to service animals, defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
• All pets must be leashed or otherwise restrained in accordance with 36 CFR 2.15(a)(2).
• Pets otherwise not physically confined in a crate or cage on park grounds must be restrained on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.
• Leaving a pet unattended, except in the owner’s vehicle, is prohibited.
• Animals running-at-large and not claimed by the owner within a reasonable period of time will be turned over to Cornish, NH, animal control officers.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

• Individuals in possession of pets must have on their person a bag or devise for the containerization and removal of pet excrement. Individuals shall immediately containerize and dispose of excrement deposited by their pet in a trash receptacle or remove it from the Historical Park. The proper disposal of pet excrement protects public health and safety, helps control the spread of disease, and avoids degradation of the visitor experience from the sight and smell of fecal material.

(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:

• Pets may be permitted in park housing under conditions provided in the park Housing Management Plan.

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

(b) The use of horses or pack animals is prohibited outside of the following trails, routes or areas:
Horses and pack animals may be ridden within existing rights of way through NPS property to access adjacent, privately-owned parcels of land.
(g) The following conditions have been established for the use of horses or pack animals:

• Horses and pack animals are only allowed within park areas with a permit issued by the Superintendent, except when ridden within existing rights of way through NPS property to access adjacent, privately owned parcels of land. See §1.6 of this document.
• These animals must be attended at all times.
• Horses and other animals are prohibited on park nature trails and on all areas of the historic core of the park.

36 CFR §2.18 – SNOWMOBILES

• The use of snowmobiles is prohibited throughout the park.

36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES

• The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited in the park.

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:

• Smoking is prohibited in the interior and at the entrances of all structures.

• Smoking is prohibited in the interior of all government vehicles owned or leased by the Park.

• Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of building exteriors.

This designation is based on Executive Order 13058, published in the August 13, 1997 Federal Register. It is also designed to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire.
Smoking is prohibited to ensure a healthy workplace for employees and visitors. Further, smoke and gases from cigarettes, cigars, vape devices, and pipes adversely affect museum exhibits and artifacts and poses an increased risk of fire.

36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:

• It is prohibited to leave property unattended anywhere, anytime other than vehicles parked in designated parking areas, or in properly secured lock boxes at the Carriage Barn Visitor Center.

• Vehicles left unattended when the Park is closed may be impounded.

• As part of an educational quest or treasure hunt, a small cache of items in a single container and pertaining directly to that specific educational activity may be left at the site for longer than 24 hours, provided that both the activity and location are approved in advance by the Superintendent. There must be no ground disturbance or resource damage associated with the placement of the cache.

36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES

(b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:

• Entrance Fee Areas: Admission to the site is $10 per person for those age 16 and older. Those age 15 and under are admitted free. The entrance fee pass is good for 7 days.

Special Recreation Permit Fee (Such as but not limited to, group activities, recreation events, and the use of motorized recreation vehicles):
The Special Park Uses Program includes all activities for which regulations at 36 CFR Parts 1-7 and Part 14 specify that a permit is required. Special use permits are required for special events, First Amendment rallies, filming, telecommunications, and right-of-way permits for utilities and roads, as well as for other non-visitor activities occurring on park land.

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 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:

• Tenants for park housing units who meet state age restrictions may obtain and consume alcoholic beverages.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited except for special events or occasions with the expressed permission of the superintendent. Traditional, permissible events where limited consumption of alcoholic beverages have been approved include:
  • The Aspet lawn area on concert Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
  • Exhibition opening events for the Picture Gallery
  • Performances at Blow-Me-Down Farm

The superintendent may impose restriction or conditions on the consumption of Alcoholic beverages, as required to assure public safety and guard against inappropriate levels of consumption. Alcoholic beverages may be prohibited or restricted, to decrease the potential of an intoxicated person adversely affecting a visitor’s experience, and to discourage the use of the grounds of the Historical Park as a place to congregate for the purposes of imbibing.

36 CFR §2.37 - NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING

Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.

36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES

(b) Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

• Using or possessing fireworks and firecrackers or any explosive devices is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.50 - SPECIAL EVENTS

(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS

(b) Demonstrations of 25 people or less are allowed within the park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(2). Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.
(c) The following locations are designed as available for demonstrations:

• The lawn to the south of “Aspet” and west of the brick path from the entrance of the house to Saint-Gaudens Road.

36 CFR §2.52 -- SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

(b) The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within park areas designated as available under §2.51 (c)(2) (see above) when the superintendent has issued a permit.

36 CFR §2.60 - LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE

(a) Livestock are prohibited in any park area. They are only permitted in park areas pursuant to the exceptions provided for in §2.60(a) and only pursuant to the terms and conditions of a license, permit, or lease.

36 CFR §2.61 - RESIDING ON FEDERAL LANDS

(a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit lease or contract.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains.

36 CFR §3.16 - SWIMMING AND WADING

Swimming or wading is prohibited in park waters pursuant to § 1.5 of this document.

36 CFR §3.18 - SCUBA AND SNORKELING

(a) Snorkeling and underwater diving is prohibited in park waters pursuant to § 1.5 of this document.

36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES

• Operating a motor vehicle is prohibited except on park roads and in parking areas. There are no routes or areas designated for off-road motor vehicle use.

36 CFR §4.11 - VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS

(a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
There is no additional load weight or size limits for vehicles on Park roads open to the public.

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

Bicycles (including ebikes) are permitted in the parking lots and on the paved and gravel roadways within the park. Grassy areas, gardens, meadows, pedestrian walkways and the nature trails are closed to bicycles (including ebikes).

36 CFR §5.1 – ADVERTISEMENTS

Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.

36 CFR §5.3 - BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a Special Use permit, contract, and/or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.

36 CFR §5.4 - COMMERCIAL PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTORIZED VEHICLES

(a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicle except as authorized under a contract or permit from the Secretary or his authorized representative is prohibited in certain parks. See §5.4(a) for more information.

36 CFR §5.5 - COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

(a) Before any motion picture may be filmed or any television production or sound track may be made by any person other than bona fide newsreel or news television personnel, written permission through an authorized Filming Permit must first be obtained from the Superintendent.
(b) Taking photographs of any vehicle or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising without a written permit from the Superintendent 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 Special Use permit from the Superintendent or his/her designee.

CLOSED CAPTIONED TELEVISON (CCTV) MONITORING PUBLIC NOTICE

CCTV Policy Statement

In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.

The park’s use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use – which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards – will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1).

Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views. (RM-9, 26.4.2)

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.Please notify the park via email to [e-mail] should you wish to comment about Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park’s usage of CCTV camera monitoring.