Superintendent’s Compendium

Signature of Melissa K. Cobern, Superintendent

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REVISED Septemeber 2025

COMPENDIUM of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority by the Superintendent of George Washington Birthplace National Monument.

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 Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1 and Parts 1-7. This document can be found at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/36/chapter-I

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in italicized print.

36 CFR §1.5 –CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS USE LIMITS

(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established areas:

• The Thomas Stone House, Visitor Center, entrance road, and parking lot are open to the public between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
• The park is typically closed January, February, March, and part of April

Established visiting hours are necessary for visitor safety and resource protection.

Roads:

• The maintenance access road is closed to public vehicular traffic

The maintenance road is narrow with sharp turns and limited sight distance and is not suitable for vehicular use levels associated with public access.

Camping:

• Camping is prohibited in the park except for NPS staff, volunteers, researchers or partners who have permission from the Superintendent to do so in support of business needs. Service organizations performing approved work in the park may camp with the permission of the superintendent and an approved special use permit.

The park does not have infrastructure or services to support overnight stays by the public.

Swimming:

• Swimming, wading, bathing, snorkeling and diving are prohibited in the park

As a former stock pond, water quality and other conditions are not monitored to ensure suitability for swimming, bathing, snorkeling, and diving.

Uncrewed Aircraft:

• Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft (drone) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Thomas Stone National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

The use of unmanned aircraft may negatively impact public safety, natural or cultural resources and could conflict with visitor use activities.

Picnicking:

• Picnicking is prohibited in all public areas that would impede vehicle or pedestrian traffic
• Any area that would interfere with park operations
• See also 36 CFR § 2.11

Picnicking in certain areas could pose a hazard to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic or impede park operations.

Passenger Carrying Buses & Vehicles

• Drivers of commercial passenger-carrying diesel-fueled motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines in parking lots of developed areas

Idling engines are noisy and add unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air, which impacts on the tranquil atmosphere of the park that is sought by many visitors.

CCTV Policy Statement

In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Thomas Stone National Historic Site 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 terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and 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.

36 CFR §1.5(a)(2) – Designate Areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity

Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

36 CFR §1.5(a)(3) – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

The following restrictions, limits, closures, designations, conditions, or visiting hour restrictions imposed under §(a)(1) or (2) have been terminated:

• The regulation prohibiting fishing in the farm pond is terminated due to conditions under 36 CFR § 2.3 (c)

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

• Specimen Collecting 2.5 (a)
• Special Events 2.50(a)
• Agricultural 2.60(b)
• Business Operations 5.3
• Still Photography/Filming* 1.5 (a)92), 54 U.S.C. 100905
• Demonstrations* 2.51(b)
• Sale & Distribution of Printed Matter* 2.52(b)
• Camping 2.10
• Picnic groups over 25 unless in picnic area 2.11

*May require a permit depending on the scope of the activity.

Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. A permit or letter of authorization must be in the permittee’s possession at all times and exhibited to any authorized person upon request.

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

• Under 36 CFR § 2.2(e), viewing of wildlife by means of artificial light is prohibited

Viewing wildlife at night with the use of artificial lights temporarily blinds wildlife and alters their natural behavior.

36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING

(a) Fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of Maryland

• A Maryland fishing license is required to fish in the farm pond
• See also 36 CFR § 1.5 of this document

Fishing here does not conflict with visitor use or interpretation or detract from the historic landscape.

36 CFR §2.5 – RESEARCH SPECIMENS

(a) The superintendent may issue permits for the collection of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks and minerals for research purposes according to general and park-specific conditions established by the National Park Service for scientific research and collection permits. These conditions are found online at http://science.nature.nps.gov/research and are subject to revision. The guidelines found at that website are hereby adopted and made part of these orders.

All scientific activities in a park have the potential to affect protected resources and visitor enjoyment.

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

Camping is prohibited in the park except for NPS staff, volunteers, partners, or service organizations/groups who have permission from the Superintendent to do so.

There are no designated areas to camp in the park as infrastructure does not support campgrounds.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

• Picnicking by groups of more than 25 people may be considered an event and may require a special use permit unless done in the park’s picnic area
• Large groups present potential problems with litter, parking, resource damage and interference with park operations. For these reasons, large group picnics will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• “Holding” or unofficially reserving tables in the picnic area for other individuals is prohibited.

Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limiting picnicking to the designated area will control litter and protect the historic landscape.

36 CFR 2.13 – Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire

(a)(1) 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.

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.

The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in the following areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

• Fires are permitted only in grills provided for special events
• Fires must be monitored at all times
• During periods of high fire danger, the Superintendent may close all or a portion of the park to the lighting and maintaining of fires

(a) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:

• Fires must be extinguished with water and ashes left in place
• Ashes cannot be dumped in trash receptacles or on the ground

Campfires and unattended grills/fires contribute to human-caused wildland fires.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) Dogs, cats and other pets are prohibited in the following areas:

• All park buildings
• Cemetery
• These restrictions do not apply to service animals

Pet behavior may interfere with the quiet nature of the park and may scare wildlife. Historic structures may be damaged by pet activity. Pet behavior may interfere with the solemn nature of the cemetery. It is inappropriate to the business setting to have pets in park buildings.

Electronic or "shock" collars do not meet the requirements for physical restraint of a pet as required by 36 CFR §2.15(a)(2). Pets must be restrained on a leash not exceeding six feet in length. Pets on retractable leashes extended beyond 6’ are in violation of 36 CFR §2.15 (a)(2).

(a)(5) Pet owners are responsible for removing pet excrement. All animal waste must be removed no matter the location. Visitors bringing pets to the park must carry on their person a bag or other device for the containerization and removal of excrement. Visitors shall immediately containerize and remove pet excrement by depositing it in a trash receptacle or by otherwise taking the excrement from the park.

The smell of pets and their excrement has been shown to alter natural wildlife behavior. Managing pet excrement is necessary for human and pet health and safety.

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

The following are prohibited: The use of horses or pack animals on a park road, except: (1) Where such travel is necessary to cross to or from designated trails, or areas, or privately owned property.

The park does not contain any designated horse trails or use areas for the public. Horseback riding is permitted in the park by law enforcement staff on official patrol or by special event staff with permission of the superintendent.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

Smoking and the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS or VAPES) is prohibited:

• In all buildings and structures
• Within 25 feet of any entrance to all public buildings
• Within 25 feet of any heating/cooling units of all public buildings
• Within 25 feet of any propane tank

Smoking is prohibited in the above areas to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.

36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited, except under the following conditions:

• Property may not be left unattended for longer than 24 hours unless specific permission is given by the Superintendent

36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) The possession or 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 is prohibited as noted herein. The alcohol prohibition includes all park areas within the park boundary. Possession and use of Marijuana is prohibited throughout the park.

The park was established and is maintained to preserve and protect the resources of the park which serve as a living memorial to Thomas Stone. The park is closed to alcohol consumption to protect the visitor experience regarding the park’s purpose.

36 CFR §2.50 – Special Events

The following conditions have been established for special events:

• A complete application for a Special Use Permit (SUP) must be submitted a minimum of 30 calendar days in advance of the proposed activity. Proposed large events or activities that have the potential to adversely affect the human environment, including park operations, will require a longer review period.

The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity.

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). However, there are exceptions and, even if not required, a permit is recommended to ensure space will be available at a particular designated location. Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed at designated locations when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

(c)(2) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:

• An area in the field across from the Visitor Center. A map showing the location is attached to this document and is available on the park’s website

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

(c)(4) The following locations are designated as available for the sale and distribution of non- commercial printed matter when a permit has been issued by the superintendent.

• An area in front of the Visitor Center. A map showing the location is attached to this document and is available on the park’s website

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

• The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.
• The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited.

There are several tribes associated with the park and the scattering of ashes unassociated with their heritage is considered disrespectful in some cases. Scattering human remains may also complicate the park’s archeological record.

36 CFR §4.30 – BIKE USE IN THE PARK

(a) The use of a bicycle is permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are open for motor vehicle use by the general public.

The use of bicycles and e-bikes on trails and off the park roads is prohibited. The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp).

E-bikes are allowed 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.

A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Thomas Stone National Historic Site 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

Thomas Stone National Historic Site Areas for Demonstration and Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

 

Thomas Stone National Historic Site - Areas for Demonstrations and
Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

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