Superintendent's Compendium Superintendent's Compendium Described
Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent. It serves as public notice with an opportunity for public comments, identified areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on those public use and resource protection regulations that pertain to the specific administration of the park/trail. It does not contain those regulations found in 36 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) and other United States Codes (U.S.C.) and CFR Titles which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level. The regulations contained in 36 CFR 1-7 are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park/trail and to protect visitors and property within the park/trail. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park System, and Part 7 contains special regulation specific to individual parks/trails. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is grated discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public. As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provide the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by this Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. Section 551) which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park/trail resources, or those that are highly controversial in nature. Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park. This compendium should be used in conjunction with 36 CFR, Sections 1- 7 to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all units of the National Park System. 36 CFR can be read online at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/ 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 persons entering, using, visiting, or otherwise within: (1) The boundaries of federally owned lands administered by Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (Historic Site); (2) The boundaries of lands administered by Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site for public-use purposes pursuant to the terms of a written instrument; Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
Written determinations that explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority are required by §1.5 (c) and appear in this document as italicized print. §1.6(f) states that a list must be maintained of those activities that require a permit. That list appears in this document under §1.6. As required by §1.7 (b), these regulations, permit requirements, and written determinations shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request. Inquiries regarding National Park Service regulations, discretionary actions, requests for permits and other comments may be directed to the Site Manager. The George Washington Carver Museum visiting hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Museum and bookstore are open for public visitation Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
“The Oaks”, the home of Booker T. Washington offers guided tours Monday through Saturday, contact Park for tour times. Closed on Sundays; New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Park Headquarters hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise posted. The Superintendent may close park facilities due to severe weather on an as needed basis. The grounds, trails, roads and parking areas are open daily for public visitation from sunrise to sunset unless designated as a closure area, posted closed due to an emergency or posted closed due to a construction or safety hazard. The maintenance and curatorial storage areas are closed to public use. Unattended parking is not allowed within the park from dusk to dawn except under permit issued by the National Park Service. Launching, landing, or operation an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site is prohibited. Use of electric wheelchairs and golf carts are allowed for individuals with mobility impairments. Motorized lawn mowing equipment is permitted in the closed areas to perform regular Site maintenance. The following are prohibited within the Historic Site exhibit area: . Eating, drinking or possession of food and beverages . Use of cellular phones, pagers and similar electronic devices . Chewing gum . Chewing tobacco products . Smoking . Firearms. Eating, drinking or possession of food and beverages within the museum is only permitted within the administrative area, multipurpose room, breakroom or by permit in other areas. The following areas are closed to all visitor use except by permit: . Archives space . Mechanical rooms, equipment rooms, storage rooms and closets . Offices . Roof space . Archives space . Museum bookstore storage area The following areas are closed to all visitor use except by permit: Operating an audio device, such as a portable stereo, radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument within the Museum, “The Oaks” and the grounds (under ownership of NPS) is prohibited except with a permit. Use of such devices is considered to be incompatible with the mission. Passenger busses must shut down their engines when not underway within the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site parking area. 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. Pursuant to the provisions of 36 CFR 1.6(f), the following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the National Park Service is required.
Permits are issued by the Superintendent, and are subject to the requirements of the general regulations, and as specified in each permit. As stated in 36 CFR 1.6(f), engaging in these activities without a permit or violation of the terms and conditions of a permit is prohibited. §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (taking of plant, fish, wildlife, seeds, rocks, or minerals) §2.12(a)(4) Operation of a public address system §2.13(a)(1) Lighting or maintaining a fire §2.17(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services §2.50 Conducting a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events §2.51 Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views §2.52 Sale or distribution of printed material that is not solely commercial advertising §2.62(b) Memorialization - (scattering ashes from human cremation) §3.3 Use of a vessel §5.1 Commercial Notices or Advertisements (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 must be pursuant to special regulations) §5.5(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures, television production, or sound tracks involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television §5.5(b) Still photography of vehicles or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising §5.5(c) Use of commercial vehicles on parking lots §5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, paths, structures, etc. §5.10(a) Operation of eating, drinking, or lodging establishments within the Historic Site. 36 CFR §2.1 – Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources
§2.1 (a)(5) No archeological or cultural resources may be walked on, climbed, entered, ascended or traversed including, but not limited to the George Washington Carver Museum, “The Oaks” and outdoor structures within the boundaries of the site . Such activity causes damage to the resources of the park Motorized vehicles other than lawn mowing equipment, emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles are prohibited within 60 feet of the George Washington Carver Museum and “The Oaks” (structure) to ensure the protection of resources in this area. The operation of motorized vehicles within 60 feet of the George Washington Carver Museum and “The Oaks” has been found to damage the archeological resources of this site. Motorized vehicles other than lawn mowing equipment, emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles are prohibited on the grounds of “The Oaks” to ensure the protection of resources in this area. §2.1 (b) Pedestrians are prohibited from entering flower or ground cover beds and pedestrian traffic is restricted to the established walkways near such flower or ground cover beds. Leaving the trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway, or to shortcut to an adjacent area is prohibited. Entering flower or ground cover beds and taking short cuts off of trails causes damage to the natural and cultural resources. The collection of small quantities of fruits, nuts, berries or leaves will not adversely affect the natural reproduction of Historic Site’s trees or plants or adversely impact park wildlife. The collection of the listed fruits, nuts, berries and leaves has taken place within the Historic Site from its inception and has had no adverse effect on the Historic Site’s resources. 36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife protection §2.2 (d) Lawfully taken wildlife may not be transported through the Historic Site. §2.2 (e) Viewing of wildlife with the use of artificial light is prohibited within the Historic Site. Visitors may not collect any plants, or parts thereof, which are listed on a Federal or State list of rare, threatened or endangered species. Disturbing or damaging the natural or cultural resources in any way to obtain fruits, nuts, berries, or leaves is prohibited (including fence climbing, climbing trees, breaking branches, pulling down vines, or other similar activities). The collection of small quantities of fruits, nuts, berries or leaves will not adversely affect the natural reproduction of Historic Site’s trees or plants or adversely impact park wildlife. The collection of the listed fruits, nuts, berries and leaves has taken place within the Historic Site from its inception and has had no adverse effect on the Historic Site’s resources. 36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife protection §2.2 (d) Lawfully taken wildlife may not be transported through the Historic Site. §2.2 (e) Viewing of wildlife with the use of artificial light is prohibited within the Historic Site. 36 CFR §2.4 – Weapons, traps, and nets
§2.4 (d)(3) A permit is required to possess a weapon, trap or net except as provided elsewhere in 36 CFR§2.4. The Historic Site will only issue a permit to carry or possess a weapon, trap or net for employees, agents or cooperating officials for official duty purposes. Amended 36 CFR 2.4(h) (h)Notwithstanding any other provision In this chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed loaded, and operable firearms within a national Site area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law. Weapons and firearms are not permitted within the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site facilities. 36 CFR §2.10 – Camping and food storage
§2.10 (a) Camping is prohibited on the Tuskegee Institute National Historic grounds. 36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking §2.11 (a) Picnicking is allowed on the grounds of “The Oaks” (permitted for special events) as designated. 36 CFR §2.12 – Audio disturbances §2.12(4) The Site has established an audio disturbance guideline to govern the volume of public address systems used in conjunction with public gatherings or special events for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51, in order to prevent such public address systems from interfering with visitor use activities, and Site neighbors. Audio amplification that interferes with visitor use activities such as interpretive presentations or makes noise which is unreasonably disruptive, considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the Historic Site was established, impact on visitors, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances, is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.13(a)(1) – Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire
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. 2. Provide adequate public notice of this action in accordance with 36 CFR 1.7(a) by using signs, maps, newspaper publications, and other appropriate methods, such as the use of electronic media, park brochures, and handouts. 3. Comply with all applicable laws implicated by the required condition, including the National Environmental Policy Act.4 The required compendium action will normally fall within the categorical exclusion for minor changes in programs and regulations pertaining to visitor activities. (DOI NEPA Handbook, 516 DM 1, Appendix 2, NPS, 12.6, D.4.). 36 CFR §2.14 – Sanitation and refuse 36 §2.14 (a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.15 – Pets
§2.15 (a)(1) Pets are prohibited in the Historic Site buildings. This restriction is intended to reduce possible conflict between users, protect the natural and cultural resources, and to address public health and safety concerns. In addition to the exceptions to pet prohibitions noted in 36 CFR§2.15, the following additional exceptions are granted: . For service animals accompanying persons with a physical or mental disability for the purposes of enabling mobility, warning of hazards, or alerting to medical emergencies, regardless of the disability requiring the use of a service animal. . For Search and Rescue Dogs in the conduct of legitimate work. . For horses used by authorized Federal, State, or local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties. . Pets are permitted on park walkways, but must be on a leash and under the immediate control of the pet’s owner at all times. §2.15 (a)(3) Pets may not be left tied to an object or unattended. Pets may not be permitted to run freely. §2.15 (a)(5) Any person having possession, custody or control of any pet which defecates in any area of the Historic Site shall immediately remove the feces and either: . Remove the feces from the property, or . Place the feces in a non-leaking container for deposit in trash or litter receptacles. 36 CFR §2.16 – Horses and pack animals §2.16 (b) The use of horses or pack animals within the Historic Site is prohibited. 36 CFR §1.5 Unmanned Aircraft 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 interventions 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 copters, drones) that are used for any purposed, including for recreation or commerce. 36 CFR §2.17 – Aircraft and air delivery §2.17 (a)(1) Operating or using aircraft on lands or waters within the Historic Site is prohibited except for official emergency aircraft in emergency situations. §2.17 (a)(3) Delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means, except in an emergency involving public safety or serious property loss is prohibited. §2.17 (c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is allowed, subject to written authorizations from the Superintendent prior to the removal which will set forth the date the removal will be completed, the times and means of accessing the downed aircraft, and the manner and method of removal. 36 CFR §2.20 – Skating, skateboards and similar devices
§2.20 The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited within the Historic Site structures and interior spaces. 36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking §2.21 (a) The following portions of the park or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking: . Inside all Historic Site structures and interior spaces. . Within ten feet of air intake ducts and building ventilation systems. . Within ten feet of entrances to park structures and interior spaces. Executive Order 13058 – Protecting Federal Employees and the Public from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke in the Federal Workplace – prohibits, with limited exceptions, the smoking of tobacco products in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by the Executive branch of the Federal Government, and in any outdoor areas under Executive branch control in front of air intake ducts. The restrictions above are intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and the harmful effects of second hand smoke, reduce the risk of fire, and protect Historic Site resources. 36 CFR §2.22 – Property §2.22 (a)(2) Property may not be left unattended at the Historic Site for over 24 hours without a permit issued by the Superintendent. To ensure the security of park visitors, employees and resources, no items may be left unattended within the Historic Site’s Museum, “The Oaks”, Headquarters, grounds, picnic structures or Maintenance Complex. 36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking
§2.21 (a) The following portions of the park or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking: • Inside all Historic Site structures and interior spaces. • Within ten feet of air intake ducts and building ventilation systems. •Within ten feet of entrances to park structures and interior spaces. Executive Order 13058 – Protecting Federal Employees and the Public from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke in the Federal Workplace – prohibits, with limited exceptions, the smoking of tobacco products in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by the Executive branch of the Federal Government, and in any outdoor areas under Executive branch control in front of air intake ducts. The restrictions above are intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and the harmful effects of second hand smoke, reduce the risk of fire, and protect Historic Site resources. 36 CFR §2.22 – Property §2.22 (a)(2) Property may not be left unattended at the Historic Site for over 24 hours without a permit issued by the Superintendent. To ensure the security of park visitors, employees and resources, no items may be left unattended within the Historic Site’s Museum, “The Oaks”, Headquarters, grounds, picnic structures or Maintenance Complex. 36 CFR §2.35 – Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances
§2.35 (a)(3)(i) The public use areas within the Historic Site 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: The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the administrative headquarters and information center, administrative offices, and visitor contact stations except under the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent. Special Events, Filming, Public Assemblies, Meetings Distribution of Printed Matter 36 CFR §2.37 – Noncommercial soliciting §2.37 The solicitation or demand for gifts, money, goods or services requires a permit under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52, and is subject to the terms and conditions specified therein. The term “soliciting” includes asking, begging and non-verbal gestures, such as a hand out or palm up. [48 FR 30271, June 30, 1983] 36 CFR §2.51(e) – Public assemblies, meetings
§2.51 The Superintendent has designated the Historic Site’s Public Assemblies areas as the First Amendment Areas. These areas are designated and available at the Site location. Due to the size of the Historic Site, public visitation, highly sensitive natural and cultural resources, and narrow and specific mission and purpose, no other areas immediately within the Historic Site’s authorized boundaries can reasonably support Public Assemblies or Meetings without unduly impairing the atmosphere of peace and tranquility required by the Historic Site’s legislation, impairing the operations of the Historic Site’s museum facilities or other visitor services (i.e. interpretive programs, etc.), causing damage to Site resources, or posing public safety risks due to limiting visitors’ ability to move around the Site freely. No other Public assembly areas are designated 36 CFR §2.522.52(e) – Sale or distribution of printed matter
§2.52 The Superintendent has designated the Historic Site’s areas available for the sale or distribution of printed matter as the First Amendment Areas. These areas are designated and available at the Site location. Due to the size of the Historic Site, public visitation, highly sensitive natural and cultural resources, and narrow and specific mission and purpose, no other areas immediately within the Historic Site’s authorized boundaries can reasonably support the distribution of printed matter without unduly impairing the due to the size of the Historic Site, public visitation, highly sensitive natural and cultural resources, and narrow and specific mission and purpose, no other areas immediately within the Historic Site’s authorized boundaries can reasonably support Public Assemblies or Meetings without unduly impairing the atmosphere of peace and tranquility required by the Historic Site’s legislation, impairing the operations of the Historic Site’s museum facilities or other visitor services (i.e. interpretive programs, etc.), causing damage to Site resources, or posing public safety risks due to limiting visitors’ ability to move around the Site freely. No other Public assembly areas are designated. 36 CFR §2.61 – Residing on federal land §2.61 (a)Absent a permit, lease or contract, residing in Historic Site areas on other than private land, is prohibited. (N/A) §2.62 (a) Authorization from the Superintendent is required to install a
monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation. §2.62 (b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains in any area of the Historic Site. In general, permits to scatter the ashes from cremated human remains will not be permitted. 36 CFR §4.10 – Travel on park roads and routes
§4.10 (a) Only designated roads within the Historic Site are open for travel by motor vehicle. §4.10 (b) No routes or areas are open for off-road vehicle travel. §4.10 (c)(1) Track-laying motor vehicles, or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device may not be operated within the Historic Site. 36 CFR §4.21 – Speed limits §4.21 (a)(1) The speed limit within the Historic Site’s boundaries are as listed unless otherwise authorized: • West Montgomery Road (Old Montgomery Road)- 25 MPH • Booker T. Washington Blvd. (Tuskegee University Campus)- 10 MPH • University Avenue (Tuskegee University Campus) and other roadways in the Historic Campus District- 10 MPH The above speed limits is deemed appropriate to provide for visitor safety while walking within the park, to reduce noise associated with vehicle operation and to protect park resources. §4.30 (a) Only roads and Site areas are open to bicycle use. Bicycle use on
Historic Site walkways is prohibited. “Use of a bicycle” means the riding or mechanical operation of such equipment. Bicycles may be walked through the Historic Site grounds, but must be dismounted and attended by the owner. These restrictions are intended to prevent conflict between users and hazardous conditions resulting from inconsistent recreational uses. The following exception granted: Bicycles used by authorized Federal, State, or local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties. The regulations contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting, or otherwise within the boundaries of federally owned or administered lands and waters as part of Tuskegee Institute Historic Site
Only NPS Staff and Commissioned Park Rangers can enforce the requirements of the United States Code, CFR Titles, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. However, many Federal laws and regulations have similar statutes found in State and local law. Many of the requirements of this Compendium complement existing State and local law enforcement officers. 
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Last updated: September 24, 2025