Superintendent's Compendium

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 54 United States Code, Section 100751, the following provisions apply to all lands administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, and 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.

Please send any written comments to:
Superintendent
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
ATTN: Chief Ranger


36 CFR § Part 1 – General Provisions
36 CFR § Part 2 – Resource Protection, Public Use, and Recreation
36 CFR § Part 4 – Vehicles and Traffic Safety
36 CFR § Part 5 – Commercial and Private Operations
 
36 CFR § Part 1 – General Provisions

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES AND AREA
DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

(a)(1) VISITING HOURS
  1. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (TUSK) is open to the public during hours of daylight only (1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise), year-round, with the following exceptions:
  • Use of the paved county road known as Corn Creek Road is open 24 hours a day

Determination: For the purpose of public safety and protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources, including non-renewable paleontological and archeological resources which occur at or near the surface. These resources are frequently difficult to see and thus more susceptible to damage during low light conditions.


(a)(1) CLOSURES
  1. The park is closed to motor vehicles except:
  • On Alamo Road, Corn Creek Road, North Decatur Boulevard, and Mud Hills Road. Alamo Road and Mud Hills Road are closed 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise throughout the year.
  • Any administrative use as determined by the park Superintendent.
  • Any use of the right of way corridors by authorized entities under permit.

Determination: The fragile condition of continually exposed paleontological resources can be damaged and/or destroyed by motor vehicle traffic. The monument provides habitat to sensitive wildlife and plant species which are susceptible to injury or morbidity by off road vehicle use.

  1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) also known as drones are prohibited.

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 the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Closure:
The launching, landing or operating of an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Tule Springs Fossil Beds NM is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Determination: This closure is to prevent possible conflicts, maintain public health and safety, and prevent any unacceptable impacts on park resources and values.


(a)(2) e-bikes

  • The use of bicycles and e-bikes is prohibited, except on existing roads, where previous disturbance from significant motor vehicle travel has occurred in the past, and/or flood channels/washes/arroyos.
  • 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 h.p.).
  • E-bikes are allowed in Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument 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 Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument 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.

Determination: The park resources have been extensively impacted by off road travel by vehicles and bicycles. Significant restoration work will be necessary in the future to mitigate resource damages.


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:

§2.2(b)(d) Transportation of lawfully taken wildlife through the park.

§2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net.
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals).
§2.12 Audio Disturbances:
(a)(2) Operating a chainsaw.
(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas.
(a)(4) Operation of a public address system.

§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means.
(c)(1) Removal of downed aircraft or parts therefrom.
§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
§2.38 Explosives:
(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents.
(b) Use of and/or possession of fireworks.

§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events.

§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views.

§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter.

§2.60(b) Livestock use

§2.61(a) Residing on federal lands

§2.62 Memorialization:
(a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from the Director)
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation

§4.11(a) Vehicles exceeding load, weight and size limits (see Part 4 Vehicles and Traffic Safety, §4.10 Travel on Park Roads and Routes).

§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution).

§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business

§5.5 Commercial Photography / Filming: See also 43 CFR 5.1

§5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The Superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available).

§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.

§5.10(a) Operating of eating, drinking, or lodging establishments in certain park areas.

§6.9 Operation of a solid waste disposal site.

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36 CFR § Part 2 – Resource Protection, Public Use, and Recreation

§2.2 WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(b)(2) Hunting is not allowed in Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.

(b)(d) Transportation of lawfully taken wildlife requires a permit

(b)(e) The entire park is closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light.


§2.4 WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS

(a)(2)(ii) Target practice is prohibited throughout the park.


Determination: The use of firearms is prohibited by law, and inconsistent with the purpose for which the National Monument was established. The use of firearms in a valley type environment also presents significant visitor safety issues. There are also significant environmental concerns with lead and trash.


§2.10 CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE
  • Camping is not permitted.


§2.11 PICNICKING
  • Picnicking is allowed during daylight hours.


§2.13 FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except under the conditions as noted:
  • Self-contained stoves fueled by propane or other approved fuels.

Determination: Fires with removable fuel sources are generally safe and present little fire danger. Additional Fire restrictions may be issued by the Superintendent.


§2.14 SANITATION AND REFUSE

(a)(2)There are no trash receptacles or facilities in TUSK. Visitors must remove all refuse from the park.

(b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
  • There are no restroom facilities in the park. Visitors are responsible for removal and proper disposal of human waste outside of the park.
  • The use of disposable bags or containers, which package human waste and render it safe for disposal as a solid waste, and which meet applicable state and federal regulations, are permitted for transport of human waste outside of the park.


§2.15 PETS
  1. Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
  • Pet excrement must be disposed by removal from the park.


§2.16 HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

(b) Horses and pack animals may be ridden only on existing roads and/or flood channels/washes;
  1. The use of loose hay or grain containing viable seeds as feed is prohibited.


§2.17 AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY

(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent and requires a written permit from the Superintendent.


§2.22 PROPERTY

(a)(2) Property may not be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours.


§2.50 SPECIAL EVENTS

(a) Sports events, pageants, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park 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.


§2.51 DEMONSTRATIONS

(b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated available under paragraph (c)(2) when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

(c)(2) The following locations area designated as available for demonstrations:
  • All areas within Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument are currently available for demonstrations.
Map

§2.62 MEMORIALIZATION


(a) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.

(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, or in the following areas and according to the following conditions:
  1. The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
  2. The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.
  3. The scattering of remains from the air is prohibited.
 
36 CFR § Part 4 – Vehicles and Traffic Safety

§4.10 TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES
          1. Operating a motor vehicles off of designated roadways is prohibited.
§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:
  • Vehicles up to and including 102 inches (8-1/2 feet) wide are permitted on park roads. Beyond this width limit requires a special permit. (This does not include trailers being pulled by a vehicle).
  • Vehicles and trailers may not exceed state height requirements (14 feet in Nevada).
  • Overall length (vehicle and any trailers) may not exceed 40 feet.
  • Vehicles and trailers exceeding established size limits require a permit issued by the Superintendent and appropriate state highway permits.


§4.21 (C) SPEED LIMITS

(a), (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes / roads indicated:
  • The speed limit is 15 mph throughout the monument unless otherwise signed.
    • Corn Creek Road and North Decatur Boulevard speed limits are 35 mph.


§4.30 BICYCLES
  • The use of bicycles is prohibited, except on existing roads, where previous disturbance from significant motor vehicle travel has occurred in the past, and/or flood channels/washes/arroyos.

Determination – The park resources have been extensively impacted by off road travel by vehicles and bicycles. Significant restoration work will be necessary in the future to mitigate resource damages.



36 CFR § Part 5 – Commercial and Private Operations

§5.1 ADVERTISEMENTS

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


§5.3 BUSINESS OPERATIONS (COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION – CUA)

Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, is prohibited.

Business operations within Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument must be authorized under a contract or permit. All authorized businesses are listed online at URL: http://www.nps.gov/tusk/parkmgmt/cuadirect.htm.

The exceptions to the written authorization for all commercial visitor service operations requirement are as follows:
  • Vehicle tow services are considered emergency vehicles and are on a rotational basis through the Interagency Communication Center.

§5.6 – COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited, and requires permission or a permit from the Superintendent.

§5.7 – CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES

Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States.

END

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Last updated: October 18, 2019

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Mailing Address:

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Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
601 Nevada Way

Boulder City, NV 89005

Phone:

7022938853 (Information Line)

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