Superintendent's Compendium

 

Current Compendium

Printable version of the Superintendent's Compendium (5-19-23 version)

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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 (NPS), within the boundaries of Valles Caldera National Preserve (hereinafter the “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:

• Park landscape is open to the public by foot, bicycle, snowshoes, and skis year-round through established pedestrian access points from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
• Scenic pullouts along New Mexico State Route 4 (NM-4) are open 24/7 without permit.
• Park main entrance is open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, unless otherwise posted.
• Park main entrance is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm after Labor Day Weekend until Memorial Day Weekend, unless otherwise posted.
• Park main entrance is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25th.
• Park backcountry vehicle route is open from May 15 through November 15, subject to weather and road conditions.
• Hunting seasons are specified in Hunting Unit 6B by the New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish.

Public Use Limits:

• Driving beyond the ranger station requires a Park permit. Thirty-five (35) permits are available daily through Recreation.gov (Rec.gov). The valid permit will be displayed in the vehicle’s dashboard.
• Vehicle entry points are limited to the Park main entrance located near mile marker 39 on NM-4. All other vehicle access points are closed except through Park permit or other written authorization.
• Vehicles are permitted on Forest Road 268 inside the Park boundary.
• Group Size limits are as follows: Hiking – 15 or less per group, Bicycling – 12 or less per group, Equestrian – 12 or less per group. Group activities exceeding these limits require a Special Use Permit (SUP).
• Fishing requires a Park permit issued online and from the Park entrance station. State law and licensing requirements also apply.
• All Park waters are closed to use with fishing waders of any type.
• New Mexico State law applies to all permitted hunting and fishing activity. Creel limits are set by the New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish.
• Elk and turkey hunting is allowed by State license when accompanied by a Park permit.
• Horseback riding requires a Park permit issued online and from the Park entrance station and is authorized on designated Park roads and trails.
• Private vehicles with stock trailers may park at the Park entrance station parking lot, in the northeast corner, provided they do not obstruct the flow of traffic.
• Picnicking is allowed in areas adjacent to the Park entrance station and ranger station only; group size limits must be in accordance with a Park permit or other written authorization. (Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.)
• Glass containers and glassware are prohibited within 100 feet of any body of water.
• Alcohol consumption is permitted in designated camping and picnic areas.
• Establishing or erecting play structures including bouncing facilities, wading pools, slack lines, etc., is prohibited.
• Potable water supplies are for personal or stock use only.
• Overnight use requires a Park permit.
• Camping is by Park permit only and may not exceed 14 nights in 30 days.
• Public use of OHV/ORV/ATV and snow machines is not permitted within the Park boundary.
• Commercial Vehicles – Engines must be shut down when not underway.
  • The idling of bus vehicle engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the Park.
• Vehicles designed to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers, including the driver, are only authorized to drive on the Entrance Road (VC-01) and North Valle Grande Road (VC-02) from the intersection with VC-01 to the Skinning Shed Cabin near History Grove.
• Use of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is considered smoking. Use is restricted to areas where smoking is permitted. (DO#50D & Policy Memo 15-03)

Closures:

• Park headquarters in Jemez Springs is closed to public access without an appointment.
  • This closure is necessary to maintain facility security and employee safety. All public services are maintained at the Park entrance station and visitor contact station.
• All buildings on the Park are closed to public access unless otherwise noted.
  • This closure is necessary to maintain historic and cultural resources and to protect public health and safety.
• All building and structures within the Park are closed to weapons carried by the public.
  • This closure is mandated by Federal law.
• The following administrative roads and areas are closed to public entry. This closure includes motorized, bicycle, and foot travel.
  • La Jara borrow pit, and the road leading to it from the Entrance Road (VC-01)
  • Facility Operations Center and the road leading to it from North Valle Grande Road (VC-02)
  • Park housing and the road leading to it from North Valle Grande Road (VC-02)
  • This closure is necessary to maintain facility security, protect public health and safety, and employee housing privacy.
• Only specifically authorized and marked roads are open to public motorized access.
  • This closure is necessary to maintain natural, historic, and cultural resources and to protect public health and safety.
• The area above 9,600 feet or 250 feet below the top of each volcanic dome and peak within the Park, whichever is lower, is closed to motorized vehicle access, except for specific administrative use or emergency/public safety response.
  • This closure is necessary as mandated by the enabling legislation of the Park. (P.L.113-291 §3043(b)(10))
• Land adjacent to the Santa Clara Indian Reservation is closed to mechanized forms of transportation.
  • This closure is necessary as mandated by the enabling legislation of the Park. (P.L.113-291 §3043(b)(11)(C))
• All areas of the Park are closed to open fires, charcoal grills, wood burning stoves, and campfires.
  • This closure is necessary to maintain natural, historic, and cultural resources and to protect public health and safety.
• Picnicking is not permitted in residential areas, in or on any of the historic buildings, porches or yards.
  • This closure is necessary to maintain natural, historic, and cultural resources and to protect public health and safety.
• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from, or on, lands and waters administered by the NPS, within the boundaries of the Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. 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.
  • This closure is necessary to maintain public health and safety in the Park and to protect park resources and values until the NPS can determine whether specific uses of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS are appropriate and will not cause unacceptable impacts on park resources and values.
  • Except for the limited existing use of model aircraft in some parks, of which Valles Caldera is not included, unmanned aircraft are a new park use and affect park resources, staff, and visitors in ways that the NPS has yet to identify and analyze. It is NPS policy to not allow a new park use (Section 1.5 of NPS Management Policies) until a determination has been made that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values, and staff and visitor safety.
• All roads are subject to emergency closures without notice, prior to, during, and following natural disasters and events including: high winds, snow, flooding conditions, wildfire, volcanic eruptions and/or seismic activity. A storm or high-wind watch/warning issued for the Park may also dictate closures.
  • Watch: Good possibility that predicted conditions could occur anytime within 36 hours.
  • Warning: High probability that predicted conditions could occur anytime with 24 hours.

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

• Fishing is allowed on all waters of the Park in accordance with State regulations and by Park regulations only.
• Equestrian use is allowed on designated trails and main roads. Access through the Banco Bonito gate for equestrian use is by Park permit or other written authorization.
• Camping is allowed in the Banco Bonito area by Park permit.

First Amendment Activities

Public gatherings or demonstrations including, but not limited to, religious observances or distribution of related materials may only be held in the following designated areas:

• At the Park entrance station along the north side of the parking area.

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:

• §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:

  • Accessing the summit of Redondo Peak through non-motorized means for the purpose of recreation, education, and/or research
    • A permit is required to maintain natural, historic, and cultural resources.

• §2.2(b) Hunting

• §2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net, except as provided for firearm carry in accordance with state law or in accordance with a State hunting license and Park permit while hunting Unit 6B.

• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)

• §2.12 Audio Disturbances:

  • (a)(2) Operating a chain saw
  • (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine
  • (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51

• §2.16(b) The use of a horse or pack animal

• §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 a downed aircraft

• §2.23(b) The following special recreation activities (per 36 CFR Part 71):

  • Horseback riding
  • Fishing
  • Overnight camping
  • Hunting
  • Group activities where participants exceed 15 people (those not covered under §2.50(s)
  • Using a motorized vehicle in the Park’s backcountry (does not include e-bikes)

• §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)

• §2.38 Explosives:

  • (a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents

• §2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events including weddings, vows, and other similar ceremonies.

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

• §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising

• §2.60(b) Livestock grazing

• §2.61(a) Residing on federal lands

• §2.62 Memorialization:

  • (a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director
  • (b) Scattering ashes from human cremation

• §3.3 Use of a vessel

• §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, or size limits

• §5.1 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 Commercial Photography/Filming:

  • (a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television
  • (b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.

• §5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, paths, or structures, etc.

• §6.9(a) Operation of a solid waste disposal site

• Part 10 Disposal of certain wild animals

Special or Commercial use permits and information may be obtained through the Park Revenue and Business office at [phone] or through the Park website: www.nps.gov/vall.

Scientific research and collection permits may be obtained through the Park Science and Resource Stewardship office at [phone].

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:

• No walking, climbing, entering, ascending, or traversing archaeological or cultural structures within the Park.

(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:

• Collection and personal consumption of edible fruits, nuts and berries while in the Park is permitted for the list of plant species below. No more than one pint, per person may be collected for consumption while in the Park. Removal or transport of fruits, nuts and berries from the Park is prohibited.
  • Chokecherry - Prunus virginiana L. var. melanocarpa (A. Nelson) Sarg.
  • Elderberry - Sambucus racemosa L. var. racemose
  • Rosehips - Rosa nutkana C. Presl, Rosa woodsia Lindl. var. ultramontana (S. Watson) Jeps.
  • Gooseberry/currant - Ribes cereum Douglas (tasteless), Ribes inerme Rydb. var. inerme (palatable), Ribes leptanthum A. Gray (palatable), Ribes montigenum McClatchie (somewhat palatable), Ribes pinetorum Greene (palatable), Ribes wolfii Rothr. (palatable)
  • Pine nuts - Pinus edulis Engelm.
  • Acorns - Quercus gambelii Nutt.
  • Serviceberry - Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roem. var. alnifolia
  • Strawberry - Fragaria vesca L., Fragaria virginiana Duchesne
  • Raspberry - Rubus idaeus L. ssp. strigosus (Michx.) Focke
  • Thimbleberry - Rubus parviflorus Nutt. var. parviflorus
  • Whortleberry - Vaccinium scoparium Leiberg ex Coville

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(b) Elk and turkey hunting are allowed within the boundaries of the Park. The following conditions apply:

• A valid New Mexico State hunting license and a Park permit are required for hunting within the Park. New Mexico State laws apply to all hunting.
• Scouting is allowed before the hunt season, subject to conditions of the hunting permit, availability, and related conditions of the Park’s backcountry vehicle permit.
• Hunters are permitted one vehicle per license, except the Youth Mentor Hunt, where two (2) licenses are issued and one vehicle is allowed. Vehicles are restricted to open roads identified on the hunt map.
• Hunters are allowed stock use in association with the Park permit. Hunters must provide USDA certified weed-free pelleted feed while in the Park to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.
• All private vehicles must possess and display a Park permit tag while in the Park.

(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the Park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

• Lawfully-taken wildlife in accordance with a valid New Mexico State hunting license.
• Removal and transport of carcasses found/collected by employees of the Park or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

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

• Night lighting of all wildlife within the boundaries of the Park is prohibited.

36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING

Fishing is allowed on all waters within the Park in accordance with New Mexico State laws and the following NPS conditions:

• Angler must pay entrance fee to the Park and obtain a Park-issued permit online or at the Park entrance station.
• Angler must have in their possession a valid New Mexico Department of Game and Fish fishing license.
• All nets must be sanitized prior to being used in any Park waters. (Whirling Disease)
  • The use of waders of any kind is not permitted in any Park waters. (Whirling Disease)
  • Only artificial flies and lures with barbless-point, single hooks are permitted.
  • Use of live or dead bait is prohibited.

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:

• Weapons, including bows and arrows, crossbows, rifles, muzzle loading guns, shotguns, and other legal firearms, may be used for elk and turkey hunting only, subject to a valid New Mexico State hunting license and Park permit.
• Traps are not permitted in the Park.
• Personally-owned fishing nets are not allowed unless sanitized prior to arrival in the Park.
  • Whirling disease can be transferred in from elsewhere on nets, waders, and other equipment.

Notwithstanding any other provision in 36 CFR §2.4, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within the Park in accordance with the laws of the state of New Mexico, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law. Federal law prohibits the carrying of weapons inside any Park facilities or structures.

36 CFR 2.11 – PICNICKING

Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a)(1) “Closures.”

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

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

Established Conditions for Fires:

• Campfires are not permitted in the Park.

(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:

• Containerized fuel stoves and woody biomass-based cooking stoves may be used in accordance with a valid permit.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

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

• All structures within the Park.
• All housing units within the Park.
• All areas of the Park with the exception of pets on leash in scenic pull-outs along NM-4; Park entrance station parking lot; Park cabin district along the North Valle Grande Road (VC-02) from approximately 50 yards west of the ranger station to approximately 150 yards east to the historic Old Barn and wooden corrals; and Coyote Call, La Jara, and Valle Grande trails.
• La Jara borrow pit, the dirt road leading to it from the entrance station parking lot, and the corrals located at the entrance station may be open to pets on leash during special events only.

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

• Pet excrement must be collected and disposed of in a trash receptacle.

(b) The use of dogs in support of hunting must be in accordance with Federal and State laws and the following conditions:

• Dogs are not allowed in support of hunting.

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:

• Burros, llamas, horses, and mules may be used as pack animals.

(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes, or areas:

• All designated trails.
• Off trail for purposes of animal retrieval and livestock management in conjunction with a Park permit.
• Off trail for purposes of retrieval of trespass cattle.

(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:

• Manure must be removed from around trailers and haul homes.
• Stallions are not permitted.
• Youth riders (16 years old and under) must wear a helmet.
• Animals must be fed USDA certified weed-free pelleted feed while in the Park to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

36 CFR §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES

(a) The following Park roads and/or parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic may be used for skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, inner tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter activities under the conditions noted:

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on groomed and ungroomed trails, and unplowed roads designated for public use.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) The following portions of the Park, and all portions of buildings, structures, or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:

• Smoking is prohibited except within a personal motor vehicle or designated smoking area.
• Electronic cigarettes are considered cigarettes, and the same rules apply.
• Smoking bans/closures may be placed in effect during high fire danger.

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:

• An individual with a valid Park permit may park trailers and other vehicles in established pullouts or parking areas as identified in their permit. These areas may be subject to seasonal or incident-related closures.
• A Park partner, federal, tribal, state, or local agency, subject to the conditions of a valid Park permit.

36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING

(a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:

• No swimming or bathing is permitted in Park waters.
• Bathing is allowed using a personal water source in connection with a Park permit for camping.

36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES

(a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document (attached hereto):

• Public vehicles are allowed on the Entrance Road (VC-01) from NM-4 to the ranger station and in designated parking areas.
• Public vehicles are allowed on USFS Road 268 within the Park boundary.
• Public vehicles are allowed on all other routes by Park permit only.
• Public OHV/ORV/ATV and snow machine use within the Park is prohibited.
• Vehicles designed to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers, including the driver, are only authorized to drive on the Entrance Road (VC-01) and North Valle Grande Road (VC-02) from the intersection with VC-01 to the Skinning Shed Cabin near History Grove.

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

• 20 mph on all Park roads outside of developed areas.
• 10 mph in developed areas where buildings are present.
• 5 mph in parking areas and around pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders on horseback.
• 5 mph when driving near wildlife, including prairie dog colonies.

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use:

• Bicycles are allowed on all roads open to public motor vehicles.
• Bicycles are allowed on those administrative roads and trails identified in the Park visitor use map.

E-bike Use:

• 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 on all roads open to public motor vehicles.
• E-bikes are allowed on those administrative roads identified in the map titled, “E-Bike Access Routes” and dated 9/24/2021.
• Use of the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling for extended distances is prohibited.