Superintendents Compendium

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS TITLE 36, CHAPTER I

VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

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 regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government and public use of those portions of Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1 and section 7.43. 36 CFR.

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

APPROVED:

Superintendent, Carrie Mardorf 06/11/2025
 

I. 36 CFR §1.5 - Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, And Area Designations For Specific Use Or Activities


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

 
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.
 

Closures

The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.

The Superintendent may close any portion of the park and/or roadways to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices is prohibited.
 

Locations Closed to Public Access

 

Public Use Limits

 

The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:

 

II. 36 CFR §1.6 -Activities That Require A Permit

The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: Information and applications to request a permit can be obtained at Vicksburg National Military Park during regular business hours, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Monday to Friday. Contact us at 601-636-0583 or via the internet at www.nps.gov/vick/permits or mail addressed to Superintendent, Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street Vicksburg, MS 39183.

  • Carry or possess weapon, trap or net. Firearms may be carried or possessed in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Other weapons as defined under 36 CFR 1.4 will require a permit
  • Specimen Collection (the taking of any plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)
  • Camping and Food Storage
  • Audio Disturbances: 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.
  • Aircraft & Air Delivery: Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means.
  • Removal of a downed aircraft.
  • Noncommercial soliciting
  • Explosives: Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
  • Use or possess fireworks
  • Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
  • Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views
  • Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park area.
  • Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons require a permit.
  • Per 36 CFR §12.4, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery.
  • Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising.
  • Livestock Use
  • Erection of New Monuments (requires approval from Director of NPS)
  • Scattering of ashes from human cremation
  • Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, and size limits.
  • Advertisements (Display, posting, or distribution).
  • Construction of buildings, facilities, roads, paths, structures, etc.
  • 36 CFR Part 25.2(a) Conduct a Battlefield Tour for a Fee
  • Only individuals licensed by the National Park Service through the Licensed Battlefield Guide Association are authorized to provide historical interpretive tours of the battlefield for a fee.

Filming / Still Photography

Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances) may require a permit. See 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 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.
Determination: 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.

Commercial Vehicle Use

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).

Vicksburg National Cemetery

Per 36 CFR § 12.4, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery. Permits are required for disinterment of remains, for burials, and special events. Vicksburg National Cemetery is closed to new burials, except in the rare case of existing burial rights.

Licensed Guide Service Regulation

Per 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 25, the Superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park is authorized to administer a Licensed Battlefield Guide program. All persons offering services or acting as a guide representing Vicksburg National Military Park will be licensed by the Superintendent. Requests for application to become a guide are managed through the Licensed Battlefield Guide Association, which operates under a commercial use authorization and group license.

 

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

 

36 CFR §2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

  • Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:

    • Park wide, but only for authorized living history demonstrations or other approved activities described under “closures” above.

Determination: Campfires are not permitted within the park except those events associated with living history demonstrations or otherwise authorized by the Superintendent.

  • The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:

    • Climbing is not permitted on monuments and cannons

Determination: Climbing on cannons and monuments, as well as traversing archeological or cultural resources can be unsafe and unduly affect the preservation of these features.

  • Fruits, nuts, or berries 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:

    • The gathering in small quantities (one dry gallon per day, per person) of fruits, nuts, and berries are permitted. The gathering of these products is prohibited on or near historic features (earthworks).

    • Climbing on trees to collect within Vicksburg National Military Park also is prohibited.

Determination: Limitations placed on the collection of fruits, nuts and berries are necessary to preserve resources for wildlife and encourage species growth.

 

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
  • All of Vicksburg National Military Park
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use and nighttime activity create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park wildlife. The Superintendent may authorize the use of artificial light for scientific and resource use.
 

36 CFR §2.4 - WEAPONS, TRAPS, OR NETS

Visitors may possess and carry firearms within Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances. The federal facilities for Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery are as follows:
  • Visitor Center
  • USS Cairo Museum
  • Pemberton’s Headquarters (closed to public)
  • Park Maintenance Facilities
  • Old Superintendent’s Quarters (currently closed to public)
  • Curatorial Storage
  • Restoration Shop

Conditions for Weapons
The possession and use historic weapons necessary to support interpretive and educational demonstrations are permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the historic weapons will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.

 

36 CFR §2.10 - CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE

The park is closed to camping except under conditions as identified in “closures” above.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

The park is closed to picnicking except in designated picnic areas at the USS Cairo Museum and visitor center. See “closures” above.

36 CFR §2.13 - FIRES

Lighting or maintaining a fire within Vicksburg National Military Park is prohibited except:
  • Small campfires contained within well-defined fire circles as part of an overnight living history encampment (with permit from the Superintendent).
  • Barbeque fires contained within an appropriate grilling device in a park housing area.
  • Prescribed fires for management of resources as authorized by an approved burn plan.
Determination: Limitations on the use of fire are necessary to prevent adverse impacts to resources, as well as to prevent fire from escaping to adjoining lands and residential areas
 

36 CFR §2.15 - PETS

Pets are allowed within the park, including on park trails, as long as they are physically restrained by a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Electronic shock collars do not meet the requirements for physical restraint of a pet as required by 36 CFR § 2.15. The following additional restrictions apply:

  • All animal waste must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings). 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 from the park.

  • Pets are NOT allowed in park residences occupied by seasonal and term employees or interns of the park. The only exception to this is the use of a Service Animal. The Superintendent has the discretion to lodge an employee in their own, separate housing if they do require a Service Animal that may be disruptive to others living in the same park residence.

  • Pets are not allowed on the USS Cairo, for reason that pet waste can damage the historic timbers under and around the walkway.

Determination: Limitations on pets within the park are necessary to ensure a positive visitor experience for all, as well as to prevent possible resource damage that could be created by uncontrolled pets

Service Animals

  • NPS policy defines a service animal as a DOG, that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

    • The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.

    • A service dog must be trained to perform a specific task related to the disability of its handler.

  • Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. They must be allowed wherever visitors are allowed.

    • Service dogs are allowed to go into areas where pets are prohibited because service dogs are not considered pets and consequently are not regulated as pets.

  • Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are NOT considered “service animals” by the National Park Service.

    • Provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of what is defined as a service animal in the NPS policy.

    • Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals can be any animal, not just a dog.

    • The presence of these animals provides a calming effect for many people, but they do not qualify as service animals because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task.

    • Therefore, a park can treat an emotional support animal as a pet in accordance with its pet policy.

  • NPS staff may require an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from a facility, service, program, or activity if the animal is not housebroken or is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it.

    • If a service animal must be removed, the visitor is allowed to participate in the service, program, or activity without the animal.

Determination: In October 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a policy memorandum regarding the use of service animals by persons with disabilities in national parks. The revised policy aligns the NPS policy with the standards established by the Department of Justice and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited in and around all buildings within Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery. This includes interior sections of monuments and memorials, as well as the USS Cairo. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public or any access where smoking would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings. Departmental Manual 2, Section 3 310, Chapter 11, Director’s Order #50D: 4 Smoking Policy.

 

36 CFR §2.35 -ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

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:All areas of Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery except:
  • Park residences
  • Park Sponsored events
  • Other areas when included as a provision of a special use permit issued by the Superintendent
Determination: Because of the prevalence of bluffs, cliffs, steep slopes, and other natural hazards in the park, consumption of alcohol can create a concern for visitor safety. In addition, consumption of alcohol is inappropriate. As such, consumption could interfere with visitors' appreciation of the historic scene and resources.
 

36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES

Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials are prohibited. Using or possessing fireworks is prohibited.

Conditions for Explosives
The possession and use of small quantities of black powder necessary to support park permitted historic weapons demonstrations is permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the black powder will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.

Determination: Fireworks can intrude upon the park's contemplative visitor experience, create a safety concern, and possibly start unwanted wildfires. Black powder and other explosives are similarly dangerous, unless used under carefully controlled and supervised settings such as a historic weapons demonstration.

 

36 CFR § 2.51 - DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated for demonstrations when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity. Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within the designated park areas noted below. Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons always require a permit, from the Chief Ranger’s office. Per federal law, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery.

The following areas are designated for demonstration purposes:
  • The area immediately adjacent to the visitor center and north of the park tour road. Demonstrators must stay off the earthworks.
  • The lawn area south of the tour road, west of the entrance drive, and north of a line approximately 25 feet north of, and parallel to Clay Street.
  • The lawn area in the triangle formed between the tour road, the USS Cairo Museum parking lot, and the walkway from the parking lot to the USS Cairo Museum.
 

36 CFR §2.62- MEMORIALIZATION

A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains. New monuments may be erected within Vicksburg National Military Park with authorization of the Director of the National Park Service.
 

36 CFR §3.21 - SWIMMING AND BATHING

The entire park is closed to swimming and bathing.

Determination: It is unsafe to swim or bathe in waters within the park due to water level issues and hazardous downed trees and limbs.
 

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

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:
  • No vehicle in excess of 14 feet in height, 50 feet in length, or 60,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is allowed on any park roads.
  • No vehicle in excess of 25 feet in length is allowed in the National Cemetery.
  • No vehicle in excess of 25 feet in length is allowed on Sherman Avenue.
Determination: The stated limits are necessary because of low clearances, sharp curves, and bridge capacity along the park tour road.
 

36 CFR §4.21 - SPEED LIMITS

The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
  • Tour Road - 25 mph
  • Parking lots and Service Roads - 15 mph
  • National Cemetery Road - 15 mph
  • All speed limits apply to bicycles
Determination: Speed limits are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience
 

36 CFR §4.30 - BICYCLES

The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads and parking lots. Bicyclists using the tour road must ride in the direction of traffic flow. No bicycle shall be operated off established roadways. Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks, monuments, or the Thayer's Approach Tunnel. Bicycles must be walked on sidewalks and must not be left unattended on a sidewalk.

Electronic Bicycles

  • 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 Vicksburg National Military Park 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 Vicksburg National Military Park 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: Bicycle use of the tour road is appropriate for enjoying park resources. The above limitations are established to ensure the safety of recreationists, as well as that of the motoring public.
 

36 CFR §$5.5 FILMING, STILL PHOTOGRAPHY, AND AUDIO RECORDING

  • See 36 CFR §1.6 – Activities that require a permit
 

IV. 36 CFR PART 12 – NATIONAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS

Any and all activities in the Vicksburg National Cemetery will be consistent with the National Cemetery policies and directives set forth in 36 CFR Part 12, DO-RM 61, and NPS Policy Memorandum 22-01.
 

36 CFR 12.4 SPECIAL EVENTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS IN NATIONAL CEMETERY

Conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited in Vicksburg National Cemetery except for official commemorative events conducted for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other dates designated by the superintendent as having special historic and commemorative significance to a particular national cemetery.

Dates authorized by 36 CFR § 12.4:
  • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
  • Veterans Day (November 11)
The Superintendent has also designated the following dates, which are authorized in NPS Policy Memorandum 22-01, to permit co-sponsored events to commemorate those interred at the National Cemetery:
  • Armed Forces Day – Third Saturday in May
  • Flag Day – June 14
  • National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Third Friday in September

In addition, the Superintendent has designated the following dates for the stated reasons:

 
12.10 Floral and Commemorative Tributes
These specific regulations regarding flowers and commemorative tributes apply in Vicksburg National Cemetery.
  • Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Temporary, non-breakable flower vases must be used and are available upon request.
  • Coins and other metal objects are not permitted to be placed on headstones or monuments; these objects can cause staining of the stone surfaces.
  • Artificial flowers and potted plants shall be permitted on graves 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
  • Small American flags are permitted only during the weekend prior to and on Memorial Day. A permit is required for any other type of flag.
  • During the Christmas season, Christmas wreaths, floral grave blankets and other floral arrangements shall be permitted commencing December 1 and allowed to remain on the grave through January 20 of each year. Grave floral blankets shall not be larger in size than two by three feet (2' x 3').
  • All other objects are prohibited and will be removed by cemetery personnel whenever found on a grave or elsewhere in the Cemetery.
  • Permanent below ground floral containers may not be used. Existing containers will not be maintained.
  • Floral items and other types of decorations shall not be secured or attached to the headstone or commemorative monument.
  • Park staff will remove floral items when they become faded or unsightly. All other permitted items will be removed at the discretion of park staff.

Last updated: June 18, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

Phone:

601 636-0583

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