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Signed January 20, 2026 by Superintendent Robert Maupin, and will remain in effect until amended or rescinded.
1. INTRODUCTION
The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Codes and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 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 and to protect visitors and property with the park.
In addition, Title 54 U.S.C. §100751(a) allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “prescribe such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units.”
2. 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 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. 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.
36 CFR § 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits
The following schedule of visiting hours has been established for the areas and periods indicated:
Administration Offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The park visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm, daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, December 25, and New Years Day, January 1.
The park grounds are open from 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after after sunset.
The possession or use of fireworks, firecrackers or other explosive devices is prohibited within the boundaries of the park. No permits for the use or possession of fireworks, firecrackers or other explosive devices of any kind will be issued by the Superintendent.
Audio Disturbances
In order to prevent audio amplification systems from interfering with visitor use activities and park neighbors, the park has established an audio disturbance guideline to govern the volume of audio systems used in the park.
The following are prohibited:
Operating equipment, including an audio device such as a radio, sound system or musical instrument, in a manner that exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet
Or, if below that level, audio amplification that interferes with visitor use activities such as interpretive talks, the audio component of park exhibits, or that makes noise which is unreasonably disruptive, considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct, location, time of day, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances.
Operating a public address system, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued.
Activities such as speeches, formal ceremonies or other activities that may disrupt the private reflections of other visitors are prohibited. See the following Permits section for information on Special Use Permits issued by the Superintendent.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Washita Battlefield National Historic Site 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, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
· The prohibition on the launching, landing, or operation of uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft (UAS) within Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is necessary to protect visitor safety, preserve the solemn and commemorative character of the site, and prevent adverse impacts to cultural resources, wildlife, and visitor experience. The park is a small, historically significant landscape where UAS operations could disrupt quiet reflection, interfere with interpretive programs, create safety hazards in areas of concentrated visitor use, and adversely affect wildlife and sensitive cultural resources. Allowing UAS use without restriction would be inconsistent with the park’s purpose and management objectives. Written authorization by the Superintendent provides a narrowly tailored mechanism to allow UAS use when it is determined to be necessary for administrative, research, emergency, or other mission-critical purposes, and when such use can occur without unacceptable impacts to park resources or visitors.
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) - Designate Areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.
36 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit.
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.
(a) When authorized by regulations set forth in this chapter, the Superintendent may issue a permit to authorize an otherwise prohibited or restricted activity or impose a public use limit. The activity authorized by a permit shall be consistent with applicable legislation, federal regulations and administrative policies, and based upon a determination that public health and safety, environmental or scenic values, natural or cultural resource, scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, proper allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities will not be adversely impacted.
(f) A compilation of those activities requiring a permit shall be maintained by the Superintendent and available to the public upon request.
Special Use Permits issued by the office of the Superintendent are required for, but not limited to:
Special Events.
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views.
Sale or distribution of printed matter.
Commercial uses.
Scattering of human ashes.
Residing on Federal Lands.
Aircraft landing and delivery.
Public address system or use of audio device.
Research specimen collection.
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.
36 CFR § 2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural, and archaeological resources
(c)(1) The Superintendent may designate certain fruits, berries, nuts, or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption upon a written determination that the gathering or consumption will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
Except for management purposes, walking off designated trails, walking on identified mounds and other archaeological resources is prohibited.
Reasonable quantities (less than one gallon) of cherries and plums may be gathered for personal use or consumption. Limited consumption of these resources does not adversely affect the reproduction of plants or wildlife's food source.
36 CFR § 2.10 – Camping and Overnight Stays
Camping is prohibited in all areas of Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.
Camping, including overnight stays, sleeping, or attempting to sleep in tents, vehicles, or other structures, and remaining in the park outside of established visiting hours for the purpose of overnight occupancy, is prohibited at all times. No camping areas are designated within the park, and no permits authorizing camping or overnight stays will be issued.
This prohibition is necessary to protect cultural and natural resources, preserve the solemn commemorative character of the park, prevent resource damage, and avoid adverse impacts to the visitor experience. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a small historic landscape with no facilities or infrastructure to support overnight use. Allowing camping or overnight occupancy would be inconsistent with the park’s purpose and management objectives.
36 CFR 2.13(a)(1) – Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire.
The lighting, maintaining, or use of fires is prohibited throughout Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. The park does not contain designated fire areas or permanent fire receptacles, and no open fires are authorized anywhere within the park except when expressly approved through a special use permit issued by the Superintendent.
This prohibition applies to all fires regardless of fuel source. The use of any materials to ignite or maintain a fire—including, but not limited to, charcoal briquettes, natural firewood, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials—is prohibited unless specifically authorized by permit.
A fire may be authorized only for ceremonial purposes when approved in advance through a special use permit issued by the Superintendent. Any authorized ceremonial fire must comply with all permit conditions, which may include restrictions on location, duration, allowable materials, fire-safety measures, supervision requirements, and extinguishment standards. The permittee is solely responsible for implementing all fire-prevention and fire-suppression measures required by the permit.
This restriction is necessary to protect public health and safety; safeguard cultural resources, visitor facilities, and park infrastructure; preserve environmental and scenic values; and support the Superintendent’s management responsibilities. Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a small commemorative landscape that lacks designated fire facilities and fire-suppression infrastructure. Unauthorized fires pose an unacceptable risk of wildfire, resource damage, visitor injury, and environmental contamination. Less restrictive measures, such as visitor education alone, would not adequately mitigate these risks. Allowing fires only under tightly controlled, permitted ceremonial uses provides a narrowly tailored exception that does not compromise park values or visitor safety
36 CFR 2.2 Wildlife Protection
(e) The Superintendent may designate all or portions of a park area as closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light. Use of an artificial light for purposes of viewing wildlife in closed areas is prohibited.
The park is closed to the use of an artificial light for purposes of viewing wildlife. This restriction does not apply to authorized Federal, State, or local agency employees engaged in official duties.
36 CFR § 2.11 Picnicking
Picnicking is not allowed, except in designated areas closed in accordance with § 1.5. The Superintendent may establish conditions for picnicking, otherwise picnicking in violation of established conditions is prohibited.
Picnicking is prohibited in all areas of the park.
Consumption of food or beverages or carrying open containers of food or beverages is prohibited within all buildings, unless authorized by the Superintendent.
36 CFR § 2.15 Pets
§ 1.4 Definitions: Pet means a dog, cat or any animal that has been domesticated.
All park buildings are closed to pets, except:
The provisions of this section shall not apply to service animals (dogs) which have been trained to assist impaired or handicapped persons, or, to dogs used by authorized federal, state, and local law enforcement officers in performance of their official duties,
Pets must be restrained on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confined at all times.
Leaving a pet unattended and/or tied to an object is prohibited.
Any person having possession, custody or control of any dog or other animal that defecates in any area of the park shall be required to immediately remove and properly dispose of the feces in an appropriate refuse container.
36 CFR § 2.16 Horses and Pack Animals
The following are prohibited:
(b) The use of horses or pack animals outside of trails, routes or areas designated for their use.
Horses or pack animals are prohibited on the park grounds, except within the parking areas.
This restriction is intended to reduce possible conflicts between users, protect the natural and cultural resources, and to address public health concerns. This restriction does not apply to horses used by authorized Federal, State, and local officials in the performance of their duties.
36 CFR § 2.21 Smoking
Smoking (including vaping and e-cigarettes) is prohibited at the Overlook and Trails and within the interiors of all park buildings and within 25’ of formal entrance areas as defined as entrance steps or entry foyers of all park buildings. This designation is based on Executive Order 13058, published in the August 13, 1997 Federal Register. It is also designed to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire. Smoking may be prohibited within all park boundaries during high fire danger.
36 CFR § 2.35 Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances
The possession or consumption of a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage which has been opened, a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, within the boundaries of the park is prohibited except under the conditions of a special use permit issued by the office of the Superintendent. This restriction is intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and to remain true to the purpose of the park.
36 CFR §2.50 Special Events
Sports events (which include walking and running events), pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed: Provided, however, there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefore has been issued by the Superintendent. A permit shall be denied if such activities would:
(1) Cause injury or damage to park resources; or
(2) Unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic or commemorative zones; or
(3) Unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the National Park Service; or
(4) Substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessionaires or contractors; or
(5) Present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety.
(6) Result in significant conflict with other existing uses.
The park is closed to certain recreational activities, whether organized or unorganized, whose occurrence would result in the creation of a hazardous condition and/or derogation of the values or purposes for which the park was established or, which interfere with the use of park resources by other visitors are prohibited.
36 CFR § 2.51 Public Assemblies and Meetings
Public assemblies and meetings are allowed by permit only in designated areas. These areas are designated on the attached map (Exhibit 1).
36 CFR § 2.52 Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter
Sale or distribution of printed materials is allowed by permit only in the two areas designated within the fenced Overlook area. These areas are designated on the attached map (Exhibit 1).
36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization
The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
Items used for religious observances may be hung from the following areas:
The split rail fence at the Overlook site
The Black Kettle tree
36 CFR §4.30 Bicycles
The use of bicycles or electric bicycles (e-bikes) are prohibited on park property except in parking areas.
The park overlook showing First Amendment Activity locations.
EXHIBIT 1
Designation of Areas Available for First Amendment Activities
The exercise of first amendment activities by any individual, group, or organization within the area administered by the National Park Service shall be in compliance with the provisions of 36 CFR §§ 2.51 and/or 2.52. Such activities shall also be subject to and in compliance with other laws and regulations applicable to the area administered by the National Park Service. In accord with and consistent with 36 CFR §§ 2.51 and 2.52, the Superintendent will issue permits for the exercise of first amendment activities in the following designated areas:
In the North Grass Area and the East Grass Area around the parking areas within the fencing. The Overlook area is fenced and readily recognizable.
The parking areas are public access areas and their entrances, visitors, and/or park employees must not be obstructed in any way and public access and egress from the park must not be compromised.
Due to the solemn nature and purpose of the park, sound amplification is prohibited without a permit.
