To receive an electronic copy of the Superintendent's Compendium for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, please email us at WHIS_Information@nps.gov. 1) Superintendent’s Compendium Described 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 Code 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 within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. 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 granted 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 provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park 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. A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System. A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at: www.gpo.gov OR Superintendent of Documents P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 The CFR is also available on the Internet. 2) Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This Compendium The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under Title 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C. 1a-1, “Organic Act”) to “….regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” 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.” In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970, Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.” In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, than that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and Requirements The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. 3) Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
The rules contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise present on Federally owned lands, including submerged lands, and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters. 5) Enforcement of Compendium Requirements NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. 6) Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium Requirements A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below. The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time. Written comments on the Compendium may be submitted to: Superintendent Whiskeytown National Recreation Area P.O. Box 188 14492 Kennedy Memorial Drive Whiskeytown, CA 96095
The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year.
Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions 10) Availability Copies of the Compendium are available at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area 14492 Kennedy Memorial Drive Whiskeytown, CA 96095 It may also be found at https://www.nps.gov/whis/learn/management/whiscompendium.htm B. 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 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of the Whiskeytown Unit of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. 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.S(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:
Public Use Limits:
Closures:
The following roads, trails, and public use areas remain closed due to the Carr Fire and aftereffects:
These trails, roads, and public use areas received damage both directly from the Carr Fire and as a result of increased erosion post Carr Fire. Down trees and dead standing trees remain a significant threat to public safety. The NPS continues to work to reopen areas of the park impacted by the Carr Fire. COVID Related Restrictions (The following restrictions go into effect when county metrics dictate according to the Department of Interior Covid Plan.)
1. All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented, or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restrooms. 2. The following outdoor areas, when others are present, where the superintendent has determined that physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained: Outdoor areas adjacent to the Whiskeytown Visitor Center and amphitheaters and open-air pavilions.
Gold Panning:
Camping:
Boat Launching Sites: The following locations are open and available to the public for the purpose of launching and retrieving vessels on Whiskeytown Lake:
Docking or Mooring Areas: The following locations are open and available to the public for the purpose of docking or mooring vessels and subject to the terms and conditions set by the Whiskeytown Concessionaire:
Flat Wake Areas: The following areas are defined as Flat Wake Areas, as marked by regulatory buoys set and maintained by the National Park Service and as further identified and defined on maps (Appendix E) attached to and made part of this document.
Water Skiing/Towing Areas:
Swimming Beaches/Areas:
Personal Watercraft Use Areas:
Model boats:
Unmanned Aircraft:
Technical Rock-Climbing Routes:
Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
(a)(3) The following restrictions, limits, closures, designations, conditions, or visiting hour restrictions imposed under§§ (a) (1) or (2) have been terminated:
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(a)(2) Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording (54 U.S.C 100905 also referenced)
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals) §2.10(a) The following camping activities:
§2.12 Audio Disturbances
§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
§2.23(b) Recreation activities (per 36 CFR Part 71) including:
§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:
§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 require a permit when the activity involves more than 25 persons or is requested for a location outside the identified designated areas. The following locations are designated for First Amendment activities:
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising requires a permit when the activity involves more than 25 persons or is requested for a location outside the identified designated areas. The following locations are designated for First Amendment activities:
§2.60(b) Livestock use §2.61(a) Residing on federal lands §2.62 Memorialization:
§4.11(a) Exceeding established vehicle load, weight and 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 Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording:
§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. §7.91(c) Powerless flight §7.91(d)2ii Gold panning within Whiskeytown NRA III. GENERAL REGULATIONS 36 CFR §2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES (a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:
(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:
The taking of the above authorized collection items will not adversely affect park wildlife or the reproductive potential of the plant species or otherwise adversely affect park resources. 36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION
36 CFR §2.3 - FISHING The following State fishing laws and/or regulations, as noted, do not apply in the listed areas:
(d)(2) Possession or use of live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibian, non-preserved fish eggs or roe is permitted in the following freshwater areas:
(d)(4) In accordance with federal statutory law, commercial fishing is authorized in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
(d)(8) Fishing is allowed in or from the following otherwise prohibited areas: Motor road bridges:
Within 200 feet of public rafts or floats designated for water sports:
Swimming beaches:
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:
36 CFR §2.10- CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
Designated Camping Areas Camping is allowed within Whiskeytown NRA, by permit, only in the following locations:
Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping is allowed within Whiskeytown NRA, by backpacking permit only in the following areas:
Camping is allowed in seasonal campgrounds during April 1 to October 31:
The following campgrounds are open year-round:
Conditions for Camping Camping is limited to an aggregate of 14 days between April 1 and October 31 (inclusive) and no more than 30 days per person per calendar year. No period of stay of 30 days may be succeeded by any period of stay with less than a 7-day break. The 14 day between April 1 and October 31 is necessary to provide more equitable access to campsites. The maximum 30 window between November 1 and March 30 is necessary to prevent individuals from residing within Whiskeytown. Backpacking Permits For overnight backpacking trips at Whiskeytown, register at the visitor center. Please contact the visitor center for current hours of operation at 530-246-1225. The Whiskeytown Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The camping permit for overnight backpacking in undeveloped areas is issued at no cost.
If you already have a valid Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or Whiskeytown Annual pass, please display this pass in a hangtag or place it on the dashboard of your vehicle. Annual passes from Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lava Beds National Monument are also valid here at Whiskeytown. Regulations:
Whiskeytown is Bear Country: There are black bears in Whiskeytown, and they are clever and persistent. Take the time to set up your camp properly and keep your tent area clean. Careless camping and lazy or improper food storage often result in nuisance bears which may have to be killed if they become dangerous. Do Not Store Food in Tents: Store food and odorous items, including toothpaste, cosmetics, soap, and garbage, by using the counterbalance method or a bear canister. Sleep 20 to 30 feet from where you store these items and scare any approaching bears away as quickly as possible. Making loud noises or throwing rocks towards the bear are acceptable methods of scaring them away. Black bears are generally timid. If a bear approaches your camp, act immediately to scare it away. Yell and make as much noise as you can. Throw rocks toward the bear. Make more noise. Always maintain a safe distance. Do not advance on a bear which appears to feel threatened or cornered by you. Do not attempt to retrieve food or gear from a bear until the items are abandoned. Help Save a Bear’s Life: Bears that obtain human food or trash may become aggressive and dangerous and then must be killed. You can prevent this by properly storing your food and garbage while camping. Please report all bear incidents at the Visitor Center. Drinking Water: Potable water is available at the visitor center and at various locations throughout the park. Inquire at the Visitor Center for a map of the water filling stations in the park. Purify stream water by boiling it for 3 to 5 minutes, or by using a giardia-rated filter or iodine-based chemical filter. Information and Assistance: Emergency Dial 911 Visitor Center (530)246-1225 Call for hours of operation. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Law Enforcement: Whiskeytown Dispatch (530)242-3431, 24 hours a day, seven days a week Persons applying for said permit shall:
The maximum occupancy per site is six (6) persons, two motor vehicles (excluding vehicles designed for towing) and two tents. Any vehicle or combination of vehicles including trailers, motorhomes, motorhomes pulling other vehicles or trailers that exceed·25 feet are prohibited in all campgrounds designated as primitive. Camping within the Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom recreational vehicle camping areas is limited to persons utilizing motorhomes and trailers equipped with fully self-contained toilet and wastewater devices. No tents are permitted. Fully self-contained toilet and wastewater devices are defined as apparatus permanently constructed within a motor vehicle for the purpose of collecting and storing human waste products and wastewater for later disposal in a dump station or other device designed and intended as an inlet to a permitted wastewater treatment works. Camping by backpacking in Whiskeytown is allowed by free permit in undeveloped areas. Camp must be a minimum of one mile from Whiskeytown Lake and at least 100 feet from any trail or stream. Portable stoves are allowed except during fire restrictions. Check at the Visitor Center for all conditions of the permit. (CLOSED DUE TO CARR FIRE) (b)(3) Camping within 25 feet of a fire hydrant or main road, or within 100 feet of a flowing stream, river or body of water is authorized only in the following areas, under the conditions noted: Within Designated Campsites only (d) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for the following areas: When not in use, food, lawfully taken wildlife and fish, garbage, and containers and equipment used to cook or store food must be contained within bear-resistant food storage lockers (where provided) bear-resistant refuse containers (where provided) or out of sight in a hard sided vehicle or vehicle trunk by persons camping or picnicking in areas authorized for access by motor vehicle. 36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING Conditions for Picnicking:
36 CFR 2.13 - FIRES (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted: Designated Areas Where Fires Are Permitted Within Fire Grates and Receptacles:
Receptacles Allowed:
Established Conditions for Fires:
(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.14 - SANITATION and REFUSE (a)(2) The use of government trash (refuse) receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is allowed under the following conditions:
(b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
36 CFR §2.15 - PETS (a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:
(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
(b) The use of dogs in support of hunting must be in accordance with Federal and State laws and the following conditions:
(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.16 - HORSES and PACK ANIMALS (a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes, or areas: All trails, routes, or areas within Whiskeytown NRA, excepting:
(d) Free-trailing or loose-herding is allowed on the following trails/routes, subject to the conditions noted:
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
36 CFR §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 through written authorization. 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:
(b) The towing of persons on skis, sled or other similar device by motor vehicle or snowmobile is allowed in the following areas and/or routes:
36 CFR §2.20 - SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are allowed only in the following areas:
36 CFR §2.21 - SMOKING (a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted: Smoking is prohibited in Whiskeytown NRA except for the following designated areas: in your vehicle (either inside your vehicle or within 5 feet of your vehicle when parked in a paved or gravel parking lot), on your watercraft while underway, in your permitted campsite, and in designated and signed smoking areas (at Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, Visitor Center, Park Headquarters-maintenance yard and the Oak Bottom Marina Office area). (See appendix H for the park wide map for designated smoking areas. For detailed maps see the following appendices: H-1 for Brandy Creek Area map, H-2 for Oak Bottom Area map and H-3 for the Visitor Center Area map). For the purposes of this regulation smoking means the carrying of lighted cigarettes, cigars or pipes, or the intentional and direct inhalation of smoke from these objects. This includes the use of electronic devices known as e-cigarettes. In 2015, Whiskeytown NRA worked with Shasta County Public Health on a campaign to reduce tobacco use within the county. The smoking ban supports this effort. The prohibition also was designed to reduce the volume of micro-trash associated with smoking. 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:
36 CFR §2.23- RECREATION FEES (b) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses: Recreation Fee Areas: All NPS lands and waters within the boundaries of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Specialized Site Use Fee Areas:
Special Recreation Permit Fee (Such as but not limited to. group activities, recreation events, and the use of motorized recreation vehicles):
Other events, such as marathons, races. regattas, etc., are subject to a permit fee dependent upon the magnitude of the event and the impact to the park. 36 CFR §2.35 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (a)(3)(i) 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:
NOTE: The areas described above are defined on maps (Appendix F) attached to and made part of this document. The NPS first banned alcohol on these designated swim beaches in 1988 following years of issues around drunkenness, fighting, assaults, DUIs, and fatal accidents. Strict application of public drunkenness laws, disorderly conduct laws, and DUI laws did not stop the volume of issues. Closures of these beaches cut the number of arrests by 50% in the first year of application. Continued application of the closure allows for a safe, family friendly environment on the busy swim beaches. 36 CFR §2.62 - MEMORIALIZATION (b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, or in the following designated areas without a permit, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
36 CFR §3.3 - VESSEL PERMITS Permits are required for the use of a vessel in the following areas:
36 CFR §3.6 - BOATING OPERATIONS (d)(1) Vessels may not create a wake or exceed 5 mph in the following areas:
NOTE: The Flat Wake Areas described above are defined by marker buoys set and maintained by the National Park Service and as identified on maps (Appendix E) attached to and made part of this document. NOTE: Vessels operated during competitive sailing events or human powered boating events, pursuant to and in compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in a permit issued by the Superintendent, are not subject to the provisions of subparagraph iv, unless specified by the terms of the permit. (h) The following areas/sites are designated for the launching or recovery of vessels using a trailer:
(i) The following areas/sites are designated for the launching or recovery of vessels propelled by machinery:
(I) Vessels must meet the following size, length, or width restrictions:
36 CFR §3.20 - WATER SKIING (a) The towing of persons by vessels is allowed in the following areas under the terms and conditions noted:
36 CFR §3.21 - SWIMMING AND BATHING (a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
(a)(2) The following restrictions apply to all swimming and bathing activities:
(b) The use of floatation devices, glass containers, kites, or incompatible sporting activities is not permitted on the following swimming beaches, as noted:
36 CFR §3.23 - SCUBA AND SNORKELING (a) SCUBA diving and snorkeling is permitted in the following swimming, docking, and mooring areas under the terms and conditions noted:
36 CFR §3.24 - PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC)
Submersible and Semi-submersible watercraft are allowed by permit only.
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): Park roads, which are open, closed or restricted for public use, are identified on a map (Appendix G), which is attached to and made a part of this document. These roads are defined as follows: Public Roads not owned and maintained by the National Park (BLACK) Park Roads open for public access at all times, except in the event of temporary emergency closure (GREEN) Open to public access at limited times or under limited conditions (RED). Open for use only by authorized motor vehicles, for official purposes (BLUE). Administrative Roads not open for public use (YELLOW). In all cases exceptions are authorized in the case of emergency, or for purposes of law enforcement, maintenance, repair, or management of natural resources. A listing of these roadways and their designations follows: Public Roads not owned and maintained by the National Park Service designated in BLACK on the map attached to and made part of this document (Appendix G):
Roads Open to Public Access - designated in GREEN on the map attached to and made part of this document (Appendix G):
NPS Roads with Increased Erosion Due to the Carr Fire and Subject to Closure During and Immediately After Storms
Roads Open to Public Access - Pursuant to Defined Restrictions, designated in RED, on the map attached to and made a part of this document (Appendix G): All paved roadways within the Oak Bottom Recreational Complex, subject to public use and area closure restrictions contained within section 1.5(f) - above. All paved and improved unpaved roadways and parking areas, within traffic control barriers within the Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area, subject to authorized access by valid permit holders. (CLOSED DUE TO CARR FIRE) Public access along the Shasta Bally Road, from the bridge over Brandy Creek in the vicinity of Sheep Camp to the summit of Shasta Bally is permitted. Said road shall be designated as closed each year after November 1 and will remain closed until April 1 or until weather conditions and park resources permit its reopening in the spring of each year. Public access along the unpaved portions of Crystal Creek Road, from the vicinity of the Crystal Creek Regional Boys Camp to the intersection with the County Line Road is permitted. Said road shall be designated as closed each year after November 1 and will remain closed until April 1 or weather conditions and park resources permit its reopening in the spring of each year. Public access along the Mill Creek Road, from the intersection at Carr Powerhouse Road, to the designated terminus is permitted. Said road shall be designated as closed each year after November 1 and will remain closed until April 1 or weather conditions and park resources permit its reopening in the spring of each year. The paved roadways and parking areas within the Brandy Creek Beach and Picnic Area recreation complex. Said road shall be designated as closed each year after November 1 and will remain closed until May 1 or weather conditions and park resources permit its reopening in the spring of each year.
Administrative Roads Closed to Public Access by Motor Vehicle, accessible to authorized vehicles ONLY, designated in BLUE on the map attached and made a part of this document (Appendix G): Defined as roads formally constructed and maintained, that are so designated, may be used for public safety emergencies, law enforcement, firefighting and maintenance, repair and construction of facilities, power lines and other infrastructure within Whiskeytown NRA. Roads specifically so designated are: That roadway leading from Crystal Creek Road, through the tailings area to the US Bureau of Reclamation tunnel portal and gate structure. The spur road leading from Mill Creek Road to Boulder Creek Falls. The roadway leading from SR299W at (Mile 11.5) Funderberg Flats to Whiskeytown Lake. The roadway leading from "Panther Gap" on Peltier Valley Road, over the summit of Monarch Mountain, to Kennedy Memorial Drive. The roadway leading from "Panther Gap" on Peltier Valley Road, over the summit of Monarch Mountain, to Kennedy Memorial Drive. The roadway leading from Kennedy Memorial Drive to the base of Whiskeytown Dam and "Dike #1". The roadway leading along the Shasta Divide, from the intersection with SR299W to the Mount Shasta Mine Loop All roads within New York Gulch, north of a point 100 feet from the centerline of SR299W. All roads north and west of Highway 299 to the Oak Bottom sewage treatment spray field access road. Those roads leading over the surface above and adjacent to the Clear Creek Water District pipeline in the vicinity of Salt Gulch, from a point at the southern perimeter of Horse Camp to a point 100 feet north of the intersection of the pipeline right-of-way at Mule Town Road. All roadways connecting to SR299W at Bull Gulch, north to the Whiskeytown NRA Boundary, including all access to the Pacific Gas and Electric power line right-of-way. All roadways in Slate Gulch from the PG&E right of way north to the Whiskeytown NRA Boundary, including all access to the Pacific Gas and Electric power line right-of-way. All roadways leading over the Shasta Divide ridge, from a point 100 feet from the centerline of SR299W to points immediately adjacent to Paige Bar road near Whiskeytown Dam, the Shasta Mine Loop Trail Head parking area and Mule Town Road. All roadways leading from a point at the south of the lake access parking area between Whiskeytown Dam and Dike #1 to the base of Whiskeytown Dam and the Western Area Power Authority power lines. All roadways leading east and north from a point 30 feet from the centerline of Peltier Valley Road over Monarch Mountain to a point 30 feet from the centerline of South Shore Drive. All roadways leading from a point at the southern perimeter of the Cal-Trans materials storage area at "Funderberg Flats" near SR299W mile 11.5 to Whiskeytown Lake. All roadways leading from a point at the eastern perimeter of the Tower Historic District Trail Head to Building 515 and the intersection of Building 515 access road with Merry Mountain Road. Public access from Shasta Bally Road to County Line Road crossing over Crystal Creek, commonly known as "the Queen Mary area" is no longer a road. All roadways leading to and within the Boulder Creek drainage from a point adjacent to the intersection of the remnant Boulder Creek Road at South Shore Drive to its intersection with the Mill Creek Road. Administrative Roads Closed to All Public Use - designated In YELLOW on the map attached and made a part of this document (Appendix G) The roads leading to Buildings 324, 318, and 321. The Bureau of Reclamation roads providing access to the penstocks near Carr Powerhouse. Roads leading to private residences within the NPS boundary, except for landowners and guests. The roads within the Headquarters compound. The roads immediately below Whiskeytown Dam. The roads leading to Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek Water Treatment Facilities. The roads between Kanaka Peak and South Fork Peak. All other areas, including those with naturally occurring or man-made passages where motor vehicles might physically travel and further including all previously designated travel routes, are closed to use and access by motor vehicles. Closures to motor vehicle access do not necessarily preclude access by foot, horseback or bicycle. Refer to SECTIONS 1.5, 2.16 and 4.30, of this document. (b) Routes and areas for off-road vehicle use are provided for in section 7
(c)(1) Track-laying motor vehicles, or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device may be operated on the following routes under the terms and conditions noted: Pursuant to emergency as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee, or a permit issued by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §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:
36 CFR §4.21 - SPEED LIMITS (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES (Appendix L) (b) Administrative Roads
(d) Existing Trails All designated trails within Whiskeytown Unit are open for use by bicycles and e-bikes, except for the following:
(h)(4) Riding a bicycle abreast of another rider is allowed on the following routes:
(i)(1) Electric Bicycles:
36 CFR §4.31 - HITCHHIKING Hitchhiking or soliciting transportation is prohibited except in the following designated areas and conditions:
36 CFR §5.5- FILMING, STILL PHOTOGRAPHY, AND AUDIO RECORDING
36 CFR §7.91 SPECIAL REGULATIONS (c) Powerless flight The use of devices designed to carry persons through the air in powerless flight is allowed at times and locations designated by the superintendent, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. (d)(2)(i) Gold Panning The following streams, or portions thereof, designated closed to gold panning:
This restriction is necessary to keep park visitors from disturbing educational programs at Whiskeytown Environmental School Camp (also known as N.E.E.D. Camp) Examples of 36 CFR 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature.
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.
36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System. For more information, view the CFR online.
The National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under Title 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C. 1a-1, “Organic Act”) to “….regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” 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.” In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970, Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.” In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, than that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and Requirements The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
Enforcement of Compendium Requirements NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium Requirements A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below. Comments on the Compendium The Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time. Written comments on the Compendium may be submitted to: Superintendent Whiskeytown National Recreation Area P.O. Box 188 14492 Kennedy Memorial Drive Whiskeytown, CA 96095 Effective Date of the Superintendent Compendium The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year. Additional Information Some of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions |
Last updated: August 28, 2025