U.S. Department of the Interior William Howard Taft National Historic Site Superintendent’s Compendium Approved on January 1/17/2025 By K. Wood – Acting Superintendent
In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Fede3ral Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of William Howard Taft National Historic Site. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3. The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of William Howard Taft National Historic Site. These include:
Please contact the Superintendent of William Howard Taft National Historic Site if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium. NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply. 36 CFR 1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS.36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) – Visiting hours, public use limits and closures.Visiting Hours:
Closing the park in the evening and on federal holidays is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times. In addition, it is more difficult for visitors to stay on designated paths and trails, and outside of closed areas, during the evening. Leaving these areas can cause significant damage to the natural and cultural resources in the park, including plants, wildlife, and archeological sites.
Public Use Limits:
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.Conditions or Restrictions on a Use or Activity:Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of William Howard Taft National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 dated June 19, 2014. 36 CFR 1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT36 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit.The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
36 CFR 2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE.Camping is prohibited at William Howard Taft National Historic Site.William Howard Taft NHS does not have the facilities, grounds, or oversight for overnight use.
36 CFR 2.11 – PICNICKING.Picnicking is available at the Southern Avenue public use area. Groups of five or less may picnic on the grounds of William Howard Taft NHS as long as there is no cooking or fire involved and it does not interfere with visitor traffic.The only picnic location designed to accommodate larger groups is the Southern Avenue public use area. Groups larger than 5 persons picnicking on the grounds of William Howard Taft NHS may interfere with or detract from the historical nature and visitor experience of the park.
36 CFR 2.13 - FIRESFires are prohibitedProper facilities/receptacles do not exist for the safe use of open or contained fires. 36 CFR 2.15 - PETS36 CFR 2.15(a)(1) – Closures to pets, emotional support animals, and pet waste
2.15(a)(2) – Pet restraintsPets must be restrained on a leash that shall not exceed 6 feet in length.2.15(a)(3) – Leaving pets unattendedLeaving a pet unattended or tied to an object is prohibited.2.15(a)(5) – Pet excrement disposalFailing to properly dispose of pet excrement is prohibited.Pet owners are responsible for their animals, including cleaning up and disposing of waste appropriately. Pet waste bags and trash receptacles are available in the park and should be utilized to protect the visitor experience and the historic nature of the park. 36 CFR 2.21 – SMOKINGSmoking or utilizing Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is prohibited inside the Tafthome and Taft Education Center.Prohibiting smoking is necessary to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities. 36 CFR 2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.36 CFR 2.35(a)(3) – Closures to alcohol.The Taft Education Center and Taft home are closed to alcoholic beverages except by conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent.To protect the visitor experience, historic nature, and furnishings of the Taft home and Education Center, the Superintendent has determined that the consumption and possession of alcohol shall be prohibited except for specific occasions and under the terms and conditions of a permit. 36 CFR 2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS AND DESIGNATED AVAILABLE PARK AREAS36 CFR 2.51(c)(2) – Designated location.The flagpole located inside of the fence, and across front of the main entrance of the Taft Education Center (2048 Auburn Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45219) is designated as available for demonstrations. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures.The designated location is in a prominent location near the visitor center that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to enter and leave the visitor center safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events. ![]() 36 CFR 2.52 – SALE OF PRINTED MATTER AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER AND OTHER MESSAGE-BEARING ITEMS.The flagpole located inside the fence, and across from the Taft Education Center (2048 |
Last updated: January 23, 2025