Superintendent's Compendium

Superintendent's Compendium 2026:

Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority

In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter 1, the following compendium actions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Yucca House National Monument. 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

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 as italicized print

 

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:

• The entirety of Yucca House National Monument is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The monument is closed to public entry or use from sunset to sunrise.

Determination: Due to the lack of infrastructure and dedicated personnel, recreational visits to the monument after sunset and before sunrise cannot reasonably be supported at this time. Additionally, the monument, contains sensitive cultural and natural resources which would face significant risk of negative impacts if visitation was allowed during hours of darkness.

Public Use Limits:

• Organized groups of 25 people or more are not allowed to enter the monument unless a special use permit has been issued by the Superintendent.

Determination: Yucca House National Monument contains sensitive cultural and natural resources which would be negatively impacted by large groups of people. Additionally, the monument has no parking areas within its’ boundaries, thus visitors must utilize very limited parking within the adjacent ranch property. Large groups in multiple vehicles or buses would negatively impact park neighbors and create traffic hazards.

Closures:

• Picnicking: Picnicking is prohibited.

Determination: The monument has no cooking or eating facilities, infrastructure or trashcollection and cannot accommodate this activity. Such use, without facilities, is likely to attract undesirable animal/rodent activity.

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

• 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 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.

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

• Geo-caching
The creation or maintenance of a “geo-cache” containing any physical items within the park is prohibited. “Virtual” caches may be created and maintained if they meet the designated management conditions of the location. Conditions include consistency with park regulations such as not encouraging off-trail travel or travel in closed areas, visitor safety considerations, and the protection of resources. (Abandoning or leaving property unattended is also a violation of 36 CFR, Section 2.22(a) – Property).

Determination: The purpose of this restriction is to protect the natural and cultural resources from damage due to geo-caching, and to preserve the landscape in as pristine a visual condition as possible.

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Yucca House National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Definition: 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.

Determinations: 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 Reference Manual #60: Aviation Management, Chapter 12 – Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. properly evaluated whether this use is appropriate could result in unacceptable impacts to park resources, values, and visitor
safety. Unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of model aircraft and UASs within Yucca House National Monument will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experience of unimpaired view sheds; the disturbance, displacement or harassment of park wildlife; creation of public safety hazards per operation near roadways or large aggregations of visitors; and visual or aural impacts to wilderness character and values within the park backcountry.

• Winter Activities: Snowshoeing and skiing are prohibited.

Determination: Due to the infrequent snowfall at Yucca House National Monument

 

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:

• 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.

§2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net

• Request a permit by submitting an application through irma.nps.gov/RPRS.

o Refer to 36 CFR 2.4 WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS

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

• Request a permit by submitting an application through irma.nps.gov/RPRS.

o Refer to 36 CFR 2.5 RESEARCH SPECIMENS

Note: When permits are required for scientific activities pertaining solely to cultural resources, including archeology, ethnography, history, cultural museum objects, cultural landscapes, and historic and prehistoric structures, other permit procedures apply and will be outlined during the permitting process.

§2.12 Audio Disturbances:

• (a)(2) Operating a chainsaw in developed areas
• (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
• (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51
Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email
[e-mail]
Refer to 36 CFR §2.12 AUDIO DISTURBANCES

§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:

• (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
• (c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email
[e-mail]

Please refer to 36 CFR § 2.17 AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY

§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)

• Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email
[e-mail]
Please refer to 36 CFR § 2.37 NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING

§2.38 Using or possessing explosives:

• Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents
• Using or possessing fireworks
Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email
[e-mail]
Please refer to 36 CFR § 2.38 EXPLOSIVES

§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

• Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email
[e-mail]
Please refer to 36 CFR § 2.50 SPECIAL EVENTS

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

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

o No locations have been designated for such gatherings or demonstrations at this time.
Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email
[e-mail]
Please refer to 36 CFR § 2.51 DEMONSTRATIONS

Determinations: Yucca House National Monument has no developed areas, trails, facilities, or parking within the boundaries of the monument. The entirety of the monument, furthermore, is a sensitive archeological site where large numbers of people are likely to degrade the resources. For these reasons there are no designated first amendment site within the monument. Those wishing to exercise first amendment rights should do so at appropriate locations within Mesa Verde National Park and as designated in the Mesa Verde National Park Compendium.

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

• Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email [e-mail]
• Please refer to 36 CFR § 2.52 SALE of PRINTED MATTER and THE DISTRIBUTION of PRINTED MATTER and OTHER MESSAGE-BEARING ITEMS.

§2.22(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions

• None: Leaving property unattended for periods longer than 24 hours is prohibited.

§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)

• Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email [e-mail]
• Please refer to 36 CFR § 5.1 ADVERTISEMENTS

§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)

• Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email [e-mail]
• Please refer to 36 CFR § 5.6(c) COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.

• Request permits through the Superintendent’s Office 970-529-4611 or email [e-mail]
• Refer to 36 CFR § 5.7 CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDIINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES

 

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:

• The collection of wood is prohibited within the monument.

Determination: Campfires are prohibited within Yucca House National Monument thus no valid reason for the collection of wood exists.

(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:

• Entering archeological sites is allowed under the following conditions:

o Climbing, walking on, sitting on, or otherwise having physical contact with standing wall, prehistoric structures, shrines, or other exposed archeological features is prohibited.
o Entering or traversing sites during periods when the monument is closed is prohibited.

Determination: Exposed archeological and cultural sites are fragile and unfettered access or use would be likely to cause damage to the site and contaminate the same thus affecting the scientific value.

(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, and 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: This may occur in any area accessible to the public.

• Pinyon nuts, up to 0.50 pounds per person per day.
• Chokecherries, up to 0.50 pounds per person per day.
• Juniper berries, up to 0.50 pounds per person per day.
• Prickly pear fruit, up to 0.50 pounds per person per day.

Determination: The unrestricted collection of native fruits, berries, nuts, and fruiting bodies could adversely impact plant propagation and/or wildlife food sources.

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

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

• The transport of taken wildlife through the monument is prohibited.

Determination: Hunting is not allowed within Yucca House National Monument, and no roads or trails transect the monument. Thus, transport of taken wildlife is prohibited.

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

• The use of artificial light sources (such as spotlighting) to deliberately illuminate or view wildlife including infrared, thermal imaging, or ultra-violet (black light) devices of any kind is prohibited.

Determination: Hunting or the taking of any wildlife is prohibited by 36 CFR. Activities such as spotlighting or intentionally illuminating wildlife represent deliberate actions that cause significant disturbance to wildlife and are often associated with the illegal taking (poaching) of wildlife.

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE

(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:

• None. No camping facilities exist.

(d) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for all park areas:

• Food and trash left unattended must be secured in a vehicle. The monument has no food storage or waste disposal facilities.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

• None. No picnicking faculties exist and picnicking is prohibited.

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:

A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

Designated Areas:

• None. No fires are allowed within the monument.

Determination: Yucca House National Monument has no fire rings or developed areas free of vegetation where a fire could be safely maintained.

This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans Page 10 of 13 and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION and REFUSE

(a)(2) The use of wildlife-proof government 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:

• None. No refuse containers exist within the monument.
• Human waste must be carried out from the monument.

Determination: Yucca House National Monument currently has no refuse containers or restrooms. All waste produced during a visit must be carried out from the monument and disposed of at offsite locations in accordance with local law and regulations.

 

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) Pets are prohibited in the following areas:

• All areas of the monument are closed to pets.

Determination: The presence of pets and risk of digging or leaving of excrement is likely to damage the archeological site and cultural resources present at the monument.

(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

• Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.

Determination: Pets are prohibited at the monument.

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

• Pets owners or responsible persons shall promptly collect and properly dispose of pet fecal matter in residential and public use areas. Fecal material should be collected in a plastic bag and disposed of in a garbage can.

Determination: Although pets are prohibited at Yucca House National Monument ADA service animals may accompany persons into the monument. Any excrement produced by such an animal must be promptly removed to avoid damaging the archeological resources at the monument.

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

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

• Horses and other pack animals are prohibited within the boundaries of the monument.

Determination: No trails are maintained for use by stock animals at the monument. The presence of such animals is likely to damage archeological resources.

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.

• See Section II in compendium 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT, 36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT and AIR DELIVERY

Determination: Section (c)(1) authorizes the superintendent to establish procedures for the removal of an aircraft; establish a timeframe for the removal; determine times and means of access to the site, and specify the manner or method of removal. The intent of this section is to allow superintendents control over the recovery of downed aircraft through a permitting process. [48 FR 30268, June 30, 1983]

36 CFR §2.18 – SNOWMOBILES

(c) Snowmobiles may be operated only on routes designated in section 7

• Snowmobile use is prohibited.

Determination: No snowmobile trails or routes exist.

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, and similar winter activities under the conditions noted:

• None: There are no roads or parking areas within the national monument.

36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES

The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are prohibited except in the following areas:

• None. Such use is prohibited in all areas.

Determination: No areas appropriate for such use exist. Use of such devices is likely to damage resources within the monument.

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 allowed throughout the monument.

• The Superintendent may designate a portion of a park area as closed to smoking when necessary to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities. Smoking in an area or location so designated is prohibited.

Determination: Smoking is allowed but may be restricted during periods of high fire danger.

36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:

• None. Such action is prohibited.

Determination: The purpose of this restriction is to protect the natural, cultural, and archaeological resources from damage from geocaching and similar activities and to preserve the landscape in as pristine visual condition as possible.

 

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:

Entrance Fee Areas:

• None: No entrance fees are charged for entry to Yucca House National Monument

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:

• The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited throughout Yucca House National Monument.

Determination: These restrictions discourage irresponsible or unsafe drinking behaviors. Such activity and associated waste are likely to contaminate the site with refuse and attract rodents or wildlife which may negatively impact the scientific value of the site.

36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation is prohibited

Determination: Yucca House National Monument is a culturally sensitive area and continues to be used by affiliated Tribes. The Superintendent has prohibited the scattering of ashes to protect the integrity of the cultural landscape and respect the wishes of the affiliated tribes.

36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES

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

• None. There are no roads within Yucca House National Monument and no travel by motor vehicle is allowed.

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

(a) Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in section 1.5 of this document.

• Bicycle use within Yucca House National Monument is prohibited in all areas.

Determination: No trails or roads exist and thus no appropriate locations for bicycle use exists.