NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK

NORTH DAKOTA

 

                                                                 Superintendent’s Compendium

 

A compilation of designations, closures,

permit requirements and other regulations

enacted under the discretionary authority

granted to the Park Superintendent under

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

 

                                                                                         

 

 

The regulations contained in this compendium are a supplement to those already codified in 36 CFR, Chapter1, and are in addition to other Federal and State laws applicable within Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________                                  March 28, 2005

Valerie J. Naylor                                                                                              Date

Superintendent                                                                                

 

 


SUPERINTENDENT'S COMPENDIUM

 

SECTION 1.5       CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

 

1.5(a)(1)          Visiting hours, public use limits, closures

 

All park roads are subject to temporary closure during periods of adverse weather, natural disaster, emergency, or implementation of management responsibility, as indicated by signs, locked gates, or other means of notification.  Driving a vehicle on closed roads is prohibited.

 

Service and administrative roads that are designated by signs and/or locked gates are closed to all vehicle traffic except those on official government business.

 

Backcountry trails may be temporarily closed when trail conditions are such that use may be hazardous to the visiting public, (e.g., rockslides, flooding).  Visitors shall be advised of such closures by the posting of signs at trailheads, trail junctions and/or other appropriate locations.  Entering a closed trail is prohibited.

 

Other portions of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are subject to closure or restriction of public activities if the Superintendent or his/her designated representative determine that such closure or restriction is necessary to avoid risk to public safety or damage to the natural, cultural, scenic, or aesthetic resources of the park.  Such closures will be lifted upon termination of the condition that precipitated the closure (e.g., rockslides, floods, wildlife management activities, herbicide treatments, wildland fires and prescribed burns).  Entering a closed area is prohibited.

 

The drainage settling pond northeast of Building #111, 440 Second Avenue, is closed except for servicing.

 

Overnight parking is prohibited at Halliday Well parking area.

 

The Wind Canyon parking area is closed to all parking, except for vehicles belonging to visitors with valid

backcountry use permits, from 11 PM to 5 AM from May 1 through Labor Day.

 

Pastures or corrals containing park horses are closed to public entry.

 

Scavenging in government refuse containers is prohibited.

 

All areas of the park are closed, with the exception of the main park housing areas, to the use of flying kites, remote control cars and planes and helium-filled latex or Mylar balloons unless they are tethered or released indoors.

 

All areas of the park are closed, with the exception of the main park housing areas, to the playing of softball, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes and other lawn games.

 

1.5(a)(2)          Use Limits, Conditions, Restrictions

 

GENERAL

 

The following public use limits, conditions, and restrictions are established within Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

 

WEDDINGS

 

Weddings may be held in the park pursuant to a permit issued by the superintendent including the following conditions:

 

Unless held in the reserved Group camping area, the total number of guests/participants is limited to 100.  No other areas of the park may be reserved for exclusive use.

 

Confetti, rice, or birdseed throwing, releasing birds, butterflies or balloons is prohibited.

 

All participant vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas.

 

No public address systems or amplified music are permitted.

 

WILDLIFE

 

The use of calls, calling devices, audio attractants or other artificial or natural means of attracting or disturbing wildlife (including rattling antlers or verbal animal imitations) is prohibited.

 

Collecting antlers, feathers, or other animal parts is prohibited.

 

IDLING VEHICLES

 

Operators of diesel and gasoline powered motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines for longer than 5 minutes in parking lots in developed areas.

 

DESIGNATED BACKCOUNTRY

 

All lands and waters within the boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are designated as backcountry with the exception of the following frontcountry areas:

 

Areas contained within both paved and unpaved two-wheel drive road corridors open for general use by all categories of passenger vehicles.  Dimensions for these corridors shall be 300 feet from the centerline on paved roads and 50 feet from the centerline of non-paved two-wheel drive roads unless a topographic feature provides a closer and more functional natural boundary.  Designated two-wheel drive roads are identified on the Theodore Roosevelt National Park brochure, publication number: GPO: 2003_496-196/40479 Reprint 2003 (or subsequent revision).

 

Developmental zones directly accessed from two-wheel drive roads as identified on the Theodore Roosevelt National Park brochure.

 

WEED AND SEED FREE FORAGE AND GRAIN

 

Possessing, storing or transporting feeds, hay, straw, grain or mulch that is not certified as being noxious

weed free or noxious weed seed free according to the North American Weed Management Association

Standards for Certified Weed Seed Free Forage is prohibited.

 

Possessing, storing or transporting out-of-state feeds, hay, straw, grain or mulch that has not been certified

according to the North American Weed Management Association Standards for Certified Weed Seed Free

Forage is prohibited.

 

Use of pelletized feed is allowed.

 

Transporting feeds, straw, hay, grain or mulch on through roads and to ranches adjacent to Theodore

Roosevelt National Park is allowed.

 

SECTION 1.6       PERMITS

 

Pursuant to 36 CFR 1.6(f), the following is a list of activities for which a permit is required within Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Permits are issued by the Superintendent and may be subject to special requirements.  Engaging in these activities without a permit, or violating the terms and conditions of a permit is prohibited.

Entering closed areas                                                                      1.5(a)(1)

Specimen collection                                                                        2.5(a)

Frontcountry camping                                                                      2.10(a)

Backcountry use permit (overnight stays)                                       2.10(a)

Special events                                                                                 2.50(a)

Public assemblies, meetings                                                          2.51(a)

Sale or distribution of printed material                                             2.52(a)

Memorialization (scattering of human ashes)                                 2.62(b)

Posting or distributing commercial notices or advertisements       5.1

Business operations                                                                        5.3

Commercial photography                                                                5.5(a) & (b)

                                                                                                        

Permit must be in the permittee's possession at all times and exhibited to authorized personnel upon request.

 

SECTION 2.1(c)(1)    PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

 

Up to one quart per person of the following may be gathered for personal use or consumption:

Buffalo berry

Chokecherry

Currant berry

Juneberry

Juniper berry

Mushroom

Plum

Rose hips

Skunkbush sumac berries

Wild strawberry

 

SECTION 2.2       WILDLIFE PROTECTION

 

2.2  (d) Wildlife lawfully taken outside the park and tagged in accordance with state law may be transported

directly through the park on the East River Road in the South Unit only.  Persons transporting wildlife carcasses must have a valid state hunting license in their possession for the species being transported.  Transportation may not include any stops except for emergencies.  All wildlife carcasses must be covered.

 

Any animal entering the park after being lawfully shot or wounded while outside the park may not be retrieved except under the supervision of a law enforcement park ranger.  The licensed hunter may not carry weapons into the park.

 

2.2(e) All lands within the boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are closed to viewing wildlife with an artificial light, including flash photography of wildlife at night. 

           

2.4(d)(4)           WEAPONS, TRAPS AND NETS

A permit is required to transport firearms or other hunting weapons within the park unless the implement has been rendered inoperable, cased and stored out of sight in a motor vehicle.  Permits, when issued, will not be valid during the North Dakota big game hunting season.

 

SECTION 2.5             RESEARCH SPECIMENS

 

Research specimen collecting requires a permit.  Written research proposals must be submitted to the Superintendent via the Research Permit and Reporting System website allowing a minimum of 30 days for staff review.

 

SECTION 2.10 (a)      CAMPING

 

A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight use (commercial and non-commercial) outside these designated campgrounds: Cottonwood Campground and Roundup Group Horse Camp in the South Unit, and Juniper Campground in the North Unit.

 

Camping is not permitted at the cabin site enclosure at the Elkhorn Unit.

 

Except for the developed campgrounds listed above, camping is not allowed within 1/4 mile or within sight and sound of developed roads and trails.

 

Between May 1 and Labor Day, the camping limit in Cottonwood and/or Juniper Campgrounds is a total of 15 days in either one visit or the accumulation of separate visits.  Camping is limited to 30 days in a calendar year.

 

Use of park campgrounds as a base camp for hunting parties is prohibited.

 

Parties using the park's backcountry areas for overnight camping are limited in size to no more than 10 people without horses, or 8 people with 8 horses.

 

GROUP CAMPSITE

 

The following conditions apply to the Group Campsites at Cottonwood and Juniper Campgrounds:

 

The group campsites will be open from May 1st through September 30.

 

At Cottonwood Campground Group Campsite the minimum group size is 6, and maximum capacity is 20 people and 5 passenger vehicles.

 

At Juniper Campground Group Campsite the minimum group size is 6, and maximum capacity is 60 people and 20 passenger vehicles.   

 

The maximum length of stay at the group campsites is limited to 5 consecutive days, and 15 days annually.

 

FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPSITES

 

Camping with vehicles is permitted only in designated campgrounds.  Campgrounds are designated by appropriate signing and by NPS brochures and maps available to the public at the visitor center and ranger stations.

 

Campsite occupancy in Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground is limited to no more than 1 family or 6 people, and 2 vehicles per campsite.  Walk-in tent sites are limited to 1 vehicle per site.

 

Vehicles in campsites at Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground must be parked so the wheels of all vehicles remain on the parking pad surface, and vehicles do not extend into the roadway.

 

In Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground, campsite registration and fee payment must be completed within 30 minutes of occupying a campsite.  No person may register for a campsite with the intent of saving the site for someone else. 

 

Campsite occupancy is not recognized unless the required camping fee has been paid and the registration properly posted.

 

It is prohibited for visitors to go through the campground requesting registered campers to share their campsite.

 

Check-out time at Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground is noon.

 

Generator operation is permitted in Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground only between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM.

 

Tying or hanging any lines from trees, shrubs, signposts, etc., is prohibited.

 

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

 

Backcountry camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of established roads or trailheads.  

 

Backcountry camping is also prohibited within sight of maintained roads or trails, or within sight or sound of other camping parties.

 

Backcountry camping is prohibited within 200 feet of any water source, or recognizable archeological or historical sites, and backcountry trail junctions.

 

Backcountry camping is limited to 15 consecutive days per trip, and a maximum of 30 days annually.

 

ROUNDUP GROUP HORSE CAMPGROUND

 

The Roundup Group Horse Campground will be open from May 1st through October 31.

 

The minimum group size is 6, and maximum capacity is 20 people and 20 horses, or 30 people without

horses.

 

Camping is permitted only for non-commercial horse users.

 

Check out time is noon.

 

Stock may only be kept in the corral or tied to designated hitching posts.  Stock may not be tied to trees, enclosure fences, or other campground facilities, and may not be picketed or hobbled within a 2-mile radius.

 

SECTION 2.10(d)                  FOOD STORAGE

 

While in a campground, picnic area, or parking lot, all food and garbage must be kept sealed inside a vehicle or camping unit constructed of a solid, non-pliable material or other acceptable method to protect it from wildlife intrusions.  These restrictions do not apply to food that is being transported, consumed or prepared for consumption.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2.11           PICNICKING

 

Picnicking is prohibited within the developed headquarters and residential areas except where tables are provided for public use.

 

Picnicking is prohibited in Cottonwood Campground and Group Campsite, Roundup Group Horse

Camp, and Juniper Campground and Group Campsite from May 1 through September 30.

 

Picnic areas are closed from 10 PM to 6 AM daily from May 1 through September 30.

 

SECTION 2.13(a)(1)  FIRES

 

Open fires are permitted only in designated vehicle campsites and picnic areas.  At these areas, fires shall be contained within designated grills/rings or in portable fire pans capable of containing all fire ash and residue.  Fires may be restricted during times of high to extreme wildland fire danger. 

 

SECTION 2.14(b)                  SANITATION AND REFUSE

 

Where toilet facilities are not available, all human waste will be buried at least 6 inches deep, away from wash bottoms, at least 200 feet from flowing water, and in an area not frequented by the public.

 

SECTION 2.15     PETS

 

2.15(a)(1)   Pets on leashes are restricted to developed areas, and are permitted only within 50 feet of center line of established roads and parking areas.  Pets are prohibited on all trails and throughout the backcountry.

 

2.15(a)(1)  Pets are not permitted on commercial tours.

 

2.15(a)(5)  In all campsite areas or picnic areas and in all paved surface areas, pet owners/controllers are required to immediately pick up solid waste left behind by their animals and dispose of it in toilet facilities or garbage cans.

 

2.15(a)(5)(e)  Park residents may keep pets in accordance with the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Pet Policy. That policy is hereby adopted and made part of this compendium.  The Superintendent may choose to adopt all or portions of the City of Medora pet policy for those residences within the City of Medora.

 

SECTION 2.16(g)                  HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

 

The following conditions and restrictions apply to horse and pack animal use within Theodore Roosevelt National Park:

 

Animals designated as pack animals shall be limited to horses, burros, and mules.

 

Horses and pack animals may not be kept overnight in any established roadside pullout, campground, or picnic area, with the exception of the Roundup Group Horse Campground.

 

Horse and pack animal use in any part of the park may be prohibited when, at the discretion of the Superintendent, such action is necessary to protect park values or visitors.

 

STOCK USE

 

Horses and pack animals are allowed throughout the park except in the following areas:

 

Developed campgrounds (excluding Roundup Group Horse Camp) or picnic areas

Caprock Coulee Trail

Coal Vein Trail

Little Mo Nature Trail

Painted Canyon Nature Trail

Ridgeline Trail

Skyline Trail

Wind Canyon Trail

           

Parties camping with horses or pack animals must camp and picket their animals at least 200 feet from water.

 

Horse and pack animal manure must be scattered upon vacating a campsite.  Manure must be removed immediately if dropped in or near any spring or non-flowing water source.

 

All feed must be carried in and supplied by horse and pack animal users.  All feed must be certified weed-free feed.

 

Loose herding of horses and pack animals is prohibited.

 

Riders will slow to a walk when passing hikers.

 

Horses and pack animals must be picketed in locations where there will be minimum vegetation damage.

 

SECTION 2.18(c)       SNOWMOBILES

 

The operation of snowmobiles is permitted in both the North and South Units only on the frozen surface of the Little Missouri River in accordance with State law.  The park will be open for such activity at times determined and posted by the Superintendent depending on weather, snow and river condition.  Access to and from the river for snowmobiles will be from outside the park boundaries only.  See “Special Regulation”, 36CFR 7.54.

 

SECTION 2.20     SKATING, SKATEBOARDS AND SIMILAR DEVICES

 

The use of roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, roller skis or similar devices is prohibited except on  streets and driveways within residential areas.

 

SECTION 2.21(a)       SMOKING

 

Smoking is prohibited in all public use and administrative buildings and facilities.

 

Smoking is prohibited in all government vehicles. (Department of the Interior policy) 

 

Smoking may be prohibited in any area of the park during times of high or extreme fire danger.

 

SECTION 2.22(a)(2)  PROPERTY

 

Visitors on overnight trips in the backcountry may leave their vehicles parked overnight and unattended in parking areas or established roadside pullouts only for the period of time specified on their approved backcountry camping permit.

 

The practice of geocaching, letterboxing or similar activities are prohibited.

 

 

 

SECTION 2.23           RECREATION FEES

 

2.23(b)  Frontcountry group and individual campsites are designated fee sites when in compliance with 36 CFR, Part 71.3(b)(1)(i).  Recreation fee permits are required for overnight stays in the Cottonwood and Juniper Campgrounds, and will be issued by a self-registration system.  The permit application requirement shall be met by completing the fee collection envelope, inserting the required payment into the envelope, and depositing the envelope in the security container at the registration station within 30 minutes of occupying the campsite. 

 

2.23(c)  Recreation fees may be suspended during periods of extreme weather, wildfires, power failures, road closures, or other emergencies as authorized by the Superintendent.

 

SECTION 2.35(a)(3)(i)           ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

 

All public use buildings are closed to the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages except during officially sanctioned activities when the building is closed to the general public.

 

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in parking areas adjacent to visitor centers, on nature trails, and at interpretive programs.

 

SECTION 2.51           PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS

 

Permits are required for any public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, or other public expressions of opinion within the park.  Approved locations are designated in Appendix "A."  Written applications for permits must be submitted to the Superintendent at least 7 days prior to the date desired for the event.  The superintendent may approve locations based on the event and resource considerations. 

 

SECTION 2.52           SALE/DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

 

Permits for this type of activity will be issued by the Superintendent and limited to areas designated in Appendix "A".  Written application must be submitted to the Superintendent at least 7 days prior to the date desired for commencement of the activity.

 

SECTION 2.62(b)                  MEMORIALIZATION

 

Scattering of human ashes from cremation requires a permit (letter of permission) from the Superintendent, which will establish conditions for, and location of, this activity.

 

SECTION 4.21(b)      SPEED LIMITS

 

The following maximum designated speed zones apply:

·         South Unit main park road, south to north boundary:       35 mph

·         Scenic Loop Drive:                                                           25 mph

·         North Unit main park road:                                                25 mph

·         Developed campgrounds and picnic areas:                     15 mph

·         Entrance stations and visitor center areas:                      15 mph

 

SECTION 4.30(a)       BICYCLES

 

Bicycles are prohibited on all park trails.

 

 

SECTION 5.3             BUSINESS OPERATIONS

 

An incidental business permit is required of all commercial groups/tours, etc. including non-profit groups conducting business in the park.

 

The Theodore Roosevelt Natural History Association is covered under other permits/agreements and does not need an Incidental Business Permit.

 

Educational groups are determined on a case by case basis but are generally exempt from this requirement.


 

                                                                                APPENDIX A

 

 

SECTION 2.51(e)                  PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS

 

SECTION 2.52(e)   SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATERIALS

 

In compliance with 36 CFR 2.51 and 2.52, maps identifying locations approved for public assemblies/meetings and the sale/distribution of printed matter have been prepared. 

 

The following locations were designated as inappropriate for these uses based on the criteria set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations:

 

All undeveloped areas of the park are closed as these activities would unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, backcountry, natural, historic, or commemorative zones.

 

All offices, visitor centers, maintenance areas, nature trails, viewpoints, campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and sidewalks are closed as these activities would unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the National Park Service.

 

All concession areas are closed, as the activity would substantially impair the operations of public use facilities or services of National Park Service Concessioner or contractors.

 

All other public use areas not specifically mentioned above are open as follows:

 

Public Assemblies, Meetings

 

The contiguous mowed lawn at the North Unit Visitor Center.

 

The contiguous grounds at the western end of the Battleship Butte parking lot on the main road.

 

The adjacent grounds on the eastern side of the comfort station parking area within the North Unit picnic area.

 

The Juniper Campground amphitheater and the Cottonwood Campground amphitheater, as long as the

 timing of the assembly does not interfere with scheduled interpretive events.

 

The 50 feet of contiguous and adjacent mowed grounds on the northwest end of the Medora Visitor Center

parking lot.

 

Those contiguous grounds 60 feet east of the picnic shelters and extending easterly to a point 100 feet west of

the southwest corner of the visitor center at the Painted Canyon Rest Area.

 

Sale or Distribution of Printed Material

           

The contiguous mowed lawn at the North Unit Visitor Center.

 

The concrete section east of the Medora Visitor Center and north of the sidewalk up against the north fence

area and the contiguous 60 feet of mowed lawn north and east along the sidewalk.

 

Those contiguous grounds 20 feet by 20 feet next to and west of the Painted Canyon Visitor Center walkway

and north of the parking lot sidewalk

 

March 28, 2005

 

 

 

Memorandum

 

To:                   All Employees, THRO

 

From:              Superintendent

 

Subject:           2005 Compendium

 

Attached is the 2005 Compendium to 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  The Compendium addresses those areas of 36 CFR where specific authority is given to the Superintendent and must be read in conjunction with 36 CFR for an accurate picture of the regulation.

 

These closures and public use limits are made in accordance with Title 36 CFR Section 1.5 - they are not expected to result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern, adversely affect park values, require modification in resource management objectives or be highly controversial in nature.

 

 

 

Valerie J. Naylor

Superintendent