Part 1 ‑ General Provisions
Section 1.2 Applicability and Scope
(a)
The primary purpose of the monument is to preserve and protect the most
impressive portion of the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field. A related
purpose of the monument is to preserve all cultural and natural resources,
historic structures and wildlife. Pertinent legislation is as follows:
January 18, 1933 White Sands National
Monument was established by Herbert Hoover, President of the United States of
America, with Presidential Proclamation No. 2025 (47 Stat. 2551)
November 28. 1934 Boundaries enlarged by
Presidential Proclamation No. 2108 (49 Stat. 3426)
August 29, 1938 Boundaries were modified by
Presidential Proclamation No. 2295, eliminating therefrom all sections now
included in the right‑of‑way for United States Highway Route 70 (53
Stat. 2465)
June 6. 1942 This Act added the former
White Sands Recreational Demonstration Project to the Monument (56 Stat. 327)
June 27, 1953 Added public lands to the
Monument. Presidential Proclamation No. 3024 (18 F.R. 3683)
November 10. 1978 This Act adjusted the
Monument boundaries by adding certain lands and deleting others (92 Stat. 3467)
September 28, 1996 This Act adjusted the Monument boundaries by adding
certain lands and deleting others (110 Stat. 2803)
Legal Description. White Sands National Monument is located in the Tularosa Basin of south central New Mexico, between the Sacramento and San Andres mountains.
Its 144,000 acres are 15 miles
southwest of Alamogordo, New Mexico in Otero and Don Ana
counties. White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base
completely surround the Monument.
(b) There are no privately owned lands
within the boundaries of White Sands National Monument.
(c) No special regulations for White Sands National Monument have been promulgated at
this time.
(d) Apply as written
Section 1.5 Closures and Public use Limits
(a)
(1)
A. White Sands National
Monument is closed to public use at sunset from the day following Labor Day
until the Thursday prior to Memorial Day, and closes at 10:00 PM, from the Friday
prior to Memorial Day to Labor Day. During special programs, the monument may
close at a later time.
Since overnight use and camping is prohibited in the park except in
established backcountry campsites there is no valid reason for a vehicle to remain
in the park overnight unless the Ranger Division has been previously advised.
B. The monument may be
wholly or partly closed during military testing. Entry to the western half of
the monument, known as the Cooperative Use Area, is by permit. Other closures
within White Sands National Monument are specifically noted in the compendium.
These areas are closed due to safety considerations. Visitors to the Cooperative Use Area must
register at the Visitor Center. They will be given information
on the area and potential environmental hazards
Section 1.6 Permits
Pursuant to the provisions
of 36 CFR 1.6(f), the following is a compilation of those activities for which
a permit from the National Park Service is required. Permits are issued by the Superintendent, and
are subject to the requirements of the general regulations, and as specified in
each permit. As stated in 36 CFR 1.6(g),
engaging in these activities without a permit or violation of the terms and
conditions of a permit is prohibited.
(F) Permits are required for the following activities:
2.1 Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources
2.4(d) Weapons, traps and nets
2.5 Research specimens
2.10 Camping
2.15 Pets kept by residents of park housing
2.16 Horses and pack animals
2.17 Aircraft and air delivery
2.23 Recreation fees
2.38 Explosives
2.50 Special events Public assemblies, meetings
2.51 Sale or distribution of printed matter
2.61 Residing on federal lands
2.60 Livestock use and agriculture
2.62(b) Memorialization
4.11 Load, weight and size limits
5.1 Advertisements
5.3 Business operations
5.5 Commercial photography
5.10 Eating, drinking, or lodging establishments
Section 1.7 Public Notice
(a) (3) Public notice of any discretionary actions of
the Superintendent under the authority of the Section 1.5 (a) will be posted or
signed and published in the Alamogordo and Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, Texas
newspapers.
Part 2 ‑ Resource Protection,
Public Use and Recreation
Section 2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources
(a) (1) (iv) Possessing or removing gypsum, calcite
crystals is prohibited
This restriction is
necessary to prevent the removal of the natural resource for which the Monument
was created. Management understands that small amounts are incidentally removed
on clothing and vehicles. These
instances will not be treated as violations.
(a) (4) There are no
designated firewood gathering areas within White Sands National Monument
It has been determined that
collection of firewood would have detrimental ecological effects on the desert
plant communities, diminish aesthetic values and impose direct resource
impacts.
(c) (1) The gathering, by
hand, of leaves from the Rosemary mint (Polimintha incana) is allowed, providing that such gathering is
for Native American ceremonial purposes.
The gathering activity must not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproduction
potential of the plant, or otherwise not be destructive to park resources.
Rosemary mint leaves are
used by certain Native American groups for ceremonial purposes. Hand gathering of small amounts dispersed
over a large number of plants on an infrequent basis will not adversely affect
plants.
Section 2.2 Wildlife Protection
(e) Viewing of wildlife
with artificial light is prohibited except when conducting research with
a permit.
The viewing of wildlife,
especially mammals, with artificial light may adversely affect their behavior
or cause the animal to become confused and stray into traffic, becoming a
hazard.
Section 2.10 Camping and Food Storage
(a) Camping is prohibited within the Monument, except in the
designated backcountry campground or Group Use sites. Camping atop dunes is prohibited. A permit is
required.
This general regulation is
necessary to reduce the visual impact of camping activity on day users.
(b) (6) Monument residents may display lawfully taken
wildlife carcasses or other remains or parts thereof, providing the display is
not visible from public use areas.
(b) (9) Horses and pack animals are prohibited within
the backcountry campground.
This regulation is necessary
to keep the campground free of the smell and sight of animal waste.
Section 2.11 Picnicking
Picnicking is allowed within
the dune area of White Sands National Monument and the picnic tables in the Visitor Center Area. Picnicking is not allowed within the
residential and Headquarters area (excluding employees).
The residential and
headquarters areas are reserved for the use of employees and official NPS
functions.
Section 2.12 Audio Disturbances
(a) (1) Diesel trucks and buses, when parked in areas
adjacent to the visitor center must stop engines.
This will prevent
interference with interpretive programs and reduce the odor and fumes
associated with diesel vehicles.
Section 2.13 Fires
(a) (1) Ground fires are prohibited at White Sands National Monument.
Ground fires create
unsightly scars and can become a hazard if buried while still hot. Fire scars would reduce the visitor's
experience of the monument.
A.
Personal grills are allowed in
picnic areas and pull outs along the Dunes Drive. When using
personal grills, charcoal must be removed from the monument, or placed in the metal containers
provided.
The improper disposal of hot
coals would create the same hazards and adverse visual impacts as stated
above. Therefore, all coals must be
disposed of properly.
B.
Only containerized fuel
stoves are allowed in the designated backcountry camp site.
The disposal of coals from
the backcountry would be impractical due to the distances from the nearest
metal container. Maintenance of coal
containers in the backcountry would be impractical as well as unsightly, so the
use of coals or firewood is prohibited.
C.
Employees may have fires in
designated fireplaces, barbecue grills set up by NPS, or in personal grills.
Section 2.14 Sanitation and Refuse
(a) (9) Human body waste must be buried at least 100
feet away from the designated backcountry campsites and trails. In frontcountry
areas, body waste must be disposed of in restrooms.
Human body waste is a threat
to public health. Proper disposal of
such waste is required to speed the decomposition process and reduce health
hazards and visual pollution.
Section 2.15 Pets
(a) (3) Pets may not be left unattended and tied to
the outside of a vehicle.
This could present a hazard
to the pet who may become entangled by its restraint,
and a possible hazard to passerby.
(a) (5) Pet owners must dispose of their pet’s
excrement in trash receptacles, restrooms or burial in the same manner
as §2.14 (a) (9) above.
Its presence presents a
health hazard, and is unsightly.
(e)
White Sands National Monument employees may keep pets in accordance with the White Sands Pet Policy.
Section 2.16 Horses and Pack Animals
(a) Pack animals are defined as horses, mules, burros, llamas and
others as designated by the Superintendent.
(g) The use of horses within the monument is allowed under the
following conditions:
1.
All horses and pack animals
are prohibited from picnic areas, the Group Use Area, the backcountry
campground, Big Dune Trail, Alkali Flat Trail and the Boardwalk.
2.
Park horse trailers only in
the designated area: Area 34
3.
Riding is permitted only
during normal operating hours.
4.
Horses will be securely tied
to trailers or hitch rail when not being ridden.
5.
Racing and all types of
unsafe riding are prohibited.
6.
Pets accompanying riders
will be on a leash and under physical control at all times.
7.
All debris (hay, grass,
etc.) and horse excrement in the vicinity of the trailer will be transported by
the owner and disposed of outside the Monument.
These conditions are
necessary to permit the safe interaction of horse riders and other visitors and
reduce the visual pollution, smell and possible health hazards associated with
improperly disposed waste.
Section 2.17 Aircraft and Air Delivery
(a) (3) Any requested operation, commercial filming
for example, must be coordinated with, and approved by, military authorities
and the Superintendent.
This regulation is necessary
to prevent unauthorized aircraft activity that would violate military and Park
Service airspace restrictions and create safety hazards to visitors.
Section 2.20 Skating, Skateboards, and Similar Devices
Use is permitted in the
residential areas, parking areas, and road areas when closed to vehicles.
Use of these devices is
restricted to minimize conflicts with vehicles.
Section 2.21 Smoking
(a) Smoking is prohibited inside all government
buildings within White Sands National Monument. This does not apply to residents occupying government quarters.
These restrictions are
enacted to protect public health and structures from fire danger or smoke.
Section 2.22 Property
(a)
(2) Property may be left unattended for
longer than 24 hours at White Sands National Monument only with prior permission from the Superintendent.
The general regulation
stated above is the only condition under which persons may leave property
unattended in excess of 24 hours.
Otherwise, property may be impounded according to the procedures stated
in 36 CFR §2.22(b) and (c).
(b) (1) Property left unattended more than 48 hours
without permission may be impounded.
Section 2.23 Recreation Fees
(a) An entrance fee is established at White Sands National Monument, current fee schedule is attached.
-
SEE APPENDIX A‑
(c) Entrance fees will be suspended on August 25th,
Founders Day and during any other period as determined by the superintendent.
Section 2.35 Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances
(a) (3) (i) The White Sands National Monument Visitor Center, including
the patio area and parking lots, is closed to the consumption of alcoholic
beverages.
(a) (3) (i) During the period February 1st through
May 31st the consumption of
alcoholic beverages and/or the possession of a bottle, can, or other receptacle
containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or
whose seal is broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, or
possession of an alcoholic beverage container is prohibited within White Sands
National Monument.
(a) (3) (i) All public use areas within the
Monument are closed to the possession of a receptacle(s) with a capacity of
five fluid gallons or more which contain(s) an alcoholic beverage.
The documented history of
inappropriate behavior induced by the consumption of excessive amounts of alcoholic
beverages has adversely affected the safety and enjoyment of other visitors.
Section 2.38 Explosives
(a)
Park residents are permitted
to keep explosive powders for reloading purposes, provided that these
activities conform to applicable state and federal regulations.
Section 2.50 Special Events
(a)
Permits for special events
will only be issued pursuant to standards established in Directors Order and
Reference Manual 53 (Special Park Uses) and 36 CFR. All permit requests must be submitted to the
superintendent al least 72 hours prior to the planned event.
These
regulations are enacted to ensure the protection of monument resources, prevent
interference with interpretive or other NPS sponsored programs or activities
and reduce conflicts with other visitors. Due to the high volume of requests
received, Management asks that at least one week notice be given.
Section 2.51 Public Assemblies and Meetings
(e) Permits are required for any public assemblies, meetings,
gatherings or other public expressions of views in the monument. Locations of the event must be included in
the permit and approved by the Superintendent.
Written applications for permits must be submitted to the Superintendent
at least 72 hours prior to the date desired for the event. The activity must not conflict with any
scheduled NPS function or program. The following locations are not available:
inside Visitor Center, patio area outside Visitor Center, maintenance
area and residential area.
These
regulations are enacted to ensure the protection of monument resources, prevent
interference with interpretive or other NPS sponsored programs or activities
and reduce conflicts with other visitors.
Section 2.52 Sale or
Distribution of Printed Matter
Permits must be obtained for
sale or distribution of printed material.
Location of such sale or distribution will be limited to those areas
allowed by the Superintendent and will generally be limited to areas close to
but outside of the visitor center and nature center.
Permits of this type are
necessary to control the sale or distribution of printed mater since such
activity may conflict with the overall safety and enjoyment of the Monument by
the majority of visitors.
Section 2.62 Memorialization
(b) The scattering of human
ashes from cremation is allowed pursuant to the terms and conditions of a
permit which are as follows:
A. Remains to
be scattered must have been cremated and finely reduced.
B. Scattering
by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail,
road, developed facility or body of water.
C. Areas
within White Sands National Monument where the scattering of human remains are prohibited are:
Any location south of the Dunes Drive from the Big Dune Trail to
Picnic Area B. The Big Pedestal Road from Park Headquarters to
the end. The
backcountry camping area. Within 1/4 mile of the Visitor Center and Headquarters complex.
D. Scattered human remains shall not be
distinguishable to the general public, and shall not be left in any type of
container.
E.
Containers shall be removed
from the area.
F. Except
for authorization to disperse human remains by scattering,
nothing in this permit shall be construed as authorizing an entry or activity
otherwise prohibited or restricted by law or regulation.
A permit must be obtained
from the superintendent prior to dispersal of any remains. Other conditions may apply.
Part 3 ‑ Boating and Water Use Activities
Not
Applicable
Part
4 ‑ Vehicles and Traffic Safety
Section 4.11 Load, Weight, and Size Limits
(b) (1) The operation of any
tractor/trailer on the road between the Visitor Center and the Heart
of the Dunes Loop Drive is prohibited. Tractor/trailer operators wishing to visit the Monument
may leave their trailers in the Visitor Center parking area.
This does not apply to tractor/trailers making deliveries to the Monument.
This provision is enacted
for the safety of visitors and the protection of the road surface.
Section 4.21 Speed Limits
(b) The posted speed limits at White Sands National Monument are: 15 MPH within the employee housing area and shop facility,
including the service road. 45 MPH from the entrance gate to
near the Big Dune Trail, 35 MPH from Big Dune Trail to the end of the asphalt
roadway. From this point continuing around the loop the speed limit is
25 MPH except 15 MPH in all picnic areas.
Variations from the speed
limit designations in the general regulations have been made where road
conditions either allow a higher speed without jeopardizing public safety, or
require a lower speed limit for public safety.
Section 4.30 Bicycles
(a) The use of bicycles at White Sands National Monument is permitted only on the asphalt and packed gypsum roadways and in
accordance with applicable traffic regulations.
Section 4.31 Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking, or the
soliciting of transportation, is permitted within White Sands National Monument
as long as the person does not stand in a roadway and that the
hitchhiking/solicitation does not adversely affect visitor safety or the normal
flow of traffic.
Hitchhiking is commonly engaged in by persons who have been hiking and
need transportation back to their starting point, or by persons who are
traveling without a personal vehicle, or whose vehicle is inoperative.
Part 5 ‑ Commercial
and Private Operations
Section 5.5 Commercial Photography
(a)
Apply as written. A permit
is required for motion picture or television filming.
According to 36 CFR §5.5 (a) motion photography is defined as filming activity,
"…which involves the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, by any
person other than bona fide newsreel or news television personnel…"
(b) Apply as written. A permit is required for still photography.
According to 36 CFR §5.5
(b), Commercial photography is defined as, "The taking of photographs of
any vehicle, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of
commercial advertising …"
The Commercial Filming
Policy for White Sands National Monument is attached.
‑ SEE APPENDIX B‑
APPENDIX A
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT FEE SCHEDULE
NATIONAL
PARKS PASS $50.00 VALID FOR 12 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE
GOLDEN
EAGLE STAMP $15.00 w/ PARKS PASS PURCHASE
PARK SPECIFIC ANNUAL PASS $20.00 VALID FOR
12 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE
INDIVIDUAL
FEE (17 & OLDER) $ 3.00 VALID FOR 7 DAYS
GOLDEN
AGE PASSPORT $10.00 LIFETIME PASS
GOLDEN
ACCESS PASSPORT ADMITTED
FREE
COMMERCIAL
BUSES
(BY
NUMBER OF SEATS)
1
to 6 seats $25.00
7
to 15 seats $40.00
16
and above $100.00
CAMPING
FEE
Adults $3.00
Children
16 and under $1.50
Golden
Age/Access Pass holders $1.50
--ALL PASSES ARE AVAILABLE
AT ENTRANCE STATION--
MOONLIGHT
BICYCLE RIDE EVENT
Adults $5.00
Children
16 and under $2.50
Golden
Age/Access Pass holders $2.50
LAKE LUCERO TOUR FEE
Per
Person $3.00
Children
16 and under $1.50
Golden
Age/Access Pass holders $1.50
PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP
Per
Person
(one day) $15.00
(two day) $20.00
Approved Date: