Restrictions on Private Interpretive Tours

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.5, the following clarifies National Park Service (NPS) public use policy related to the presentation of interpretive programs at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is under the jurisdiction of the NPS and is comprised of Liberty Square and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center in downtown Charleston, Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, and Fort Moultrie Visitor Center, Fort Moultrie, and the United States Coast Guard Historic District on Sullivan’s Island.

Interpretive rangers are on-site during regular operating hours to serve all visitors. Rangers provide relevant interpretive programs to teach about the natural and cultural history and values of the sites, answer questions related to the sites and surrounding area, protect site resources, and respond to emergencies. Per NPS Management Policies (2006), all employees who provide such interpretive services are required to be trained to meet the agency’s national standards of interpretation and education. Therefore, only individuals who have been trained to this standard of excellence are permitted to provide formal interpretive programs to the public at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.

Private tour operators are an important part of the local hospitality and tourism industry and are welcomed and encouraged to bring their clients to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Private tour guides are allowed and encouraged to provide introductory programs to their patrons at designated “Free Speech” areas at Liberty Square (under the pavilion and in the grassy lawn) and at Fort Moultrie Visitor Center (in grassy lawn between parking lot and waterfront). These programs should focus on a general overview of each site, and content must be approved in advance by the park’s Chief of Interpretation. Private tour guides cannot provide formal programs to their clients at any other location inside or outside the visitor centers, on the ferries operated by Fort Sumter Tours, outside or inside the forts, or on the grounds of the US Coast Guard Historic District. All formal interpretation at these locations will be provided by NPS staff. Private tour operators are encouraged to respond to clients’ individual questions, request information from the NPS staff and volunteers, and to seek help and assist with any emergency needs of their clients.

In limited instances, the Superintendent may allow private tour guides to present tours that are specialized and focused on a topic not generally provided by regular NPS interpretive programming. Such requests 1) must be scheduled in advance with the Chief of Interpretation, 2) have a written outline or transcript of the tour submitted to the NPS for review, 3) will be given by an individual with a high level of knowledge and competency on the given topic, and 4) are not guaranteed for approval. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the program type, NPS staffing availability, and potential for conflict with resource protection and/or the visitor experience of the general public.

Other measures will not suffice due to the nature of this management issue. Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted Under 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c). Finally, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c), this determination is available to the public upon request.

Superintendent J. Tracy Stakely /s/ April 2, 2019