Superintendent's Compendium

Fort Matanzas National Monument

January 2026

Superintendent's Compendium of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority.

Approved by: Steven Roberts, Superintendent, 13 January 2026

 

 

Introduction

In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in title 36, code of federal 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 Fort Matanzas 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 all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Fort Matanzas National Monument located in St. Johns County, Florida, USA. These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.

• Statutes codified in US code, in particular provisions in Title 16 and Title 54.

This compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document in italicized print.

Please contact the Superintendent if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.

 

Definitions

NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR's. 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. In addition to terms defined in the CFR, the following terms used in this compendium are defined as follows:

Federal Facility: means any building, structure, or fixture or part thereof which is owned by the United States or any Federal agency or which is held by the United States or any Federal agency under a lease-acquisition agreement under which the United States or a Federal agency will receive fee simple title under the terms of such agreement without further negotiation. Such term also applies to facilities related to programs administered by Federal agencies. See 42 USC 8271.

Service Animal: NPS policy defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. "In addition to the provisions about service dogs, ADA regulations have a separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.)" See 28 CFR 35.104.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): 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. (Also known as Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)) See DOI UAS Policy Information webpage.

 

36 CFR 1.5 - Closures and Public Use Limits

36 CFR 1.5 (a)(1) - Visiting hours, public use limits and closures.

Visiting Hours

• The Fort Matanzas Visitor Center and adjacent grounds including the nature trail, parking lot and Matanzas River beach between NPS posted signage are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. The visitor center is located at 8635 A1A S.

Determination: Closing these areas in the evening is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times and to protect park resources when staff is not present.

• All other Monument parking lots and boardwalk trails are open to public access from 6:00 a.m. until midnight daily.

Determination: Closing the Park Grounds in the evening is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times and to protect park resources when staff is not present. This is also necessary to reduce vandalism and discourage camping and other illegal activities.

Closures

• The Fort Matanzas Visitor Center and adjacent grounds including the nature trail, parking lot and Matanzas River beach between NPS posted signage are closed from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily. The visitor center is located at 8635 A1A S.

Determination: Closing these areas in the evening is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times and to protect park resources when staff is not present.

• All other Monument parking lots and boardwalk trails are closed to public access from midnight until 6:00 a.m. daily.

Determination: Closing the Park Grounds overnight is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times and to protect park resources when staff is not present. This is also necessary to reduce vandalism and discourage camping and other illegal activities.

• The Fort Matanzas Visitor Center, ferry boat operation, nature trail, parking lot and the Matanzas River beach between posted signage is closed to all visitation on Thanksgiving and Christmas of each year.

Determination: Closing these Fort Matanzas areas on these holidays is necessary because the NPS does not have staff scheduled to work to manage visitors during those holidays and to protect park resources when staff is not present.

• During periods of severe weather conditions, all, or portions of, the park may be closed to the public in the interest of safety. The ranking Supervisor on duty is delegated the authority by the Superintendent to determine the need to close areas of the park for this purpose.

Determination: The closure of all or parts of the park during severe weather conditions are necessary for the protection of visitors and employees from injuries or death. Severe and sudden weather conditions can occur with little or no notice. Therefore, delegation for closure is given to the on-site supervisor so as not to needlessly endanger the visiting public from weather hazard.

• Parking of horse trailers is prohibited in any of the Monument parking lots.

Determination: This closure is necessary to comply with the St. Johns County ordinance which designates specific county parking lots for horse trailer parking; and because horse use is prohibited in the Monument. See SJC Ord. 2009-60.

• Private vessels are prohibited from using the shoreline above mean high tide within 200' of the fort and fort dock and within 50’of the visitor center dock as a place to beach or pull up on shore. Docking at, tying to, anchoring within 15’ of any dock structure or NPS vessel, boarding passengers from, or disembarking passengers to either of the park docks are prohibited at all times without written authorization from the park superintendent. Emergency response vessels are exempt from this prohibition.

Determination: This closure is necessary to preserve shoreline vegetation, which is critical for shoreline stabilization. Private vessels are prohibited from using the Monument's docks due to the small size of the docks, and the fact that the operation of private vessels in the vicinity of the docks could place passengers and staff on the NPS ferry and docks in danger due to collision.

• The Fort structure on Rattlesnake Island, the grounds immediately surrounding it and the Rattlesnake Island dock are open for visitation to National Park Service led groups as scheduled by the National Park Service. Only visitors arriving as part of a National Park Service led group may visit the fort. At all other times, this area is closed to public entry unless the Superintendent has granted specific, written permission.

Determination: This closure is necessary because the NPS does not have sufficient staff to manage visitors during those times and to protect park resources when staff is not present. This is also necessary to reduce vandalism and discourage camping and other illegal activities.

• Glass containers of any type are prohibited in all parking lots, nature trail, boardwalks, and beaches within the boundaries of the national monument. This includes beach areas east and west of highway A1A, including Rattlesnake Island.

Determination: This closure is necessary because most visitors utilizing the beaches, boardwalks and nature trail use these areas barefoot. Glass containers are prohibited due to the hazard broken glass represents to visitors. Glass containers will eventually become broken, jagged pieces of glass, partially buried in the loose sand, and frequently cause severe lacerations to exposed feet. This closure provides protection for the public and is consistent with county ordinances. See SJC Beach Code Ord. 2007-19, Section 3.07.

• Jumping, diving, snorkeling, or swimming from the Monument's docks is prohibited.

Determination: This closure is necessary because recreational use of the docks would interfere with loading and unloading passengers on the ferryboat. The docks and the shore area surrounding them contain shells and other submerged objects that could cause injury or death.

• Entrance into the dune area on foot or by vehicle east and west of highway A1A is prohibited except when on designated trails and boardwalks. Visitors are restricted to the maintained portions of trails and boardwalks. Travel off of designated paths is prohibited.

Determination: This closure is necessary because fragile plants and several endangered species inhabit this ecosystem, unrestricted access would subject the system to excessive damage and deterioration.

• Organized athletic or recreational activities such as softball, football, soccer, Frisbee matches, and other similar sports are prohibited within the boundaries of the monument. Other sporting events which could present a danger to other visitors, including but not limited to golf, archery, kite boarding and other activities, are prohibited.

Determination: This closure is necessary to maintain the historic scenery and avoid conflict with other visitors. Organized athletic activities such as football, soccer, baseball, Frisbee, etc. endanger visitors using the same area, who are not participating in the sport activities. Adequate recreational facilities are available throughout St. Johns County. Golf, archery, or similar activities’ present an obvious danger to the other visitors in a confined and heavily populated area. In addition, these activities disturb the historic atmosphere and can constitute impairment of park values.

• All activity within the Conservation Zone is prohibited except at vehicle approaches, and pedestrian walkways and walkovers. The Conservation Zone is the area not less than 15 feet seaward from the seaward toe of the most seaward dune, dune scarp, sea wall or line of permanent vegetation, or one-half the distance to mean high-water level, whichever is the lesser.

Determination: This closure is necessary to protect endangered sea turtles during nesting season and be consistent with St. Johns County ordinances and the St. Johns County Habitat Conservation Plan. See SJC Beach Code Ord. 2007-19, Section 7.01.

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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 unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Matanzas National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Determination: 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.

• All visitors to the fort and visitor center must be wearing footwear of a type that covers, at a minimum, the entire sole of the wearer’s foot and provides some measure of protection against cuts and puncture wounds.

Determination: This condition/restriction is necessary to protect the wearer from rough surfaces on the shell footpath, the fort decks and to help prevent a slip and fall.

• Food and beverages other than water are prohibited on the NPS ferryboat and at the fort.

Determination: This condition/restriction is necessary because this is a historic structure, which is sensitive to damage. Additionally, food and trash attract scavengers that subsequently create damage to the site.

• Buses are prohibited from idling their engines while parked at the visitor center parking lot except when loading or unloading passengers.

Determination: This condition/restriction is necessary because idling bus engines produce excessive noise and fumes which detract from the natural setting of the park and negatively affect the visitor experience; in addition, the park’s air quality is negatively impacted.

• Persons 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult while riding the NPS ferryboat and while visiting the Fort structure.

Determination: A minimum age requirement is necessary to ensure those individuals riding on the NPS ferryboat and visiting the fort comply with safety regulations.

• Fishing is prohibited from the shoreline above mean high tide between the Visitor Center dock gangway and posted NPS signage. Fishing is also prohibited from all other park boardwalks, docks, and from the shoreline above mean high tide within 50 feet of the fort dock gangway on Rattlesnake Island.

Determination: This condition/restriction is necessary due to the congestion of visitors to the park and to keep visitors safe from the possibility of casting hooks and other debris. Casting of weights and hooks is a safety hazard to visitors and employees and can cause damage to government property.

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 a 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.

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36 CFR 1.6 – Activities That Require a Permit

36 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.

• Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5.

• Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5.

• Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6.

• Camping is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.10.

• Operating a power saw in developed areas and a motor or engine in undeveloped areas. 36 CFR 2.12.

• Operating a public address system 36 CFR 2.12.

• Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.17.

• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37.

• Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38.

• Conducting a special event. 36 CFR 2.50.

• Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51.

• Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52.

• Running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing, or grazing of livestock, or using the park for agriculture. 36 CFR 2.60.

• Residing on federal lands. 36 CFR 2.61.

• Scattering of human ashes from cremation. 36 CFR 2.62.

• Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider, or other airborne device 36 CFR 3.12.

• Operating a submersible. 36 CFR 3.19.

• Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1.

• Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.3.

• Some audio recording (if conditions are met). 36 CFR 5.5.

• Using commercial vehicles on NPS-administered roads. 35 CFR 5.6.

• Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7.

• Rights-of-way. 36 CFR part 14.

• Examining ruins, excavating archeological sites, and gathering of objects of antiquity. 43 CFR part 3.

• 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.

• Excavating or removing archaeological resources. 43 CFR part 7.

• Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR part 49.

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36 CFR 2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources

36 CFR 2.1(a)(1)

• Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing from its natural state: Plans or the parts or products thereof. Tying, stringing, chaining, or locking bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, hammocks, slacklines, clotheslines, anchor lines or tarps to trees is prohibited.

Determination: These closures are necessary to protect fragile natural resources, habitats, and environments and to provide for a safe and memorable visitor experience.

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36 CFR 2.4 – Weapons

• It is prohibited to carry openly or concealed any weapon to include clubs, edged weapons, firearms, or facsimile thereof inside any federal facility. The visitor center, park office buildings and the fort are considered federal facilities. It is prohibited to carry openly or concealed any weapon on the NPS ferryboat. Authorized Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers may carry firearms in the performance of their official duties. The carrying or possessing of a weapon, trap, or net in violation of applicable Federal and State laws is prohibited. See Florida State Statute Chapter 790 and 18 USC 930.

Determination: Concealed weapons permits do not authorize carry in federal facilities and the NPS ferryboat is the only authorized transportation to Fort Matanzas. NPS trained individuals involved in or conducting living history programs are exempt from this prohibition while conducting official business for the NPS.

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36 CFR 2.10 – Camping

• Camping is prohibited within the monument boundaries. Fort Matanzas National Monument does not have any designated camping areas. Camping means the erecting of a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use, parking of a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer, or mooring of a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.

Determination: This closure is necessary to protect the fragile environment and because recreational camping is not consistent with the Monument’s historical significance and the purpose for which the monument was set aside. This prohibition is also consistent with county ordinances. See SJC Beach Code Ord. 2007-19, Section 3.04.

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36 CFR 2.11 – Picnicking

• Picnicking is allowed on the beach areas east and west of highway A1A and in the picnic area located in middle of the Visitor Center parking lot. It is prohibited in all other areas, including all trails and boardwalks.

Determination: Picnicking in areas other than designated picnic areas detracts from the natural and historical setting of the park. Also, litter generated by picnicking is more easily controlled in designated areas.

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36 CFR 2.12 – Audio Disturbances

• The use of Grinch Winch and similar devices is prohibited on NPS beaches due to the noise level created. In addition, the wire associated with their operation creates a hazard to others in the area enjoying the beach and adjacent waters.

Determination: Noise levels created by winch devices exceed acceptable levels and range above 60 decibels measured at 50 feet. Their operations also create a safety hazard to others in the area and to the operator due to their high speeds.

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36 CFR 2.13 – Fires

• Contained fires used for cooking are permitted on the beach when contained in devices specifically designed for that purpose. The disposal of any coals, briquettes, embers or other heated or previously heated objects on the beach, dunes, conservations area or in a trash receptacle is prohibited. Lighting or maintaining a fire in devices with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited. 

• Open fires, other than for park administrative purposes, are prohibited within the Monument boundaries. Cooking, and the use of grills, stoves and other devices used for cooking is prohibited at the visitor center picnic area unless permission is granted in writing from the Superintendent.

Determination: Only fires contained in grills are allowed on the beach to reduce litter and minimize risk of burns to visitors. Cooking and the use of grills and fires are prohibited at the visitor center picnic area to minimize the burn hazard to visitors, and to prevent wildfires. See SJC Beach Code Ord. 2007-19, Section 3.03. 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 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 2.13(a)(1) – Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire

• 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.

Determination: 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 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.

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36 CFR 2.15 – Pets

36 CFR 2.15(a)(1)

• Pets are prohibited on the NPS ferryboat and at the fort. Service animals and dogs used by authorized Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties are not pets.

Determination: Pets can pose a danger and inconvenience to other visitors, while trained service animals provide protection and assistance.

36 CFR 2.15(a)(5)

• Any person or legal entity, who owns, is in charge of, responsible for or in control of any pet must, when within the monument grounds, collect and remove to a proper waste receptacle any excrement left by the pet.

Determination: Owners are required to clean up pet excrement and dispose of the excrement in a suitable trash receptacle. This is required due to the possibility of pet to human disease transmission.

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36 CFR 2.21 – Smoking

• Smoking, including the use of E-cigarettes or similar devices is prohibited in all public park buildings, aboard the NPS ferryboat, on the grounds immediately surrounding the fort and inside Fort Matanzas. Additionally, smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of main entrances, exits and operable windows.

Determination: Smoking is prohibited to prevent the danger of fire, prevent conflicts among visitor use activities and to comply with government smoking regulations.

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36 CFR 2.35 – Alocholic Beverages

• The Superintendent may close all or a portion of a public use area or public facility within a park area to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or to 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. The following locations are closed to the consumption, use and possessions of alcohol:

• Visitor center, visitor center picnic area, government offices and buildings, unless authorized by a special use permit by the Superintendent.

• All portions of the beach within the jurisdiction of the park, boardwalks, and walking trails within the boundaries of the national monument.

Determination: These areas are where the public engages in business with the government or participates in interpretive and educational opportunities. As such, the consumption or possession of an open container would be inappropriate considering the uses of the location and the purpose for which they are maintained and established. Visitors are reminded that the possession of an open container of alcohol is prohibited within 600 ft of the shoreline on all beaches within St. Johns County. Additionally, county ordinances prohibit the use of any glass bottle or container outside the confines of any vehicle. These prohibitions are in place to maintain consistent safe beach management policies and practices with the neighboring jurisdiction of St. Johns County, Florida. See SJC Beach Code Ord. 2007-19, Section 3.01.

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36 CFR 2.51 – Demonstrations and Designated Available Park Areas

36 CFR 2.51(c)(2) – Designated Location

The following location 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. Those groups or individuals using park land for activities protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution are subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

• The Visitor Center Picnic Area.

 

First Amendment Designated Area

 

Text Description of First Amendment Designation Area Map

 

Determination: The designated location is in a prominent area that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect legitimate government interests such as: the protection of park resources. Therefore, in order to protect these resources, the NPS may regulate certain aspects of First Amendment activities, such as the time, the place, and the manner in which they are conducted. It is the conduct associated with the exercise of these rights that is regulated and not the content of the message.

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36 CFR 2.52 – Sale of Printed Matter and the Distribution of Printed Matter and Other Message-Bearing Items

The following location upon the grounds of Fort Matanzas National Monument is designated as available for the sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message bearing items. A permit is not required for these activities in the designated location if they involve 25 persons or fewer and do not involve structures. Those groups or individuals using park land for activities protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution are subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

• The Visitor Center Picnic Area.

Determination: The designated location is in a prominent area that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect legitimate government interests such as: the protection of park resources. Therefore, in order to protect these resources, the NPS may regulate certain aspects of First Amendment activities, such as the time, the place, and the manner in which they are conducted. It is the conduct associated with the exercise of these rights that is regulated and not the content of the message.

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36 CFR 4.2 – State Law Applicable

(Unofficial reserving of parking spaces is prohibited)

• Unless specifically addressed by 36 CFR or other regulations, traffic, and the use of vehicles within a park area are governed by State law. State law that is now or may later be in effect is adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part. Violating a provision of State traffic law is prohibited. Unofficial reserving of parking spaces is prohibited.

• FS 316.130(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

• FS 316.130(6) No Person shall stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway.

• FS 316.130(10) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

Determination: The acts associated with saving a parking space can cause a hazard to the pedestrian and local traffic. Parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis.

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36 CFR 4.10 - Travel on Park Roads and Designated Routes

• Operating a vehicle such as the Segway Human Transporter or Hover board on the boardwalks and parking lots is prohibited.

Determination: These vehicles can travel at a high rate of speed creating a great potential for injury or harm to other visitors as well as operators. In addition, the presence of a mechanical device constitutes an impairment of the visual enjoyment of the character defining features of the National Monument.

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36 CFR 4.30 – Bicycles

• Bicycles are prohibited on any portion of the designated nature trail, all NPS maintained boardwalks, inside the Visitor Center, and on any NPS vessel.

• Bicycles and “e-bikes” are permitted on all park roads and sidewalks in accordance with the regulations set forth in 36 CFR. 4.30 as well as applicable state law. (The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 HP)).

• E-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited. A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

• Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within the boundaries of Fort Matanzas National Monument is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

Determination: The use of a bicycle or e-bike on any boardwalk, nature trail, inside the Visitor Center or on a vessel presents a significant safety hazard to park visitors and the resource. See Florida State Statute 316.2065 Bicycle regulations.

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CCTV Use Policy (DOI DM-444, NPS RM-9)

The National Park Service's use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards - will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals.

This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas including administrative buildings, revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.).

No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views (RM-9, 26.4.2).

Determination: Security measures in place provide for the protection of facilities, people, and irreplaceable objects held in national trust. Utilizing guidance from the Department of the Interior for the safety and security of a location identified as a National Icon, and information provided by other agencies charged with the protection of valuable resources and people, the National Park Service provides these security measures to repel potential threats and present an educational and enjoyable opportunity for all that visit.

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