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In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the Naitonal Park Service, within the boundaries of Fort Union National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. 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 identified by italicized print. I. 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 monument, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the monument to all public use or to a certain use or activity: Public Access and Visiting Hours
Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish hours that the public may enter an area, in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since some of these areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. Limited staffing also controls the hours and days of operation. Schedules are set to take advantage of contemporary monument visitor use patterns.
Public Use Limits
Motor Vehicle access within Fort Union National Monument is limited to designated parking areas and roadways. Except as defined below, use of motor vehicles such as Segways and motorized scooters are prohibited in all monument areas.
Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since restricted areas can present hazards during seasonal variations of weather and daylight. In addition, use of motor vehicles such as Segways and motorized scooters within the monument are considered inappropriate due to the historic scene and the purposes for which the monument was intended. Restrictions may also help to reduce user conflicts and protect the historic scene.
The term bicycle means a two or three wheeled cycle strictly propelled by pedals connected to the rear or front wheel by a chain and having handlebars for steering and a saddle like seat.
The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle (as described above) propelled with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). E-bikes are allowed in Fort Union National Monument 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 Fort Union 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.
Segways and motorized scooters, as defined under 36 C.F.R. § 1.4, are motor vehicles. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a) and 4.10(a) Segways and motorized scooters are prohibited from all areas within the monument including all monument roads, trails and sidewalks. Motorized wheelchairs are defined separately and are not considered motor vehicles.
Any monument visitor with a disability is permitted to use a motorized wheelchair, Segway, motorized scooter throughout the monument, including all structures, facilities, monument roads, sidewalks, trails and other surfaces where the general public is allowed access and when such devices are used for the sole purpose of mobility assistance. Use of any mobility assistive device, as outlined above, must also adhere to the following: a) No person under 16 years of age may operate a motorized wheelchair, Segway or motorized scooter without direct adult supervision. Determination Statement: The Segway is a two-wheeled, gyroscopically stabilized, battery-powered personal transportation device. While Segways and motorized scooters (or similar devices) are not “designed solely for” mobility-impaired persons and thus do not meet the definition of a motorized wheelchair in 36 CFR Section 1.4, some individuals with disabilities use these devices as their means of personal mobility, in lieu of more traditional devices like the wheelchair. As stated in National Park Service (NPS)Management Policies, Section 8.2.4, and described in more detail in Director’s Order 42, the NPS is committed to making all reasonable efforts to make its programs, facilities, and services accessible to people with disabilities. The NPS has set a goal of ensuring that all people, including persons with disabilities, have the highest level of accessibility that is reasonable to our programs, facilities, and services in conformance with applicable regulations and standards. Allowing the use of motorized wheelchairs, Segways and motorized scooters in the monument by people with disabilities is part of this effort. In that light, monument managers have determined that the use of motorized wheelchairs, Segways, motorized scooters and similar devices by persons with disabilities is safe and appropriate in all areas of the monument currently open to access by the general public.
Service animals, as defined under 28 CFR 36.104, means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. the work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability. The crime deterrent effects of an animal's presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of the definition of a service animal.
Within Fort Union NM, all service animals are exempt from prohibitions on pets and, when accompanying a person with a disability (as defined by Federal law and DOJ regulations), will be allowed wherever visitors or employees are allowed. The superintendent may close an area to all service animals upon an individualized assessment and a written determination that allowance of any domestic animal would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of people or wildlife. Individual service animals may be prohibited from any monument area upon an individualized assessment that the animal’s current behavior poses a direct threat to the health and safety of people or wildlife or when presence of the animal would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the monument or monument activities. Determination Statement: Service animals for persons with disabilities have traditionally been understood to be guide dogs for blind individuals and hearing assistance dogs for persons with hearing impairments. Because these animals provide service for persons with disabilities, they are not considered to be pets and, consequently, are not regulated as pets. In 1990, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) expanded the concept of service animals to include those providing a service for individuals with other disabilities. Current NPS regulations (36 CFR 2.15), which recognizes only guide dogs for the blind and signal dogs for the hearing impaired, does not apply to persons with disabilities who rely upon service animals for other purposes.
As stated in National Park Service (NPS)Management Policies, Section 8.2.4, and described in more detail in Director’s Order 42, the NPS is committed to making all reasonable efforts to make its programs, facilities, and services accessible to people with disabilities. The NPS has set a goal of ensuring that all people, including persons with disabilities, have the highest level of accessibility that is reasonable to our programs, facilities, and services in conformance with applicable regulations and standards. Allowing the use of all service animals in the monument by people with disabilities is part of this effort. Therefore the definition of service animals has been expanded to be consistent with the DOJ definition in order to allow all service animals accompanying persons with disabilities the same privileges currently provided to guide dogs and hearing assistance dogs. Monument managers have determined that the use of service animals by persons with disabilities is generally safe and appropriate in all areas of the monument currently open to access by the general public.
Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage. In addition, these types of modern activities in these specific locations are considered inappropriate to the historic scene and the purposes for which the Monument was intended. Restrictions will also help to reduce user conflicts.
Determination Statement: The existing waterways restricted to preserve and protect the sensitive riparian habitat, cultural resources, and to provide for public safety.
Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect natural and cultural resources from resource damage. In addition, this type of activity in most locations open to the public is considered inappropriate to the historic scene and the purposes for which the Monument was intended.
Closures
Except as otherwise provided in this section:
Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish these area closures and restrictions in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism and inappropriate group activities. It is also necessary for visitor safety since some of these areas can present hazardous conditions, which become extreme during seasonal variations of weather and daylight.
Unmanned Aircraft
Fort Union National Monument is closed to public use activities involving Unmanned Aircraft. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort Union National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. 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, quad copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage and to provide for staff and visitor safety. Except for the limited existing use of model aircraft in some parks, of which Fort Union NM is not included in this category, unmanned aircraft are a new park use and affect park resources, staff, and visitors in ways that the National Park Service has yet to identify and analyze. It is National Park Service policy to not allow a new park use (Section 1.5 of NPS Management Policies) until a determination has been made that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values, and staff and visitor safety. In addition, this type of activity is considered inappropriate to the historic scene and the purposes for which the Monument was intended. (a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted: Motor Vehicles
The idling of vehicle engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the monument. II. 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:
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Taking of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals, etc.)
§2.10(a) Camping The monument is managed for day use and no camping is allowed; however, camping facilities are available nearby. When selected special events or other authorized activities include camping, it will be specified in a permit. §2.12 Audio Disturbances (a)(2) Operating a chain saw 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. §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
(a) Erection of monuments requires approval from Director
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.) §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming: (a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television. (b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising. §5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on monument area roads (The superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the monument when access is otherwise not available) For more information on permit requirements or application procedures, contact: Superintendent, Fort Union National Monument, P.O. Box 127, Watrous, New Mexico 87753 or call 505-425-8025.
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS 36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES (a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:
(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells 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:
The gathering of Pinion Pine Nuts is a traditional cultural activity and has been important to the local people for millennia. Harvesting is popular today as a form of recreation and was in the past a focus of important social significance. Allowing limited harvesting within open areas of Fort Union National Monument allows local people to continue their traditions while restrictions placed on the activity are meant to minimize the impact to the monument and assure that plenty of nuts are available for wildlife.
36 CFR §2.11 - PICNICKING
Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a) (1) "Public Use Limits." 36 CFR §2.13 - FIRES (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets and all other animals:
*Note: Section 36 CFR §1.5 of this Compendium (VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES) addresses service animals and related regulations within Fort Union National Monument.
(a)(2) The following are prohibited:
(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
(e) Pets may be kept by monument residents under the following conditions:
36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS
(b) The use of horses and pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of pack animals:
(a) The following portions of the monument, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
(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:
(a)(3)(i) Fort Union National Monument is closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages. Exceptions include:
Determination Statement: The consumption of alcoholic beverages within monument buildings is an inappropriate activity considering the historic nature of the structures and the purposes for which they are maintained.
36 CFR §2.51 - LOCATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES
The Superintendent has designated the following locations as available for public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of view. (See Appendix 1)
The Superintendent has designated the following locations as available for sale and distribution of printed matter (See Appendix 1)
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
36 CFR §3.3 – VESSEL PERMITS
(a)(1) Fort Union National Monument is closed to swimming and bathing activities. 36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON MONUMENT ROADS AND ROUTES (a) Monument roads open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below:
36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS
Appendix 1Locations available for Public Assemblies and Sale and Distribution of Printed Matter
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Last updated: September 18, 2024