Superintendent's Compendium

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 National Park Service, within the boundaries of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. 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.

36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established:

Visiting Hours:

  • The following areas are closed to all public use and access from sunset to sunrise.

Chatham Area: The entrance gate will be closed at 5:00 pm and reopened at 9:00 am for vehicle traffic. Grounds will still be open from sunrise to sunset if visitors park in other locations. If the parking lot reaches capacity the gate will be closed until space becomes available again to prevent resource damage.

  1. Parking areas
  2. Roads
  3. Building
  4. Grounds
  5. Fields
  6. Woods

Fredericksburg Battlefield:

  1. Fredericksburg National Cemetery
  2. Visitor Center parking area and grounds (except the Sunken Road, which will remain open for pedestrian use at all times)
  3. Pontoon Crossing site
  4. Lee Hill Shelter and Trail
  5. Pickett Circle
  6. South Lee Drive
  7. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield
  8. All trails
  9. All tour stops
Stonewall Jackson Death Site:
  1. Parking area
  2. Roads
  3. Grounds
  4. Fields
  5. Woods
Chancellorsville Battlefield:
  1. Bullock Road
  2. Chancellor House site (including parking area)
  3. Catharine Furnace parking area
  4. Visitor Center parking area and grounds
  5. Berry-Paxton Drive
  6. Slocum Drive
  7. Maury Birthplace and parking area
  8. Flank Attack road access/parking/exhibit area
  9. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield
  10. All trails
  11. McLaws Trail parking
  12. All tour stops
Wilderness Battlefield:
  1. Exhibit Shelter parking area and grounds
  2. Ellwood (including entrance road)
  3. All tour stops
  4. Hill-Ewell picnic area and parking lot
  5. Widow Tapp parking area
  6. Grant’s Knoll
  7. Wilderness Tavern
  8. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield
  9. All trails
  10. Longstreet’s Wounding Tour Stop
Spotsylvania Battlefield:
  1. All roads except Hancock Road
  2. All parking areas/tour stops
  3. Trails
  4. All fields and woods throughout the battlefield
Old Salem Church:
  1. Parking area
  2. Grounds
After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources. No legitimate study, education, or information from an historical context can be obtained after dark from any of the battlefield areas.

  • Vehicles may not stop, stand, or remain on the following roads from sunset to sunrise.

Fredericksburg Battlefield:

  1. North Lee Drive
Salem Church:
  1. New Jersey 15th monument
Chatham:
  1. Chatham Lane (outside entrance gate)
Chancellorsville Battlefield:
  1. Miles Drive (SR 618/River Road) within CBF
  2. Stuart Drive
  3. Sickles Drive
  4. McLaws Drive
  5. Furnace Road
  6. Jackson Trail (East and West)
Wilderness Battlefield:
  1. Hill-Ewell Drive
Spotsylvania Battlefield:
  1. Hancock Road

After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources. No legitimate study, education, or information from an historical context can be obtained after dark from any of the battlefield areas. These area roads are open for pass-through vehicular traffic only.

 

Public Use Limits:

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.

Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.

The number of visitors in the following indoor locations when Community Level is HIGH may not exceed the maximum occupancy identified for each location.

Indoor Location

Maximum Occupancy

Chancellorsville Visitor Center

78

Chatham Manor

46

Fredericksburg Book Store

10

Fredericksburg Visitor Center

62

Old Salem Church

44

Ellwood Manor

34

Entering or remaining in any of the indoor locations identified in the table above after being asked not to enter or to leave the location because the maximum occupancy has been reached is prohibited.


Pursuant to §1.5(d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservations system.

Still photographers, including commercial or professional photography require a permit only when:

  • The activity uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the location’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities
  • The activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed
  • The park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

For more on the required location fees, required cost recovery, and additional questions, see the NPS.gov Filming & Still Photography Permits page.


The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:

  • Outdoor filming activities involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold filming cameras.

The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:

  • maintain public health and safety;

  • protect environmental or scenic values;

  • protect natural or cultural resources;

  • allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or

  • avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request. The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit. The following are prohibited:

  1. Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required.

  2. Engaging in a filming activity without a permit if [the activity takes place in areas managed as wilderness or if] the Superintendent has notified the organizer in writing that a permit is required.

  3. Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action.

Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.The park seeks to provide visitors with the opportunity to envision the historic scene in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. Still photography in sensitive commemorative areas has become so popular that permits have become necessary to manage this activity.

 

Closures:

  • The following park roads are closed to visitor vehicular traffic at all times.
  1. Chancellor Cemetery Road (Chancellorsville Battlefield)
  2. Landram House Road (Spotsylvania Battlefield)
  3. Sunken Road

These roads are closed except for administrative purposes and in the case of the Cemetery Road access is provided for those associated with the cemetery. These roads serve no public vehicular access purpose and vehicle use would detract from the historic scene.

  • All park areas enclosed by chain-link fence are closed to public access and private vehicles, except for those on official business.

Fenced in areas are administrative areas and are enclosed for security reasons. The security and accountability of government property can best be protected by limiting access to these areas.

  • The park is closed to picnicking except in the areas designated for that purpose in accordance with 36 CFR §2.11.

The areas designated for this purpose listed under 36 CFR §2.11 provide a reasonable accommodation for those touring the park. Outside of these approved areas, it would be inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values at hallowed battleground sites. Ample opportunities exist outside the park for this activity.

  • The park and National Cemetery are closed to public use involving sports and other non-passive recreation. These regulated activities include, but are not limited to, organized sports and related activities, kite flying, ball playing, frisbee throwing, model airplane flying, and the use of motorized and non-motorized vehicles outside of designated areas. Launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft is prohibited. See also 36 CFR § 2.20 which prohibits the use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, and other similar devices.

The park seeks to provide visitors with the opportunity to envision the historic scene in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. While passive recreation, such as hiking on trails, jogging and biking on park roads is allowed, activities which interfere with that scene and atmosphere are not. Ample opportunities exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and interfere with the peace and tranquility of the landscape and are inconsistent with the reason the park was created.

  • The park and National Cemetery are closed to the posting of non-commercial signs. These include but are not limited to private signs, announcements, and political advertisements, except as may be permitted by the park’s policy on the Distribution of Printed Matter found in the Non –Traditional Use Policy.

Ample locations exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and are inconsistent with the park’s purposes and values.

  • The parking of motor vehicles along park road shoulders is prohibited except for the provision for horse trailers as indicated under 36 CFR 2.16(g).

Public safety is compromised on narrow park roads when vehicles pull off along road shoulders. Visitors are required to use parking lots and pull outs when parking, touring and accessing exhibit areas and trail heads. The use of non-designated areas creates resource impacts along roadsides.

  • Riding bicycles on Historic Sunken Road is prohibited. Activities there are restricted to pedestrian use only. No group activities of any kind beyond interpretive tours and events are allowed there without a special use permit. Bikes must be dismounted and walked on the Sunken Road.

The Sunken Road has been restored so that visitors can better understand and appreciate the 1862 historic scene. It is one of the premier attractions in Fredericksburg Battlefield. Its proximity to the visitor center creates a large volume of foot traffic. Multiple uses and group activities in this area are incompatible and present a safety concern.

  • The park is closed to camping except for living history groups whom may camp in conjunction with a park-sponsored activity for interpretive/educational purposes.

The park is closed between sunset and sunrise. There are no designated campgrounds in the park. Infrastructure does not support campgrounds. Living history groups camp in the park during interpretive events and events supporting the administration of the park to further the park mission.

  • The park is closed to swimming and bathing.

It is hazardous to swim or bath in open waters throughout the park.

  • Geo-caching is prohibited throughout the park and National Cemetery except that virtual caching is allowed. See also 36 CFR § 2.22 which prohibits park visitors from leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours.

The entire park consists of sacred battleground and therefore contains historically significant resources. Methods of stashing items such as digging, burying, covering and otherwise concealing items are sometimes used while geocaching, and are inappropriate within these areas. Abandoning and leaving property unattended is illegal. The activity in itself will appear suspicious to bystanders and staff alike who might misinterpret what the individual is doing. This type of recreational activity is inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and inconsistent with the park’s purposes and values.

  • The use of electric personal assistive mobility devices, such as motorized wheelchairs and Segways, by those with mobility impairments is allowed throughout the park and National Cemetery. Users of these vehicles are viewed and treated as pedestrians. Use by others of such devices is guided by state law.

The NPS has concluded that this interim policy on allowing the use of Segways and similar devices by individuals with mobility disabilities is compelled by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) regulations at 43 CFR Part 17, Subpart E. It has been determined that such devices would be appropriate for all park areas currently open to motorized wheelchair use. This interim policy is in effect until a service-wide policy is enacted.

  • Washing, cleaning, waxing, lubricating, repairing or performing mechanical work on motor vehicles, except in emergencies in any public use area is prohibited.
Ample locations exist outside the park for these activities. These types of activities are inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and are inconsistent with the park’s purposes and values. They interfere with the peace and tranquility of the landscape and are inconsistent with the reason the park was created.

Violating the terms or conditions of a permit issued pursuant to this section is prohibited. The Chief Ranger’s office should be contacted for permit information. Please call (540) 693-3200 x3100 or x3010.

 

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

Activities requiring a permit are listed throughout this document under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.

The Chief Ranger’s office should be contacted for permit information. Please call (540) 693-3200 x3100 or x3010.

 

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:

The following earthworks/archeological resources may be walked on utilizing an established trail designated or undesignated, for the purpose of viewing the battlefield or utilizing trails within the park:

  1. Prospect Hill overlook on Walker's Artillery Battalion's gun emplacements
  2. Lee Drive trail through Longstreet Corp hut site
  3. Olde Greenwich trail over earthworks to Lee Drive
  4. Olde Greenwich trail over earthworks to Pickett Circle
  5. Chancellorsville History Trail over Hooker's Last Line
  6. Trail over Posey's line to Furnace Road
  7. Trails over Anderson's Line to McLaws Drive
  8. Federal Line Trail over Warren's Line to Route 20
  9. Spotsylvania Trail over Lee's Middle Line to Harrison House Site
  10. Upton's Attack Trail over Dole's Salient earthworks

(c)(1), (c) (2) The following fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells may be gatheredby hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:

  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Figs
  • Chinese Chestnuts
  • Gingko fruit
  • Pawpaw Fruit
  • Fungi
All quantities may not exceed ½ gallon per person per day.

It has been determined that these quantities for personal use have had no detrimental affect on the plant population.

 

36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

  • Hunters may transport legally taken, properly tagged and identified wildlife through park areas via legally established accesses if no other access to their private property exists.

(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:

  • Viewing, or attempting to view, wildlife by means of motor vehicle headlights, infrared lighting/beams or other artificial light (spotlighting) is prohibited park wide.

 

36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS AND NETS

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 930, firearms are prohibited in federal facilities. Federal facilities are defined as “buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the federal government, where federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.”

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. §§ 1a – 7b, park visitors may carry firearms in National parks if they are in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

 

36 CFR §2.5 – RESEARCH SPECIMENS

(a) Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with other regulations of Chapter I of 36 CFR or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit.

 

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

  • Picnicking is allowed only in the following designated areas. (refer to 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) “Closures”)
  1. Chatham Picnic Area *
  2. Chatham grounds outside the garden walls
  3. Fredericksburg Visitor Center Picnic Area *
  4. Pickett Circle Picnic Area *
  5. Chancellorsville Visitor Center Picnic Area *
  6. Hill-Ewell Drive Picnic Area *
  7. Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter Picnic Area *
  8. Jackson Death Site Picnic Area *
  9. Jackson Death Site grounds
  10. Ellwood grounds

A permit is required for groups larger than 10 people. (see 36 CFR § 1.6) Containerized fuel stoves are only allowed in formally established picnic areas (indicated above with an asterisk) where park provided picnic tables exist.

 

36 CFR §2.12 – AUDIO DISTURBANCES

(a)(2) Operating a power saw in developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(3) Operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(a)(4) Operating a public address system is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.

 

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

  • Open fires are permitted only in NPS provided grills
  • Containerized fuel stoves are only allowed in formally established picnic areas (indicated with an asterisk in 36 CFR 2.11 above) where park provided picnic tables exist.
  • Fires may be allowed on a limited basis and under permission from the Superintendent for living history groups who may camp in conjunction with a park- sponsored activity for interpretive/educational purposes.
 

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

  • Fredericksburg National Cemetery

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

  • Excrement shall be removed by the owner/handler from picnic areas, exhibit areas, trails and other high public use areas which includes frequently mowed and high visibility areas.

(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:

  • Written authorization from superintendent
  • Adhere to park’s written policy
 

36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:
  • Horses
  • Burros
  • Donkeys
  • Mules

(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:

  • Park road shoulders
  • Paved portions of roads where such travel is incidental to use of road shoulders, i.e.crossing from one side of the road to another
  • The Gordon Flank Attack Trail between tour stops 2 and 3 in Wilderness Battlefield
  • “Apperson’s” maintenance access road in Gordon Flank Attack area

(c) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:

  • Organized groups and groups with larger than 6 horses or pack animals are required to call the park at least 14 days prior to their proposed ride in order to obtain permission from the Superintendent.
  • Trailer parking is allowed at the following locations:
  1. Slocum Drive road shoulders
  2. Hill-Ewell Drive east road shoulder between Wilderness Run bridge and Lee Dr.
  3. Anderson Drive road shoulder opposite bus turn-around
  4. Areas of Fredericksburg Battlefield where otherwise legally parked
 

36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY

(a)(3) Delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means is prohibited, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is subject to procedures established by the Superintendent.

 

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking which includes the use of ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery System) as noted:

  • All park buildings
  • Within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public.
  • Within 25 feet of any entrance or exit not generally accessed by the public, where smoking would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings.
  • Within any type of government-owned or leased vehicle, including heavy equipment, watercraft, or aircraft.

These park areas are closed to smoking and ENDS use to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and to prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.

 

36 CFR §2.35 –ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

  • All park areas

This type of activity is inconsistent with the preservation and protection of resource values and is inconsistent with the park’s purposes. Generally, the park is a drive through touring park to observe and learn about the civil war battles which took place here. The consumption of alcohol and possession of open containers of an alcoholic beverage is an incompatible activity for this type of visitation. Ample locations exist outside the park for the consumption of alcohol.

 

36 CFR §2.37 – NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING

Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions or a permit that has been issued under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52.


36 CFR §2.38 – EXPLOSIVES

(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

(b) Using, or possessing fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.


36 CFR §2.50 – SPECIAL EVENTS

(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent.


36 CFR §2.51 -- DEMONSTRATIONS

(a) Demonstrations of 25 people or less are allowed within the park areas designated as available under paragraph (b). Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.

(b) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:

  • See Appendix.

36 CFR §2.52 -- SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER

(a) The sale or distribution of printed matter by 25 people or less is allowed within the park areas designated as available under §2.51(b) (see above). The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within designated park areas when the superintendent has issued a permit.


36 CFR §2.61 – RESIDING ON FEDERAL LANDS

(a) Residing in park areas, other than on privately owned lands, is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit lease or contract.


36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(a) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, or in the following designated areas without a permit, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

  • A permit is required in all locations for the scattering of human ashes from cremation

 

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(a) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

  • The speed limit is set at 20 miles/hour on the following roads:

  1. Hancock Road

  2. Jackson Trail (East and West)

  3. Stonewall Jackson Death Site entrance road

  • The speed limit is set at 25 miles/hour on the following roads:

  1. North Lee Drive (from Lafayette Blvd. to the bottom of the south side of Howison Hill)

  2. Bullock Road

  3. Hooker Drive

  4. Grant Drive

  5. Anderson Drive

  6. Gordon Drive

  7. Burnside Drive

  8. Berry-Paxton Drive

  • The speed limit is set at 30 miles/hour on the following roads:

  1. North Lee Drive (from the bottom of the south side of Howison Hill to Lansdowne)

  2. South Lee Drive

  • The speed limit is set at 35 miles/hour on all other park roads.

 

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

(a) Park roads and parking areas that are closed to bicycle use are listed in 36 CFR § 1.5 of this document.

The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use:

  • Bike trail connecting South Lee Drive to State Route 750 (Lee Drive Extended).


(b) E-bike designation. 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 h.p.).

  • E-bikes are allowed in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP 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 Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP 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.

Such use is consistent with the protection of the park area’s natural, scenic and aesthetic values, safety considerations and management objectives and will not disturb wildlife or park resources. This trail location used to be an open road now closed to motor vehicular use.

CCTV Statement

  • In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.
  • The park’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; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)
  • This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), 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.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers. (RM-9, 26.1).
  • Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations. (RM-9, 26.1-26.4) 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)
  • Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.

 

APPENDIX

 
Aerial view of Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter with 1st amendment area demarcated
Appendix: First Amendment Area at Spotsylvania Court House Exhibit Shelter
 
Aerial view of Fredericksburg Visitor Center with 1st amendment area demarcated
Appendix: First Amendment Area at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center
 
Aerial view of Ellwood with 1st amendment area demarcated
Appendix: First Amendment Area for Ellwood
 
Aerial view of the Wilderness Exhibit Shelter with first amendment area demarcated
Appendix: First Amendment Area for Wilderness Exhibit Shelter
 
Aerial view of the Chancellorsville Visitor Center with the 1st Amendment area demarcated
Appendix: First Amendment Area at Chancellorsville Visitor Center
 
Aerial view of Chatham complex with 1st Amendment area demarcated
Appendix: First Amendment Area at Chatham

Last updated: April 28, 2023

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120 Chatham Ln
Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Phone:

540 693-3200

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