Superintendent's Compendium

Administrative Order #22-001, March 4, 2022

Closures, restrictions and public use limits:
Restrictions and Public Use Limits: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) the following activities are restricted in Manzanar National Historic Site, effective immediately, until further notice:

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.

Authority: 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2)

Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Manzanar National Historic Site, including park visitors, government employees, cooperating association employees, and stakeholders.

Finding: The NPS issues this administrative order for the purposes of maintaining public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. This order is consistent with Executive Order 13991, Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing.

These directives require the NPS to take the actions identified, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to require compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines with respect to wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and other public health measures by: on-duty or on-site Federal employees; on-site Federal contractors; and all persons in Federal buildings or on Federal lands.

In addition to physical distancing and hand washing, masks are a critical step to help prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19. When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself.

• COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets. Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from reaching others.
• Masks can prevent the spread of the disease even when the wearer is not sick. This is because several studies have found that people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to other people.
• Masks may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others, or with other people who live in your household.
• It is especially important to wear a mask indoors with people you do not live with and when you are unable to stay at least 6 feet apart because COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another.

This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. The effectiveness of this order will be assessed on an ongoing basis, and the order will be modified or rescinded when conditions warrant.

 

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 administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Manzanar National Historic Site. 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.

Compendium posted 8/30/2024.

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 park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
Visiting Hours:

• The park is open to visitation from sunrise to sunset.

• The visitor center is open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, except for Christmas Day

Closures and Public Use Limits:

• Park Facilities: The following areas and facilities are closed to public use: Park administrative, maintenance, operations, utility, and storage facilities including, but not limited to, access roads, outbuildings, and grounds. This closure shall not apply to persons engaged in legitimate government activities or permitted business or cooperator activities.
• Except for facilities designated for visitor use, all buildings are closed to unauthorized entry. This shall not apply to persons in non-public areas who have been granted specific permission by the National Park Service (NPS) or another authorized federal, state, or municipal agency, their representatives, or those who are under escort of park employees acting within the scope of employment.

Determining Factors: In order to provide security for government facilities for which visitors have no need to access, these limits will address vandalism and theft issues and protect vital utility services.

• Picnicking is not allowed inside the fenced cemetery area on the west side of Manzanar NHS.

Determining Factors: Picnicking is prohibited in the cemetery out of respect for those buried there, their families, and for other visitors.

• Other areas may be closed at the discretion of the superintendent to protect park visitors and/or park resources. Such closures will be publicly posted.

Determining Factors: Closures may be necessary for visitor safety and/or resource protection due to flooding, archeological work, construction, or other temporary causes. The superintendent will review the reasons for any such closure before implementing the closure.

• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Manzanar National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Determining Factors: Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft may interfere with the visitor experience which is dependent upon the ability to continue to interpret the historic nature of the site and its isolated setting.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:

Passenger-carrying Buses:

• Buses must shut down their engines when not underway or actively loading and unloading passengers.
• Buses may not remain in the passenger loading area other than to load/unload passengers.

Determining Factors: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary noise and exhaust fumes and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.

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:

• §2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net (excluding firearms carried in accordance with California State Law)
• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
• §2.12 Audio disturbances
• §2.12(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(a)(3) Aircraft and air delivery
• §2.17(a)(3) Delivery/retrieval of a person/object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means
• §2.17(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
• §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services (pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
• §2.38 Explosives:
• §2.38(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
• §2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
• §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views for groups of more than 25 people
• §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising
• §2.60(b) Livestock use
• §2.62 Memorialization:
• §2.62(a) Erection of monuments (requires approval from Regional Director)
• §2.62(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
• §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, and size limits
• §5.1 Display, posting, or distribution of advertisements
• §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations)
• §5.4(a) Commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles
• §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming:
• §5.5(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
• §5.5(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertisement.
• Any other permits required by state, county or other federal agencies (inquire at the superintendent's office)

III. General Regulations:

Definitions:

• Camping: 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 for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.

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

(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:

• Pears, apples, peaches and figs: 1 quart per person per day and no more that 5 total quarts per calendar year. Visitors may only take fruit which is on the ground or picked by hand from the tree. No use of ladders or climbing is allowed to obtain fruit.

Determining Factors: It has been determined that the gathering or consumption of this item will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproduction potential of any plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. If future monitoring indicates that such gathering or consumption is likely to cause adverse affects to park resources, then the authorization to this consumptive use will be terminated. Use of these items for any purpose other than personal consumption is specifically prohibited.

36 CFR §2.2 – Wildlife Protection

(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
Wildlife taken lawfully from outside the boundaries of Manzanar National Historic Site may be transported through the park under the following conditions:

• The carcass must be tagged in accordance with state fish and game law.
• Game must be kept out of sight as much as practicable.

(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
All of Manzanar National Historic Site, unless permitted by the superintendent as an allowable condition of a research permit. Infrared lighting/beams are artificial light and are prohibited from use.

36 CFR §2.10 – Camping and Food Storage

(a) The site and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as notes. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:

• Camping is not allowed within the boundaries of Manzanar National Historic Site.

36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking

Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a)(1) Closures.
Conditions for Picnicking:

• Picnicking is not allowed inside the fenced cemetery area on the west side of Manzanar National Historic Site.

• All trash and uneaten food items must be removed by the picnicking group in areas where picnicking is allowed.

36 CFR §2.13 – Fires

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited.

• Fires are prohibited within Manzanar National Historic Site.

36 CFR §2.15 – Pets

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

• The visitor center and the fenced cemetery area.

(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

• In the area directly to the north of the entrance door, by the bench.
• Pets may not be tied to the stair railing.
• Pets left unattended that are determined to be a nuisance or left in an unsafe manner will be reported to the local animal control officials.

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

• Immediately scooped up with plastic bags or paper and disposed of in a trash can.

36 CFR §2.20 – Skating, Skateboards, and Similar Devices

The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited within Manzanar National Historic Site.

• Use of these types of devices is prohibited within Manzanar National Historic Site.

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 as noted:

• Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and structures, including all restrooms.
• Within 50 feet of gasoline pumps and flammable substance storage areas.

Determining Factors: Certain areas are restricted to protect public health and structures from fire danger or smoke. This prohibition is consistent with state law and past practice.

36 CFR §2.22 – Property

(a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:

• Any motor vehicle that is immobile because it is not capable of moving under its own power due to mechanical malfunction; or any vehicle which is inoperable because it cannot be operated legally on public roads because it is unlicensed or unregistered may be impounded by the superintendent when it has been left unattended for 3 days.

Determining Factors: Abandoned vehicles, apparently abandoned vehicles, and inoperable vehicles cause a shortage of parking spaces, create an eyesore, and may interfere with access to a building during emergencies.

• Items may be left at the Manzanar Cemetery and Memorial and will be treated in accordance with the Manzanar Cemetery Management Plan.

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:

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in public buildings.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the cemetery enclosure.

36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives

(b) Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

• Fireworks are prohibited within Manzanar National Historic Site.

36 CFR §2.50 - Special Events

Permits are required for any special event utilizing park areas. Special events are defined as sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, and similar events, or any event involving an organized gathering of 20 or more people (including non-profit or charitable organizations).

• Consideration will be given only to those activities that contribute to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area or where there is meaningful association between the park area and the event.

• Specific rules and processes for special use permits can be found at http://www.nps.gov/manz/planyourvisit/permits.htm.

• Special Use Permits for activities beginning and/or ending outside of Manzanar National Historic Site are conditional upon approval from all other involved jurisdictions.

• Special Use Permits for activities will only be authorized for park operating hours, sunrise to sunset.

36 CFR §2.51 – Demonstrations

(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of views:

• As designated by the superintendent, the following locations are available within the park for public assemblies:
  • In the area 10 feet to the south of the visitor center entrance walkway, and 10 feet to the west of the parking area.
  • In the parking area by the cemetery, bounded by the historic boundary fence to the west and the parking lot boundary to the south, 50 feet out from both boundaries.

• In both cases, roadways and sidewalks are to be kept clear, the normal flow of visitors and traffic is not to be interrupted.

• Maps of these locations are attached in Appendix A.

36 CFR §2.52 - Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

Sale or distribution of printed matter:

• As designated by the superintendent, the following locations are available within the park for sale or distribution of printed matter:
  • In the area 10 feet to the south of the visitor center entrance walkway, and 10 feet to the west of the parking area.
  • In the parking area by the cemetery, bounded by the historic boundary fence to the west and the parking lot boundary to the south, 50 feet out from both boundaries.

• In both cases, roadways and sidewalks are to be kept clear, the normal flow of visitors and traffic is not to be interrupted.

• Maps of these locations are attached in Appendix A.

36 CFR §2.62 – Memorialization

(b) 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:

• The scattering of human ashes from cremation is not allowed within the boundaries of Manzanar National Historic Site.

Determining Factors: Because the area has archeological human remains from Native Americans and because of other cultural remains from the camp period, the scattering of human remains is prohibited in order to protect those resources and to make sure current scattering of remains is not mistaken for archeological resources.

36 CFR §4.10 – Travel on Park Roads and Routes

(a) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below, and/or as indicated in the following publication or document (attached hereto):

• All vehicles must remain on the main park tour route and associated parking areas. See park map.

(c)(1) Track-laying motor vehicles, or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device may be operated on the following routes under the terms and conditions noted:

• Tracked vehicles are not allowed on park roads or allowed to do off-road travel.

36 CFR §4.21 – Speed Limits

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

• The maximum speed limit is 25 mph unless posted otherwise.
• Speed limits in the parking lots shall not exceed 15 mph.

Determining Factors: Variations from the speed limit designations in the general regulations have been made where road conditions allow either a higher speed without jeopardizing public safety, or require a lower speed limit for public safety and to prevent road deterioration.

36 CFR §4.30 – Bicycles

(a) Bicycle use, including e-bikes is permitted on park roads, parking areas, and on the following designated routes:

• Bicycles are permitted on park roads and parking areas open to public vehicular traffic and on the historic road grid.

36 CFR §4.31 – Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is permitted in the following areas under the conditions noted:

• Hitchhiking, or the soliciting of transportation, is allowed anywhere in the park as long as the person is off the roadway on the shoulder, and visitor safety and traffic flow are not adversely affected.

Commercial Photography & Filming

Specific rules and processes for filming permits can be found on our website's Film and Special Use Permits page.

A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities and certain still photography activities occurring within a unit of the National Park System. The regulation governing these activities is found at 43 CFR part 5; this regulation based on Public Law 106-206 applies to all land management agencies in the Department of the Interior.

• All commercial filming activities taking place within a unit of the National Park System require a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income.
• Non-commercial filming may require a permit if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values while minimizing conflict between user groups or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, and student filming. In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors engaging in casual, non-commercial filming.

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.

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.

 

Appendix A