NPS Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority. Revised September 19, 2025 A. INTRODUCTION1. Superintendent’s Compendium DescribedThe Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level. The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public. As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the Superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by the Section, however, requires the Superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (6 USC Section 551), which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature. Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the Superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park. A final example is 36 CFR 2.1(c) (1) Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources, which provides the Superintendent the authority to designate certain fruits, nuts, berries or unoccupied seashells which may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. This activity can occur, however, only if a written determination shows that the allowed activity does not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources. Page 2 of 15 MWR Compendium Template, v.1-17-18 This Compendium should be used in conjunction with Title 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, to more fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the national Park System. A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at: www.gpo.gov OR Superintendent of Documents The CFR is also available on the Internet at: www.ecfr.gov. 2. Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This CompendiumThe National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under Title 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) §100101(a) (formerly 16 U.S.C. 1a-1, “Organic Act”) to “….regulate the use of the National Park System by means and measures that conform to the fundamental purpose of the System units, which purpose is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in the System units and to provide for the enjoyment of the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wild life in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” In addition, Title 54 U.S.C. §100751(a) allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “prescribe such regulations as the Secretary considers necessary or proper for the use and management of System units.” In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970, Congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916. In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted System-wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by Section 1 of this Title, shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by Section 1 of this Title, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.” In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). The Superintendent is also guided by more specific policies promulgated by the Director, National Park Service, in the form of Director’s Orders. As stated in the Management Policies, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitor and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource-based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use or activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. The Superintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the Superintendent has a reasonable basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, then that Superintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use. Page 3 of 15 MWR Compendium Template, v.1-17-18 3. Consistency of This Compendium with Applicable Federal Law and RequirementsThe Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor impose a significant cost on any local, state or tribal government or private organization, and therefore does not fall under the requirements of either the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The actions and requirements described in this Compendium are found to be categorically excluded from further compliance with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. 4. Development of the Requirements of the Superintendent’s CompendiumAs outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process. The decision criteria used during this process are:
5. Applicability of the CompendiumThe rules contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using, visiting or otherwise present on Federally owned lands, including submerged lands, and waters administered by the NPS within the legislative boundaries of the park. This includes all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters. 6. Enforcement of Compendium RequirementsNPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. 7. Penalties for Not Adhering to the Compendium RequirementsA person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, or provisions of this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Chief Ranger at the park address found below. Page 4 of 15 MWR Compendium Template, v.1-17-18 8. Comments on the CompendiumThe Compendium is reviewed annually and revised as necessary. The park welcomes comments about its program and activities at any time. Written comments on the Compendium may be submitted to: Superintendent Moores Creek National Battlefield 40 Patriots Hall Dr. Currie, NC 28435 9. Effective Date of the Superintendent CompendiumThe Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the cover page of this document and remains in effect until revised for a period up to one year. 10. Additional InformationSome of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions. 11. AvailabilityCopies of the Compendium are available at 40 Patriots Hall Dr., Currie, NC 28435. It may also be found at https://www.nps.gov/mocr/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. B. SUPERINTENDENT’S COMPENDIUMIn 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 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Moores Creek National Battlefield. 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...(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:During emergency conditions, the park or affected park areas may be closed temporarily by the Superintendent or his or her designee without prior public notice. This includes any closure required for prescribed fire or other park operations that could impact visitor safety. Visitor safety is paramount. The Park will take precautionary steps to provide for a safe visitor experience and to prevent foreseeable accidents and/or injuries. Closures of his nature, although temporary, may last for an extended period of time. Any permanent closures will go through the required public notice process. Areas of new construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance within the Park will be closed to public access based on threats to public safety presented by the type of work to be done and equipment in use. Areas closed to all public access will be posted with appropriate signage. Areas of new construction and reconstruction or rehabilitation may be closed to visitors for safety reasons and to avoid unreasonable conflict with authorized work. Visiting Hours:Moores Creek National Battlefield is hereby designated a day use area. The following areas are closed to all public entry except during the periods indicated for the protection of the public and the resources. Restricting use and placing time limits will help eliminate illegal or inappropriate use of the park. The Moores Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center is open to the general public during normal business hours, which are made available to the public on site and through printed and electronic media. The administrative portion of the Moores Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center (AKA Interpretive and Education offices), the offices of the Administrative building (AKA Park Headquarters), Maintenance Facility (to include the maintenance yard), and the Patriots Hall offices are not open to the general public. The Moores Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center is a facility designed to educate and inform the visiting public. Park Headquarters, the Maintenance Facility, the Patriots Hall offices were not designed for use by the general public and as such there may be safety and security concerns if the general public were to have access to these areas.
Public Use Limits:The buildings, facilities and grounds administered by Moores Creek National Battlefield are closed to special events as defined in 36 CFR Sec. 2.50; public assemblies and meetings as defined in 36 CFR Sec. 2.51; and sale or distribution of printed matter as defined in 36 CFR Sec. 2.52 except under conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent. The National Park Service has established carrying capacity for selected park areas to prevent impairment of the resource or visitor experience or for safety concerns. These limits have been determined to be the maximum number of people that can be accommodated consistent with the protection of the historic resource, visitor safety, and without compromising the quality of the park experience. Additionally, limits have been established for certain structures to ensure safe use by park employees, visitors, contractors and other cooperators in accordance with Life Safety Codes, design loads, and park guidelines.
Closures:
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:Historic Weapons Firing Demonstrations:
Living History Demonstration area:
Camping:
Non-motorized Boat Launching Sites:
Athletic Events:
Parking/Areas:
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:Passenger Carrying Busses:
36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMITCertain activities require a permit issued by the Superintendent to ensure protection of park resources, visitor safety, and compliance with federal regulations. Permit applications must be submitted within a sufficient time frame to allow for an informed decision; late or incomplete applications will be denied. How to ApplyApplications may be obtained by mail, email, telephone, or in person at the park Visitor Center during normal business hours, or by writing to: Superintendent The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:
(36 CFR §§1.5, 2.50, 2.51, 2.52, 5.1, 5.3) A permit is required for:
Applications should be submitted at least 10 days prior to First Amendment activities and 21 days prior to printed matter distribution. (36 CFR §§2.10, 2.61, 2.62, 5.7) A permit is required for:
(36 CFR §§2.4, 2.5, 2.23, 2.60) A permit is required for:
(36 CFR §§2.16, 2.17, 4.11, 5.4, 5.6, 6.9) A permit is required for:
(36 CFR §§2.12, 2.37, 2.38) A permit is required for:
(36 CFR §5.5) On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234) changed how the National Park Service manages filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS(a)(4) Gathering and possession of dead wood on the ground is permitted provided such wood is collected as fuel for campfires within the park. Campers may collect dead and down wood anywhere within the park except:
Justification: While the collection of down and dead wood is allowed within the park area it is restricted to the areas specified above in order to balance the visitors’ experience against the needs of the natural ecosystem and the protection of the natural and cultural resources.
(c)(2) Visitors may not collect any part of plants that are contained in the Federal or State of North Carolina list of rare, threatened or endangered species. (a) Fishing is permitted only at the designated Fish Camp area. Fishing is prohibited in or adjacent to the battlefield, including Moores Creek Bridge and the pedestrian boardwalk. Justification: These restrictions are necessary to preserve the cultural landscape and scenic integrity of the battlefield and cultural landscape, and to ensure visitor safety in high-use areas.
(b) Reproduction historic weapons may be possessed and used within the park solely as part of authorized interpretive demonstrations conducted by park staff or approved participants.
Justification: These activities support the park’s mission to interpret the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the broader Rev War era and military history. Use of reproduction weapons is strictly controlled to ensure public safety and historical accuracy and complies with applicable federal regulations under § 2.4(e)(3). (a) Camping is permitted only by Special Park Use permit and solely in designated areas under specific conditions. Approved camping is limited to (see Appendix A for a map):
Justification: These restrictions ensure that camping activities support the park’s interpretive and stewardship mission, minimize resource impacts, and preserve the cultural landscape and visitor experience. Picnicking is prohibited within the battlefield and adjacent historical areas. These restrictions are necessary to preserve the cultural integrity of the battlefield, protect sensitive historic resources, and maintain the solemn character of commemorative spaces.
Fires are permitted only in designated areas and under specific conditions:
Receptacles and Restrictions:
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. Justification: 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. (a)(2) Lanterns and luminaries are permitted only during park-sponsored special events and must be used in accordance with established safety protocols. Justification: Restricting lantern and luminary use to supervised events minimizes fire risk, protects cultural resources, and ensures visitor safety while supporting interpretive programming. (b)(g) The use of horses and pack animals is permitted only under the following conditions:
Justification: These restrictions ensure that equestrian activities support interpretive programming and ceremonial functions while protecting the historic landscape, visitor safety, and park resources. (a) Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in all government facilities, including the Visitor Center, comfort stations, and park vehicles. Smoking is also prohibited within 50 feet of building entrances, monuments, exhibits, demonstration areas, and hazardous material storage locations. Outdoor smoking is permitted only in areas where it does not expose others to secondhand smoke or threaten park resources. All tobacco waste must be fully extinguished and disposed of in designated receptacles. Justification: These restrictions are necessary to protect public health, reduce fire risk, preserve cultural and natural resources, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities. (a)(2) Vehicles or personal property may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours without prior approval. Items left beyond this period may be considered abandoned and subject to towing or impoundment at the owner's expense. Property that poses a safety risk, disrupts park operations, or creates a nuisance may be removed at any time by authorized personnel. Justification: These conditions ensure the safe, orderly management of park areas, protect visitor experience, and allow reasonable accommodation for extended activities when arranged in advance. (a)(3) The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited inside the visitor center, government offices, and other administrative buildings, except when specifically authorized by a Special Use Permit issued by the Superintendent. Justification: These facilities are maintained for administrative operations, interpretation, and public education. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in these settings is inconsistent with the intended purpose of the facilities and could interfere with visitor services, employee work areas, and public safety.
(C)(2) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations and other public expressions of views will be allowed if a permit has been issued in accordance with 36 CFR 2.51 and at locations designated to balance the needs of persons to express their views and the needs of Park visitors to enjoy the Park and its resources. The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations and similar First Amendment activities (see Appendix B for a map):
Justification: These areas were selected after determining that demonstrations at these locations will not cause injury to park resources; unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility of commemorative areas; interfere with interpretive programs, visitor services, or administrative operations; substantially impair the operation of public facilities or concession services; or present a clear and present danger to public health or safety. The designated sites are sufficiently large and accessible to accommodate expressive activities while minimizing potential conflicts with park operations and visitor enjoyment, consistent with the criteria in 36 CFR § 2.51(c)(1). (b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is permitted pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Superintendent. Scattering is strictly prohibited within the historic battlefield area. Prohibiting scattering in the battlefield area protects sensitive cultural resources and prevents disruption to ongoing and future archaeological research. Designated areas outside the historic zone ensure respectful memorialization while preserving the integrity of the site. (a)(4) Launching of power-driven vessels from park grounds is prohibited. Only non-motorized watercraft—such as kayaks, canoes, and john boats—may be launched from designated areas within the park. Justification: This restriction minimizes erosion and ecological disturbance to creek banks, preserves the natural and cultural landscape, and ensures a quiet, low-impact recreational experience consistent with the park’s historic character. Swimming, wading, and bathing are prohibited within park boundaries. Park waters lack suitable beaches, contain unknown water quality, and present multiple underwater hazards. These restrictions are necessary to protect public health, preserve the cultural and natural landscape, and maintain the contemplative and historic character of the visitor experience.
(b) The maximum speed limit on all paved roads and within parking areas is 15 miles per hour, unless otherwise reduced due to weather or safety conditions.
This limit reflects the design of park roadways and ensures safe travel in areas with intersecting roads, pedestrian activity, and wildlife presence. Lower speeds help protect visitors, staff, and park resources while maintaining a tranquil and historically respectful environment.
(a) Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public. The use of bicycles or electric bicycles in all other locations is prohibited.
Restricting bicycle use to paved roadways reduces hazards to pedestrians, prevents damage to sensitive cultural and natural resources, and ensures safe, compatible use of shared park spaces. Electric bicycles are regulated identically to manual bicycles. Appendix A - Camping Location
NPS Appendix B - First Amendment Activity Area
NPS |
Last updated: July 2, 2026