Introduction to the Superintendent's Compendiuma) Superintendent Compendium DescribedThe Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), United States Code and other CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level. The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 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 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. 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 or found on the Internet. b) Laws and Policies Allowing the Superintendent to Develop This CompendiumThe National Park Service (NPS) is granted broad statutory authority under 54 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 100101 et.seq. (Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, previously Organic Act of 1916, as amended) 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.” [54 U.S.C. Section 100101(a)]. 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 (16 U.S.C. Sections 1a1-1a8), 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.” 54 U.S.C. Section 100501 defines the National Park System as “… any area of land and water administered by the Secretary, acting through the Director, for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.” 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. c) 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 the Regulatory Flexibility Act or 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 5 Policy Act (NEPA) in Department of the Interior (DOI) Guidelines 516 DM 6 and as such, an Environmental Assessment will not be prepared. d) 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:
e) 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. The rules contained in this Compendium shall not be construed to prohibit administrative activities conducted by the National Park Service, or its agents, in accordance with approved general management and resource management plans, or in emergency operations involving threats to life, property, or park resources. f) Enforcement of Compendium RequirementsNPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers enforce the requirements of the United State Code, 36 CFR, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. g) 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. In addition, to any fines or imprisonment an individual may be subject to a period of probation not to exceed five years in length (18 USC 3561). h) 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 i) Effective Date of the Superintendent CompendiumThe Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of the document. j) Additional InformationSome of the terms used in this Compendium may have specific meaning defined in 36 CFR § 1.4 Definitions. k) AvailabilityCopies of the Compendium are available at: Superintendent's CompendiumNational Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Mojave National Preserve Castle Mountains National Monument 2701 Barstow Road Barstow, CA. 92311 (760) 252-6100 (main) 760-252-6174 (fax) Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements, and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority. Approved: Debra Hughson, Superintendent DEBRA HUGHSON Digitally signed by DEBRA HUGHSON Date: 2023.10.17 07:46:23 -07'00' 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 Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 The Superintendents Compendium must be read in conjunction with Title 36 CFR Chapter 1, Chapters 1-7. It cannot be read as a stand-alone document. Title 36 CFR can be located at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I 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. For specific definitions see 36 CFR 1.4. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT (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: • Visiting hours for certain facilities and roads have been established for Mojave National Preserve. All current visiting hours are posted on the park's website Mojave National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Public Use Limits:
Justification: These conditions are necessary to protect cultural and natural resources, and recreational experiences from visual or physical impacts.
Justification: Geocaching and similar recreational activities (e.g., letterboxing) are treasure hunt games that involve hiding a container and navigating to that container using a GPS device. The container is typically filled with trinkets or other small items of value that the treasure hunter swaps out for a trinket of his/her own. Geocaching is in violation of the abandoned property regulations found in 36 CFR § 2.22.
Camping length of stay restrictions. Mid Hills and Hole-in-the-Wall campgrounds:
Justification: Length-of-stay restrictions allow more of the public to utilize a limited number of available campsites. Additionally, in a fragile ecosystem, it allows areas that have been impacted by camping activities to recover.
Closures:
Justification: Residences are rented and occupied by National Park Service employees. Allowing visitor entry or use to these buildings would significantly disturb the privacy and disrupt the residential life of the occupants. The other buildings, facilities, and locations are administrative sites used by the National Park Service in the management and administration of the park. Visitor entry or use of these sites without permission would interfere with the protection of government property, create potentially hazardous conditions for visitors, and interfere with park operations. Because these sites may be in remote areas and/or staffed intermittently, it is not practical to expect park staff to provide for security and safety, and less restrictive measures will not suffice.
Weapons:
Justification: The restriction is necessary to protect visitors that may be involved in recreational activities, and neighbors/employees who live within the Preserve
Justification: This restriction is established to protect wildlife from harassment and is the minimum restriction necessary to achieve such protection.
Wilderness:
Justification: The Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibits these uses in designated wilderness. Allowing such use would place the park in violation of the Wilderness Act. The Wilderness Act Of 1964 (justice.gov)
Unmanned aerial system (UAS):
Justification: This restriction is to protect the public from hazards and preserve the park's natural, aesthetic, and scenic values. The use of unmanned aircraft devices, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (UAS) or drones, has the potential to interfere with public safety by posing an in-flight hazard to other legal aircraft use in the park. The use of these devices also has the potential to disrupt wildlife by interrupting migration, nesting, mating, and hunting activities to include, but not limited to protected species such as the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles, as well as native birds and mammals. This restriction is in accordance with NPS Management Policy 8.2 which prohibits recreational uses that conflict with the scenic, natural, and historic values the park was designated to protect, and the associated activities in which individuals seek solitude and tranquility with an expectation of privacy. About half of Mojave National Preserve is designated wilderness, which mandates that the areas should provide “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.” Launching and landing of UASs in the preserve heightens risk of adverse impacts to wilderness character and values. Filming:
The following are prohibited:
Justification: On January 22, 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia issued its decision in Price v. Barr, No. 19-3672, (D.D.C. Jan. 22, 2021). The court held that the requirements in 54 U.S.C. § 100905, 43 C.F.R. Part 5, and 36 C.F.R. § 5.5 that those engaged in “commercial filming” must obtain permits and pay fees are unconstitutional under the First Amendment. The court entered a permanent injunction preventing the National Park Service (NPS) from implementing and enforcing those permit and fee require.
In its decision in Price vs. Barr, the court acknowledged that the NPS has a substantial government interest in protecting park resources but determined that the permit requirement was not related closely enough to achieving this interest. The court objected to the fact that all commercial filming activities must obtain a permit no matter the potential for resource impacts. According to the court, this was an overly broad burden on First Amendment speech. The court suggested that a permit requirement more closely tailored to the threat posed by high- impact filming may be acceptable. The court also held that the NPS did not have a sufficient interest to support charging location fees for commercial filming.
Passenger-Carrying Vans and Buses:
Justification: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.
36 CFR §1.6 - ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required:
§5.10(a) Operation of eating, drinking, or lodging establishments on private lands §6.9(a) Operation of a solid waste disposal site 36 C.F.R. Part 9, Subpart A regarding operations on patented and unpatented mining claims and millsites, including access and use of roads. “No operations shall be conducted within any unit until a plan of operations has been submitted by the operator to the Superintendent and approved by the Regional Director. All operations within any unit shall be conducted in accordance with an approved plan of operations” (36 C.F.R. § 9.9) The authority for NPS to require a Plan of Operations derives from the General Mining Law of 1872 (R.S. 2319; 30 U.S.C. 21 et seq.); the National Park Service Organic Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and the Mining in the Parks Act of September 28, 1976; 90 Stat. 1342 (16 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.)). The NPS promulgated the regulations at 36 C.F.R. Part 9, Subpart A, in accordance with these laws. The regulations clearly require operators to submit to the NPS a proposed plan of operations describing their intended operations, including all access to and from any claims or millsites. PART 2 – RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION 36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES (a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may not be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park.
(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending, or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments, or statues:
36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION (d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
Justification: Since hunting is allowed in the preserve, the Superintendent has determined it is reasonable to transport legally taken wildlife in the park.
(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
Justification: The use of artificial light to view wildlife disturbs the animals in their natural habitat and may be indicative of illegal hunting activities known as “spotlighting”. This regulation does not pertain to using a light at night for navigational or utilitarian purposes (i.e., pitching a tent, preparing food). This regulation pertains specifically to shining the light on or at wildlife.
36 CFR §2.4 - WEAPONS, TRAPS AND NETS In accordance with §2.4(a) (1-2) weapons, traps, or nets may be carried, possessed or used at the following designated times and locations where the taking of wildlife is authorized by law.
In accordance with Section 512 of Public Law 111-24, persons possessing firearms within Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument must comply with the firearms laws of the State of California and any applicable Federal Law. Within the Preserve, the following buildings are designated as "federal facilities" and shall be signed to indicate that firearms are prohibited inside these buildings in accordance with 18 USC 930:
Justification: Federal facilities are buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing official duties. 18 USC 930 is Federal law that supersedes Section 512 of Public Law 111-24 and prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility unless specifically authorized. All concession facilities within the park are owned by the National Park Service and various park employees routinely perform work functions within those facilities.
36 CFR §2.10 - CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE (a) The sites and areas listed below are designated for camping activities as noted. A reservation system is established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted: Developed campsites in Mid Hills Campground and Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and limited developed at Kelso Dunes.
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in any campground in developed areas, or camping is limited to no more than 30 cumulative days per calendar year in all areas of the park. Justification: These conditions are established to protect the natural and cultural resources in the park, provide for the enjoyment of the public, and provide for public safety Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for the following areas:
Justification: This is necessary to prevent food conditioning and habituation of wildlife.
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 or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Established Conditions for Fires: (a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
Justification: These conditions prevent wildland fires. As posted during periods of potential fire danger, Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument may implement burning and fire restrictions or adopt those in effect on adjacent federal, state, local, and municipal lands. Park managers may also consult with non-adjacent U.S. Forest Service, state, local, and municipal land managers. These park restrictions will be posted on the park’s website and social media accounts.
36 CFR §2.14 - SANITATION AND REFUSE (a)(2) Conditions for using government refuse receptacles or other refuse facilities: Household trash generated by authorized camping activities may be placed in receptacles designed for that purpose in developed campgrounds. In all other instances, the dumping of commercial, household, or industrial refuse, brought in from private or municipal property, in government receptacles is prohibited. (b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization or carryout of solid human body waste have been established for the following: Human waste, all toilet paper and hygiene products must be packed out as trash where public toilets are not available. 36 CFR §2.15 – PETS (a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
Justification: These conditions protect the park's natural resources and provide for public health and safety.
36 CFR §2.16-HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS (a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for the purposes of transporting equipment:
(b) The use of horses or other pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes, or areas:
Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
Justification: These policies protect the parks natural resources.
CFR §2.17 - AIRCRAFT and AIR DELIVERY (a)(1) There are no designated airstrips on preserve lands for public use.
(c)(1) The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is allowed, subject to written authorizations from the superintendent, under the following terms and conditions:
Justification: The removal of downed aircraft requires careful planning to limit further damage to natural and cultural resources and wilderness character. Aircraft, especially military aircraft, may contain hazardous materials, including explosive devices.
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:
Justification: This prohibition is necessary to reduce the risk of fire in historic public-use buildings, to reduce the health hazards of secondhand smoke, or other harmful substances to visitors, and to prevent conflicts between smokers and nonsmokers.
36 CFR §2.23- RECREATION FEES Recreation fees, 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 activities, recreation events or specialized recreation uses: Entrance Fee Areas:
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 NPS administrative buildings and work areas.
Justification: These conditions are necessary to provide for visitor and employee safety
(a) Park roads open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated below or as indicated in the following publication or document:
No routes or areas are designated for off-road vehicle travel in the Preserve. California "Green Sticker" and "Red Sticker" programs are not recognized in the Preserve. Off- highway vehicles operating in Mojave National Preserve must be legal in accordance with California Department of Motor Vehicles requirements for on-highway use. (c)(1) Track-laying motor vehicles or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device may not be operated in the Preserve. Justification: The NPS has a duty to protect the natural and cultural resources and values of the Preserve. Types of vehicles not permitted in the Preserve are ones which can have the potential to cause the damage to resources. Commercial Vehicles: Drivers of commercial, diesel-fueled motor vehicles carrying passengers are prohibited from idling their engines in the parking areas of developed sites. The noise and fumes caused by these engines severely impacts the natural experience sought by many visitors. Justification: Diesel fumes are toxic, and the noise associated with idling passenger vehicles and buses adversely impacts the visitor experience and disturbs wildlife. Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) The operation of Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited within Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument, including on or along paved roadways. This prohibition applies to vehicles that meet the definition of off-road motor vehicles that are licensed for on-road or highway use by other state governments. "Off-road motor vehicle" is defined by Executive Order Number 11644 (37 Federal Register 2887). Off-Highway motor vehicles may be allowed for administrative purposes, such as fire control, search and rescue, law enforcement, emergency medical services, resource management activities, and maintenance when approved by the Superintendent. Justification: The Superintendent has determined that the use of off-highway motor vehicles within the park is inconsistent with the mission of the park and other visitor pursuits and is further prohibited to protect the fragile resources of the park and ensure visitor safety. Road Closures: Park roads and buildings are subject to temporary closure at any time for visitor safety. Environmental road closures are established and identified on the park's website. During snow, monsoon sediment and debris clearing operations or when otherwise posted, park roads are closed to all use, including hiking, and bicycling (including e-Biking). These closures are established to protect visitors and equipment operators and are the minimum restrictions necessary to achieve such protection. Mojave National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Justification: Environmental Road closures are due to hazards such as snow or rain. Storms, floods, snow drifts, repairs or construction activities, or other unforeseen events, may require temporary closure of park roads or facilities to protect public and employee safety. Road and facility closures will be posted on the park's Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook sites as well as the preserve’s webpage. Mojave National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) 36 CFR §4.11-VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT and SIZE LIMITS The Preserve has no load, weight, or size limits that are more restrictive than the State or County laws. 36 CFR §4.21 - SPEED LIMITS (b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated: The posted speed limit in Kelso is 25 miles per hour (MPH). The speed limit on Kelbaker Road from north of the Kelso-Cima Road junction to just south of the Kelso Depot railroad crossing is 25 mph. The speed limit for Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills campgrounds is 15 MPH. The speed limit for Wildhorse Canyon Road, Zzyzx Road, and Kelso Dunes [access] Road is 25 MPH The maximum park speed limit on paved roads is 55 mph. Other speed limits are as stated in 36 CFR 4.21(a) or as posted. All non-paved roads or routes in the preserve are 35 MPH unless otherwise posted. Justification: The Superintendent may designate and post reduced speed limits in accordance with changing road conditions such as debris, infrastructure failure or other health and safety reason. 36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES
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 Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains 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 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. 36 CFR §4.31 – HITCHHIKING Hitchhiking or soliciting transportation shall be permitted within Mojave National Preserve and Castle Mountains National Monument under the terms and conditions noted:
Justification: Hitchhiking can provide a means for hikers to return to their vehicles or to/from trailheads. This often includes people from foreign countries who are traveling without a personal vehicle.
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Last updated: November 3, 2023