Laws & Policies

In order to protect the park, its resources and you, regulations are implemented that are specific to the park and are contained in the Superintendent's Compendium.

This is a National Park making all these laws enforceable under Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (36CFR). The full volume of the Code of Federal Regulations, including a searchable database, can be accessed by clicking here.

If you have any questions or if you're wondering about a particular activity, call us at 973-543-7958.

By following these rules, you help ensure all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. We hope you enjoy your visit to Morristown National Historical Park.

FIREARMS IN NATIONAL PARK

The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010.

Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws.

The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. For more information about New Jersey gun laws please visit their website.

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

Fishing in Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources. For more information on how fishing regulations work in national parks, go to the NPS Fish and Fishing website.

Licenses Visitors fishing within Morristown National Historical Park must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey. The Passaic River and Indian Grave Brook are designated by the State of New Jersey as “Wild Trout Streams” and state fishing regulations are more stringent at those locations.

Fishing Regulations Except as provided below, fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey (36CFR2.3). For state fishing regulations go to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife website.The fishing regulations apply to all “finfish” found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and are addressed by NPS regulations governing “wild life” (36CFR2.2).These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States.

The following are prohibited:

• Fishing in fresh waters in any manner other than by hook and line, with the rod or line being closely attended.
• Possessing or using as bait for fishing in freshwaters, live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or fish roe, except in designated waters.
• Chumming or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in fresh waters for the purpose of feeding or attracting fish in order that they may be taken.
• Commercial fishing, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law.
• Fishing by the use of drugs, poisons, explosives, or electricity.
• Digging for bait, except in privately owned lands.
• Failing to return carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions or that the person chooses not to keep. Fish so released shall not be included in the catch or possession limit: Provided, that at the time of catching the person did not possess the legal limit of fish.
• Fishing from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks, except in designated areas.
• Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem. This includes the discarding and/or dumping of bait and bait buckets.
• The use or possession of fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law, or treaty rights.