Superintendent's Compendium
|
| Time | From | Through |
|---|---|---|
| 8am – 5pm EST | First Sunday in November | First Saturday in February |
| 8am – 6pm EST | First Sunday in February | First Saturday in March |
| 8am – 7pm EDT | First Sunday in March | First Saturday in April |
| 8am – 8pm EDT | First Sunday in April | First Saturday in September |
| 8am – 7pm EDT | First Sunday in September | First Saturday in October |
| 8am – 6pm EDT | First Sunday in October | First Saturday in November |
Whenever park hours as posted vary, the hours posted take precedence over the above times.
Determination: The above visiting hours are based upon a determination that such hours are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, the protection of natural and cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities.
Closures
- Entering or remaining in the park outside of posted hours is prohibited.
- Severe weather conditions or other operational constraints may require delayed opening or non-opening of park roads or visitor use buildings.
- The following park areas are closed to the public:
- Wick farm barn and corral in Jockey Hollow
- Yards immediately adjacent to permanent housing
- The Jockey Hollow maintenance area
- All areas signed or posted as "Closed", "area closed", "Restricted Access", "Staff Only", "Employee Only", or "Authorized Vehicles/Personnel Only"
- The following park buildings or portions of park buildings are closed to the public (except as specifically authorized and/or escorted by park staff):
- All buildings within the park are closed to public use except for regularly scheduled and conducted activities, reservations, or as allowed by a permit.
- All areas signed or posted as "Closed", "area closed", "Restricted Access", "Staff Only", "Employee Only", or "Authorized Vehicles/Personnel Only"
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that these closures are necessary for the safety of park visitors, the protection of natural and cultural resources, maintaining historical view sheds, and to maintain residents' privacy.
Recreational sledding, inner tubing, ice skating, and tobogganing are prohibited within the park
The following park areas are closed to picnicking:
- The open field adjacent to the Soldier Huts (west of the Tour Road and north of the Sugarloaf Road exit).
- The area immediately adjacent to the Wick House.
- On the Ford Mansion lawn.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that the above-described activities conflict with the historical scene at the locations specified.
Public Use Limits
- Tours of the historic Ford Mansion are limited to groups of 20 people or less.
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
- Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft (drone, model airplane, quadcopters, etc) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Morristown National Historical Park is prohibited except for administrative use, or as approved in writing by the superintendent.
- Vehicles:
- Washing, repair, or maintenance of vehicles belonging to visitors in public parking areas is prohibited. (Other than short-term emergency repairs)
- Parking is limited to parking lots and designated pull-outs.
- Parking along roadway shoulders or on grass areas are prohibited.
- Hiking and Pedestrian Use:
- Hiking and pedestrian use is restricted to the park's trails and roadways.
- Leaving a trail or roadway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or roadway, or to shortcut between portions of the same trail or roadway is prohibited.
Determination: The above designations are based upon a determination that such conditions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental and cultural values, protection of natural or cultural resources and the equitable allocation and use of the park.
CCTV Policy Statement
In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Morristown NHP 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, 26.37), 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.
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:
- §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits
- Use of unmanned aircrafts
- Use of park buildings and structures except for regularly scheduled and conducted activities
- §2.4(d) Carrying or possessing a weapon, trap, or net
- §2.5(a) Specimen collecting (plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)
- §2.12 Audio Disturbances:
- (a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
- (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
- (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 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
- (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
- (c)(l) Removal of a downed aircraft
- §2.17 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:
- Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
- Use or possess fireworks
- §2.50(a) Conduct of 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 involving more than 25 people.
- §2.52 (c) Sale or distribution of printed matter involving more than 25 people.
- §2.60 (b) Livestock use
- §2.61 (a) Residing on federal lands
- §2.62 Memorialization.
- (a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director)
- (b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
- §4.11 (a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits
- §5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
- §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business
- §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming
- Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television.
- Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising (use of models, sets, or props).
- §5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area
- §5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.
Applications for permits can be obtained by contacting the Permit Manager:
Morristown NHP
c/o Permit Office
30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 7960
973-539-2016 x201
www.nps.gov/morr
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR §2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(4) Using or possessing wood gathered from within the park area is prohibited, except that dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
- The Superintendent has not designated any areas where dead wood on the ground may be collected, therefore this is not allowed.
(a)(5) Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource, monument, or statue is prohibited, except in the following areas and/or under the following conditions.
- No conditions/areas designated.
Under, I(a) collecting natural materials from the park is generally prohibited. However, pursuant to §2.1 (c), 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 possession and consumption restrictions:
- Wine Berries, 1 (DRY) quart per person, per day.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that the limited use of these renewable resources will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproduction of any plant species or other park resources. The authorizations of this consumptive use recognize an existing condition but is meant to prohibit any large-scale collection of natural products for private gain through sale, storing, preserving of other purpose not closely related to the park experience.
36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION
(b) Hunting and trapping is prohibited.
(d) Transporting lawfully taken wildlife through the park is prohibited except on Tempe Wick Road or under the following conditions and procedures:
- Carcass must be tagged in accordance with state and federal law.
- Game must be kept out of sight as much as practical.
- No other route/road is available to the final destination.
- Deer legally taken outside of the park, but ran into a park area, may be removed by park law enforcement staff and returned to the hunter provided that:
- park law enforcement staff are notified in advance and accompany the hunter while present on parkland
- There is clear indisputable evidence indicating that the deer was originally taken outside of the park.
Determination: The regulation allows for the legal transportation of wildlife so long as it is harvested or collected in accordance with New Jersey State hunting regulations.
(e)(i). Use of artificial light to view wildlife is prohibited except in research studies authorized by the Superintendent.
Determination: The Park is closed to the public at sunset. Except for authorized researched activities, viewing wildlife with artificial light is a technique associated with hunting and is commonly referred to as "spotlighting". The use of artificial light to view wildlife negatively impacts the animals in their natural environment.
36 CFR §2.3 - FISHING
Fishing is allowed in waters within the boundary of Morristown National Historical Park in accordance with State of New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife regulations. Indian Brook and the Passaic River are designated by the State of New Jersey as "Wild Trout Streams" and state fishing regulations are more stringent at those locations.
36 CFR §2.4 - WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS
Pursuant to 18 USC §930, firearms are prohibited in federal facilities. Federal facilities are marked with signs at public entrances.
Pursuant to 16 US §1a-7b, park visitors may carry firearms in the park if they are otherwise in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
(e) Traps and nets are prohibited except under a permit issued by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §2.5 - RESEARCH SPECIMENS
Taking plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals is prohibited except in accordance with 36 CFR chapter I or the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit pursuant to §2.5(a)
36 CFR §2.10 - CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
Camping is defined as erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other material for use, parking a motor vehicle, motorhome or trailer, or mooring a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
(a) Camping is prohibited in Morristown National Historical Park.
(d) No food storage conditions designated.
36 CFR §2.11 - PICNICKING
Certain areas have been closed to picnicking and are listed in section 1.5(a)(I) "Closures".
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:
- Designated Areas.
- Wick House fire pit conducted by Park employees or properly training volunteers, for interpretive purposes only.
36 CFR §2.14 - SANITATION and REFUSE
(a)(2) Using park refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial, or industrial refuse is prohibited.
(a)(7) Disposing of fish remains on land or in waters within 200 feet of boat docks or swimming beaches or within developed areas is prohibited.
(a)(8) In developed areas, the disposal of human body waste is prohibited, except at the following designated locations or fixtures provided for that purpose:
- Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
- New York Brigade comfort station
- Washington's Headquarters Museum
36 CFR §2.15 - PETS
"Pet" means dogs, cats, or any animal that has been domesticated. [36 CFR §1.4]
(a)(1) Possessing pets in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches, and the following structures and/or areas is prohibited:
- Wick Farm Barn & Corral
- Within Park Headquarters/Museum
- Within the Ford Mansion
- Within the Wick House
NOTE: This subparagraph does not apply to service animals.
(a)(3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions.
- All pet excrement must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings) and disposed of in established refuse containers.
(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
- In accordance with the park's approved Housing Management Plan.
36 CFR §2.16 - HORSES and PACK ANIMALS
(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment: Horses, mules, burros, llamas, and goats.
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is prohibited except for the following trails, routes or areas designated for their use:
- White Blaze Trail (Grand Loop)
- Blue Blaze Trail (NY Brigade)
- Mt Kemble Loop Trail
- Old Army Camp Road
- Mendham Road Trail
- South portion of Aqueduct loop trail (Green Blaze)
- Trail spurs to access parking area
(d) Free-trailing or loose-herding of horses or pack animals on trails is prohibited.
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
- Manure deposited by horses at parking areas where they are unloaded/loaded into trailers must be removed by the owner.
- Groups of riders using six or more horses must obtain a Special Use Permit at least 48 hours prior to arrival at the park.
- Halter and lead rope must be carried or be on the horse or pack animal at all times.
Determination: Consistent with public health, protection of environmental values and natural resources and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities, the Superintendent has determined that some regulation of horse use is necessary.
36 CFR §2.17 - AIRCRAFT 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 §2.19 - WINTER ACTIVITIES
(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, inner tubing, tobogganing, and similar winter sports are prohibited on park roads and in parking areas open to motor vehicle traffic.
Pursuant to 1.5(f) - closures - Ice skating, sledding, tobogganing, and inner tubing are prohibited park-wide.
36 CFR §2.20 - SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, and SIMILAR DEVICES
Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles or similar devices is prohibited throughout the park.
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:
- Any park building, housing, government vehicle, or within 20 feet of any building entrance.
Smoking, including all tobacco products, electronic smoking devices (such as electronic cigarettes), handheld vaporizers and items covered by the Controlled Substances Act, Title Il of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (to include for medical use) is prohibited in all other areas and buildings to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire.
Per-Policy Memorandum 15-03: Effective immediately, use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) will be treated as tobacco smoking. All provisions of Director's Order #50D—including in particular sections 4.1. I and 4.1.2—will apply to ENDS use. ENDS use will not be permitted within any Government-owned or -leased vehicle, including heavy equipment, watercraft or aircraft.
36 CFR §2.22 - PROPERTY
(a) Leaving property unattended for periods longer than 24 hours is prohibited, except with the permission of the Superintendent.
36 CFR §2.23 - RECREATION FEES
(a) Recreation fees, and/or a permit, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events, or specialized recreation uses:
- Entrance Fee Areas
- There are no entrance fees for Morristown NHP
- Special Recreation Permit Fee (Such as but not limited to. group activities. recreation events. and the use of motorized recreation vehicles):
- Special Use Permit Application Fee- $75
36 CFR §2.37 - NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING
Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services is prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of 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, and in accordance with applicable State Law.
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
(b) Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within park areas designated as available under paragraph (c)(1) when the superintendent has issued a permit for the activity.
NOTE: Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit in designated park areas, provided that the requirements in 9.51 (b) are met. The 25 person maximum for the small group permit exception may be reduced pursuant to §2.51(b)(3)
(c)(1) The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:
- Jockey Hollow VC Flag Pole
- New Jersey Brigade Trailhead
- New York Brigade Comfort Station Island
- Fort Nonsense Picnic Area
- Washington's Headquarters — grassy area behind Caretakers Cottage *See attached Map for details
Determination: These designated locations are based upon a determination that such locations will not negatively impact park resources, unreasonably interfere with park operations, impair public facility use, create a danger to public health and safety, or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in the historic zones.
These locations are available for any group without a permit, provided they are fulfilling the small group exception of less than 25 people.
36 CFR §2.52 - SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATERIAL
(b) The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons is allowed within park areas designated as available under §2.51 (see above) when the superintendent has issued a permit.
36 CFR§2.60 LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE
(a) Livestock are generally prohibited in any park area. They are only permitted in park areas pursuant to the exceptions provided for in 2.6 (a) and only pursuant to the terms and conditions of a license, permit, or lease.
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) The installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area without the authorization of the Director is prohibited.
(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
36 CFR §4.21 - SPEED LIMITS
(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
- Jockey Hollow Road: 20 mph
- Cemetery Road: 20 mph
- Grand Parade Road: 20 mph
- Sugarloaf Road: 25 mph
- Fort Nonsense: 20 mph
- Cross Estate Access: 15 mph
36 CFR §4.30 - BICYCLES
(a) The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads and in parking areas.
(h)(4) Riding a bicycle abreast of another rider is prohibited.
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 Morristown National Historical Park 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 Morristown National Historical Park 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 is prohibited.
36 CFR §5.1 - ADVERTISEMENTS
Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed on federally owned or controlled lands within a park area unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.3 - BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.
36 CFR § 5.5 - COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
(a) Before any motion picture may be filmed or any television production or soundtrack may be made by any person other than bona fide newsreel or news television personnel, written permission must first be obtained from the Superintendent.
(b) Taking photographs of any vehicle or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising without a written permit from the Superintendent is prohibited.
36 CFR §5.6 - COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
(b) & (c) Using commercial vehicles on government roads within park areas when such use is in no way connected with the operation of the park is generally prohibited, and requires permission or a permit issued by the Superintendent.
36 CFR §5.7 - CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OTHER FACILITIES
Such activities are prohibited, except in accordance with the provisions of a valid permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States.
- END OF DOCUMENT -
Designated Demonstration Areas (36 CFR 2.51, 2.52)
- New Jersey Brigade Trailhead
- Jockey Hollow VC- Flag Pole
- Jockey Hollow New York Brigade- Comfort Station Island
- Fort Nonsense- Picnic Area
- Washington's Headquarters- Behind Caretakers Cottage
Appendix:
Designated Demonstration Areas
(36 CFR 2.51, 2.52)
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Last updated: August 20, 2024