Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority
/s/ Jody Lyle, Superintendent, June 5, 2024
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 54 U.S.C. §100751, the following regulatory provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. 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.
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.).
Section 1.5 - VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
36 CFR 1.5 (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 of activity:
Visiting Hours:
All park areas are open 24 hours a day all year unless listed below, outlined in a separate Superintendent’s closure, or posted otherwise.
Gated parking lots are closed from sunset to 8:00 a.m., during and following periods of wet weather, extreme fire hazard conditions, emergency conditions, or as posted.
Justification: These closure periods are to control / prevent illegal activity in the late night/early morning hours; to prevent damage to parking areas, trails, and park resources; and to protect public safety.
Franklin Canyon is closed to the public from sunset to 8:00 a.m.
Justification: This park unit is comprised of parcels owned by numerous agencies. These closure periods are established to provide consistency with all partners in the management of this urban unit.
The infrastructure and surrounding grounds along the west side of Medea Creek at Paramount Ranch, the Circle X Ranch House, and the facilities of Peter Strauss Ranch are closed to the public from sunset to 8:00 a.m., except by special park use permit.
Justification: These closure periods are to prevent vandalism to private and government property.
The Carlisle Canyon Overlook Picnic Area is closed to the public from sunset to 8:00 a.m.
Justification: this closure is to help prevent illegal activity in the late night and early morning hours; to prevent damage and vandalism to natural resources and government property; and to protect public safety.
Public Use Limits:
Trails and unpaved roadways may be closed at any time due to adverse weather events.
Justification: Prevent excessive damage to park resources and assure public safety.
The westside of Medea Creek at Paramount Ranch is closed to horse and pack animals and bicycles riding during public events and festivals, except by special park use permit
Justification: to prevent injury during public events and festivals or other permitted activity.
Possession of glass bottles is prohibited outside of developed areas.
Justification: to prevent injury and control litter problems.
Possession of spray paint containers, grease pencils, and paint pens outside of motor vehicles is prohibited except by park residents at their residence, authorized park employees and contractors, or by special park use permits.
Justification: to prevent further vandalism and destruction of park features.
Possession or release of balloons outdoors.
Justification: to prevent littering and injury to wildlife.
The following group size limits without a permit have been established to protect park resources and to prevent use beyond the capacity of the infrastructure of a site:
Rocky Oaks: 25 people or 10 vehicles
Rancho Sierra Vista: 25 people or 10 vehicles
Paramount Ranch: 25 people
Peter Strauss Ranch: 25 people or 20 vehicles
Solstice Canyon: Weekdays: 25 people or 10 vehicles
Circle X Ranch and related trailheads: 25 people or 10 vehicles
Arroyo Sequit: 25 people or 5 vehicles
Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon: 25 people or 10 vehicles
Zuma Canyon: 25 people or 5 vehicles
Public assembly, picnic, wedding, and/or gathering of 25 people or more in any park area requires prior written notification to the Office of Special Park Uses (805-370-2308). For large groups, an application for a permit must be received no less than eight weeks in advance.
Groups who intend to travel cross country are restricted to 10 users per group.
Justification: Large group sizes significantly impact the resources. Utilizing a permit for groups larger than described above set use parameters that promote resource protection.
Closures
Roads that are gated, posted as closed, or restricted to authorized vehicles, are closed to public vehicular traffic.
Justification: these roads have been determined unsuitable for public vehicle travel for safety and resource protection needs. Many of these roads serve as fire roads providing access for emergency vehicles.
All park areas are closed to golf or hitting of golf balls.
Justification: to prevent littering and damage/injury to park visitors or resources.
Posted fire lines, posted research areas, posted “trail under construction” zones, posted trail closures and posted re-vegetation areas are closed to public entry.
Justification: to prevent injury and damage to fragile resources and to protect the integrity of research projects.
The ranch facilities at the Rancho Sierra Vista site including, but not limited to, the barns, paddocks, sheds, riding rings, and the grounds contained within, and employees’ residences, unless otherwise posted, are closed to public use.
Justification: these areas are used for park administrative purposes.
The fenced-in pool area at Peter Strauss Ranch is closed except by permit.
Justification: this pool is unused, unfilled and closed to prevent injury.
The fenced-in pool area at Circle-X Ranch is closed.
Justification: this pool is unused, unfilled and closed to prevent injury.
Movie sets are closed to public entry.
Justification: to prevent vandalism to private and government property and to prevent climbing on and around unstable sets.
In the developed area of Paramount Ranch, the area may be closed up to 5 minutes to allow for permitted activity (i.e. filming, weddings, races, etc).
Justification: a 5 minute closure is appropriate to allow for reasonable use of the permit. For example, a bride walking across the bridge, a race that is about to start, or a movie shot that is needed.
The fenced-in area around and including the Keller House at Solstice Canyon is closed to public entry.
Justification: this site is prone to vandalism and this closure is intended to prevent further vandalism to the structure and to prevent injury from accessing.
The large boulder field area at the NW end of the Carlisle Canyon below Echo Cliffs is closed to recreational climbing. The area closed to recreational climbing is posted with “no climbing” signs.
Justification: to protect sensitive natural resources found on the rock surfaces.
Solstice Creek closed between Tropical Terrace and the backbone trail, including the riparian area .
Justification: this area is closed as a sensitive habitat area for amphibians.
The south-facing buttress, at the area known as “The Lookout”, adjacent to Yerba Buena Road on Tract No. 104-79, is closed to recreational climbing. The south-facing buttress is defined by a vertical crack between a left and right south-facing wall. “The Lookout” is located in Ventura County, west of the Los Angeles County Line and north of Yerba Buena Road at GPS coordinates 34º06’21.40”N, 118º53’42.40”W.
Justification: to prevent rocks and debris from falling on the roadway and to protect sensitive resources.
The maintenance facilities at Diamond X Ranch, including the parking lots, maintenance yard and buildings, are closed to public use. The Diamond X Ranch meeting facility is available to the public by special park use permit.
Justification: these areas are used for park administrative purposes.
All buildings and structures, except when posted otherwise, are closed to public entry.
Justification: to prevent vandalism and to prevent injury.
Areas within 50 feet of any park residence or dorm are closed to public entry.
Justification: to help prevent theft of government property and to allow a reasonable measure of privacy for residents.
The fenced-in area around the footprint of the Paramount Ranch construction project is closed to public entry.
Justification: The site will be under active construction. Expected completion Fall of 2024. Pedestrians and cyclists may access trails via a designated path around the perimeter of the fenced in construction area. Equestrians will access trails though the northern section of Paramount.
The following inholdings are closed to public entry as they are private residences or properties under right-of-use agreements with the NPS: NPS Tract 135-01, Camp Eight (Los Angeles County Fire Department)
36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
Pedestrians shall yield to equestrians. Bicyclists shall yield to equestrians and pedestrians.
Justification: this is a standard for trail use, specifically amongst all park cooperators.
Speed limit for bikes on all park roads and trails is 15 miles per hour or safest speed for trail conditions.
Justification: Speeds above 15 miles per hour, and slower speeds on some trails, pose a safety hazard to riders, hikers, equestrians and others.
Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD): Most OPDMD’s are defined as a motor vehicle (i.e. Segways® PT, motorized scooters, Rascal®, e-bikes, etc) under 36 CFR §1.4. Park visitors with a mobility disability are permitted to use Segways® PT and motorized scooters on sidewalks and inside visitor facilities. Each visitor wishing to operate an OPDMD on park trails or roadways may apply for a permit through the Office of Special Park Uses. All OPDMD’s are prohibited on Park trails unless a permit has been issued.
Justification: This provides for the use of mobility assisting devices within the park for individuals with disabilities and protection of park resources and visitors.
Sporting activities to include, but not limited to volleyball, softball, disc throwing is permitted in the lawn spaces at Paramount Ranch and Peter Straus Ranch so long as there is no damage to the resources and the activity is not interfering or posing a risk to general park visitation, permitted events, or park operations.
Technical Rock Climbing:
Is allowed park-wide, unless otherwise noted.
Use of a motorized drilling device is prohibited.
Scraping, chiseling, and brushing the natural features of the rock is prohibited.
The use of glue, epoxy, cement, or any other adhesive to attach, reinforce, or alter hand and/or footholds for rock climbing is prohibited.
Justification: to prevent damage to park resources and to prevent unnecessary noise.
Passenger carrying buses must shut down their engines when not underway unless authorized by a special permit.
Justification: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes into the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.
The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
Unmanned Aircraft
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Definition: Unmanned Aircraft (UA) - The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experience. The Paramount Ranch North Racetrack Loop has been designated as an approved area for unmanned aircraft based on a historic use pattern. All users of unmanned aircraft must comply with FAA Regulations (Refer to and comply with FAA Advisory Circular 91-57A). Use of this area must be closed at any time due to fire danger or necessary control of airspace.
Unmanned aircraft, boats, and cars:
Location: The designated unmanned aircraft and model car use area is in the north racetrack loop area of Paramount Ranch.
North racetrack loop may be closed to unmanned aircraft and model car use during special events.
Only electric or non-motorized unmanned aircraft are allowed.
Only electric or non-motorized model vehicles are allowed.
Motorized model boats are not allowed on park waters.
Unmanned aircraft and vehicles must be kept away from wildlife and equestrians.
Unmanned aircraft operators must follow the safety guidelines stated in FAA Advisory Circular 91-57.
During times of heightened fire danger, special events (park sponsored or permitted) or park administrative activities, the use of model airplanes and vehicles may be restricted or suspended.
Justification: this area of Paramount Ranch is a traditional use of remote-controlled airplane use. The use of model cars on a historic racetrack is appropriate.
Section 1.6 - ACTIVITIES REQUIRING A PERMIT
36 CFR 1.6 (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:
Group activities inolving equipment rental, hiring of individuals, catering, or vehicle access to support areas beyond pedestrian gates.
Activities which use models, sets or props that are not part of the location’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
Group or individual activities involving the use of government-owned facilities or areas that are generally closed to the public.
Activities which require NPS supervision or monitoring to help prevent impacts to resources or conflict with visitor uses.
Activities or events that exceed group size limits.
§2.4(a)(4) Gathering dead wood from wood piles.
§2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net.
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (taking of plants; wildlife including animals, birds and bird nests, reptiles and amphibians, fish, and insects; and rocks or minerals)
§2.10(a) The following camping activities:
Camping at Circle X Ranch Group Campground
§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery
(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means.
(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:
(a) Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives or blasting agents.
(b) Using or possessing fireworks.
§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, holding vigils or religious services and other public expressions of views when the activity involves more than 25 persons or is requested for a location outside the identified designated areas.
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter.
§2.60(b) Livestock use.
§2.61(a) Residing on federal lands.
§2.62 (b) Memorialization - (Scattering ashes from human cremation).
(a) Erection of a monument (Requires approval from Director)
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
§3.3 Use of a vessel.
§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 (requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).
§5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming:
(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.
(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or professional models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.
§6.9(a) Operation of a solid waste disposal site.
PART 2 - RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION
Section 2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
36 CFR§2.1(a)(5) The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archaeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:
These activities may only be done on those resources where NPS-designated trails exist.
(b) Hiking or pedestrian trafffic is restricted to the trail or walkway as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.
(c)(1),(c)(2) The following plants or plant parts 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:
Mushrooms, native berries, nuts and fruits, mistletoe, leaves of fennel, bay laurel, and black sage; limited to one handful per person for immediate personal use or consumption within the park. No more than 10% of materials present on any one plant may be collected.
Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined, with consultation from the Resource Management staff, that the allowable quantities will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.
Section 2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION
36 CFR §2.2(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
In accordance with state law.
36 CFR §2.2(e)
The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
All park areas.
Section 2.3 - FISHING
36 CFR §2.3
(c) Fishing and the taking of fish is prohibited within the limits of Franklin Canyon; to include all reservoirs, ponds, or other waters. (d)The following are prohibited
(8) Fishing from motor road bridges, to include the Paramount Ranch bridge.
Section 2.10 - CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE
36 CFR §2.10 (a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. A permit system has been established for certain campgrounds or camping activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in effect as noted:
Circle X Ranch Group Campground
A camping permit must be obtained prior to use that establishes group size limits.
Checkout time and stay limits are as posted.
Wastewater from cooking or cleaning must be dumped away from the campsite.
Draining of grey water is not permitted under section 2.14.
Permits may be immediately revoked by park rangers for violation of park regulations by any member of the camping party.
RV’s are not permitted. Tents only.
36 CFR §2.10 (d) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted in 36 CFR 2.10(d), for the following areas:
Circle X Ranch Group Campground.
Section 2.11 PICNICKING
36 CFR §2.11 Areas Closed to Picnicking:
Circle X Ranch Group Campground.
Conditions for Picnicking:
Limited to group size limits indicated in 36 CFR §1.5 (a)(1) Public Use Limits above.
Section 2.13 - FIRES
36 CFR §2.13 (a)(1) Lighting or maintaining fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Designated Areas:
Wood fires are prohibited except by special park use permit, in fireplaces within park buildings, or in the Satwiwa Culture Center fire ring as permitted by the Fire Management Officer.
Charcoal and gas fires are permitted only in the Circle X Ranch Group Campground, and at park residences and NPS administrative use sites.
Candles, torches, tea lights, and/or other forms of open flames are prohibited except by special park use permit.
Receptacles Allowed:
Charcoal fires are allowed only in provided fire grates or in self-contained barbecues.
Established Conditions for Fires:
Charcoal fires are allowed only when there is a safe location available for the disposal of charcoal waste. Use of special cans for cold ash is encouraged where available. Disposal of ash and by-products into garbage cans is prohibited.
(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
While in use, stoves and lanterns must be located at least six feet from the closest vegetation. Full based lanterns are not allowed.
Self-contained stoves (gas, propane, kerosene or canned-heat) may be used for cooking in all designated fire areas.
(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:
Use of special cans for cold ash is encouraged where available. Disposal of ash and by-products into garbage cans is prohibited.
(c) High fire danger closures will be in effect as noted, unless modified by the Fire Management Officer:
Upon the issuance of “Fire Weather Watch and/or Red Flag Warning” warnings as determined by county, state or federal fire officials, or when determined by the Superintendent, all fires are prohibited, including but not limited to:
outdoor smoking, including those otherwise provided for in special park use permits, and
all portable stoves and lanterns, including those otherwise provided for in special park use permits, and
all charcoal and gas fires, including those otherwise provided for in special park use permits.
While the public will be notified when such restrictions exist, this may occur without prior public notice. Gas fires from installed systems inside recreational vehicles, buildings, and trailers are allowed at these times.
Section 2.14 - SANITATION AND REFUSE
36 CFR §2.14 (a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property, may be allowed under the following conditions:
Only as incidental to established park uses, or
Under the provisions of special park use permits.
Section 2.15 - PETS
36 CFR §2.15(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to pets:
All park structures open to the public.
All undeveloped areas more than 100 feet from public roads, parking lots and trails, except developed picnic areas, lawns, Circle X Ranch Group Campground.
The above does not apply to service animals (as defined by ADA).
(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
While in the presence of the owner.
At employees’ residences.
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
All solid pet excrement must be collected and deposited in a waste receptacle.
A horse is considered a pack animal (36 CFR 2.16(a)) is exempt from removing excrement.
(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
As specified in the park's housing management plan.
Section 2.16 - HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS
36 CFR §2.16 (a)The following animals are designated as pack animals:
Horses, burros, mules and llamas.
(b) The use of horses or pack animals is permitted on the following trails, routes or areas:
Only on trails posted as open to horses or pack animals.
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
Cross-country travel or off-trail use of horses and pack animals is prohibited.
Horses and pack animals are not permitted in the following areas: picnic areas, campsites, and lawn areas, unless under the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the superintendent or as part of park administration activities.
Owners/handlers of pack animals must scatter or remove all manure dropped at trailheads and developed areas when loading and unloading them.
Tying horses or pack animals to trees or other plants is prohibited.
Tying horses or pack animals in any developed areas, including but not limited to, contact stations, buildings in the Paramount Ranch Western Town, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other heavy visitor use areas is prohibited unless a hitching post or rail is present and has been provided by NPS. (Exceptions may be made under the terms and conditions of a special park use permit issued by the superintendent).
The galloping of horses and pack animals within NPS boundaries, except by permit or by park service personnel in emergencies or training, is prohibited. Equestrians must pass other users at no faster than a slow walk. (Comment: This is to clarify that, while equestrians may trot or canter on a trail, they must pass immediately adjacent people at no faster than a slow walk in accordance with 36 CFR 2.16(e).)
Grazing of animals is prohibited.
Ponying other horses shall be limited to one per rider.
Section 2.17 - AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY
36 CFR §2.17(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:
In compliance with state, local and federal law under the supervision of qualified specialists.
At a time frame, and by such manner and means, as established by the superintendent, through a permit.
Costs for damages to park resource values under 54 U.S. Code § 100721 will be determined and will be recovered by the park, including monitoring the removal of such aircraft.
Section 2.21 - SMOKING
36 CFR§2.21(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted: (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) will be treated as tobacco smoking. All provisions of NPS Director’s Order #50D will apply to ENDS use.):
All buildings administered by the NPS.
The courtyard, fountain and adjacent walkways, picnic area and gardens of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch.
All trails.
Carlisle Canyon overlook.
Section 2.22 - PROPERTY
36 CFR §2.22 (a)(2) The following describes areas where property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours, and the conditions under which property may be left:
At trailheads, overnight parking with prior approval is allowed.
Section 2.35 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
36 CFR §2.35 (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:
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the administrative headquarters, interagency visitor center, administrative offices, and visitor contact stations except under the terms and conditions of a special park use permit issued by the Superintendent.
Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established.
Consumption and/or possession of open alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the developed areas adjacent to the Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center.
Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established.
Consumption and/or possession of open alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Satwiwa Natural Area and Satwiwa Culture Center.
Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established.
The consumption and/or possession of open alcoholic beverages is prohibited at trailheads and parking areas, and where posted.
Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that the diligent application of the authorities in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 2, section 2.34, have not, over a reasonable time period, alleviated the problem.
The consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the Carlisle Canyon Overlook Picnic Area, NPS property on Topanga Ridge Motorway (Tract #139-67), the Decker School Road site (Tract #111-35), and Triunfo Peak.
Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that the diligent application of the authorities in 36 CFR section 2.34, have not, over a reasonable time period, alleviated the problem.
Section 2.51 - PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS
36 CFR § 2.51(c) Designated available park areas. The following sites have specific locations designated for public assemblies for activities involving the public expression of views.
Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch
26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
GPS Coordinates (decimal degrees): Latitude 34.10271 Longitude -118.70731
Designated site is located adjacent to the Visitor Center sign within the fountain courtyard.
Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
The park entrance does not have an official address. Entrance to parking lot located at intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta.
GPS Coordinates (decimal degrees): Latitude 34.153066 Longitude -118.965358
Designated site is adjacent to the information kiosk in the main parking lot
Paramount Ranch
2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
GPS Coordinates (decimal degrees): Latitude 34.115452 Longitude -118.755073
Designated sites is located at the former shuttle stop with concrete padding
Photos and maps for these areas are located as Appendix A of this document
Section 2.60 - LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE
36 CFR §2.60(a) Absent a permit, the running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing or grazing of livestock, of any kind in a park area, for agricultural purposes, is prohibited. Additionally, a permit may only be issued in the following circumstances:
(a)(1) As specifically authorized by Federal statutory law; or
(a)(2) As required under a reservation of use of rights arising from acquisition of a tract of land; or
(a)(3) As designated, when conducted as a necessary and integral part of a recreational activity or required in order to maintain a historic scene.
Section 2.62 - MEMORIALIZATION
36 CFR §2.62(a) Authorization from the Director of the National Park Service is required to install a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area.
36 CFR §2.62(b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains in the following areas, and/or according to the following terms and conditions:
The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.
The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 feet from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.
The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the ground.
No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.
Part 3 - BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES
Section 3.16 - SWIMMING AND BATHING
36 CFR §3.16(a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
All park areas are closed to swimming and bathing.
Part 4 - VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY
Section 4.10 - TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES
36 CFR §4.10 (a) Park roads open for travel by motor vehicle, are those indicated in the following publications:
Park maps and brochures can be found at www.nps.gov/samo
(b) The following routes and/or areas, designated pursuant to special regulations, are open for off-road vehicle travel under the terms and conditions noted:
Utility and fire roads may be used for administrative purposes only by vehicles authorized by the Superintendent, or due to administrative easements.
(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:
For administrative use only with the permission of the Superintendent.
Section 4.11 - VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT, AND SIZE LIMITS
36 CFR §4.11(a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
Vehicles that exceed 70 feet in length or 80,000 pounds are prohibited from any park road.
Section 4.21 - SPEED LIMITS
36 CFR §4.21(b)The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
Unless otherwise posted, speed limits on all park roads owned and operated by the National Park Service are 15 miles per hour. The speed limits on all roads which fall within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service but are owned and operated by the State or County are subject to state or local speed limit regulations.
Section 4.30 - BICYCLES
36 CFR 4.30 Bicycles
(a) The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use:
Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are open to motor vehicle use by the public; and on the following administrative roads and trails:
Determination: Bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas under 36 CFR 4.30(a).
The Superintendent designated the above administrative roads for bicycle use in 2017 after making the written determination required by 36 CFR 4.30(b).
The Superintendent designated the above trails for bicycle use in 2018 after a planning process that evaluated the impacts of bicycle use on the trail pursuant to 36 CFR 4.30.
On September 21, 2021, the Superintendent designated park roads and parking areas, the administrative roads and the trails defined above as open to electric bicycles using the discretionary authority given to the Superintendent under 36 CFR 4.30(i).
Allowing electric bicycles on public roads and in parking areas will create new opportunities for recreation and access within the park. It will not create any adverse impacts to park visitors, resources, or values due to the existing use of these locations by motor vehicles and bicycles. This action is covered by the categorical exclusion 3.3.D.3 in the NPS NEPA Handbook.
Class 1 e-bikes are the only class to be allowed on NPS backcountry roads and trails within SMMNRA because of their required pedal-assist motor and 20-mph assistance limit. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed, as they are designed primarily for areas used by motor or powered vehicles, such as roads, bike lanes and paths, and motorized trails. The SMMNRA public trail system consists of rugged backcountry trails and roads. Trails are characteristically steep, with uneven surfaces and narrow stretches with limited visibility and room to pass other users. The park’s backcountry trails are considered technical by the mountain bike community, with many routes requiring walking bikes through stretches of steep treads, rocky outcroppings, or other technical features. They require a high level of skill and fitness. Additionally, the trail system is heavily used by hikers, joggers, equestrians, and family groups
Allowing electric bicycles on the administrative roads and the trails defined above will create new opportunities for recreation and access within the park, and provide additional benefits, including - improved recreational opportunities for older visitors and those with physical challenges, e-bikes may reduce car travel to trailheads accessing the NPS trail system, and increased opportunities for local small business bike retailers and cooperative use agreements in the park. The NPS expects the following impacts on park visitors, resources, or values – potential exacerbation of the pulverization, erosion, and sedimentation impact cycle of uphill slopes, a higher rate of single bicycle crashes, and an increase in user conflicts on multi use roads and trails. This action [was evaluated in an environmental assessment / is covered by categorical exclusion 3.3.D.3 in the NPS NEPA Handbook].
APPENDIX A Designated First Amendment Sites
a.1 Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch
Designated area is located adjacent to the Visitor Center sign within the fountain courtyard. Designated area is 14 feet by 33 feet.
a.2 Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
Designated area is adjacent to the information kiosk in the main parking lot. Designated area is 10 feet by 23 feet.
a.3 Paramount Ranch
Designated area is located at the former shuttle stop with concrete padding. Designated area is 35 feet by 30 feet.
