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ANDERSONVILLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Under the authority of 54 USC (United States Code), Sections 100302, 100751, 100752, 100753, 102102, and 103104, and Title 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 and 12, this Compendium of Superintendent’s Orders is established for Andersonville National Historic Site and National Cemetery. Regulations listed in this compendium are in addition to those listed in Parts 1-7 and 12 of Title 36 CFR unless otherwise noted. The specific authority for this regulatory procedure is found in Section 1.5 through 1.7 of Title 36. Additional authority and guidance regarding management of the National Cemetery is found in National Park Service Director’s Order 61 and Reference Manual 61.
· Section 1.6(f) states that a list of those activities which require a permit must be maintained. That list appears in this document under Section 1.6.
· The Superintendent’s Compendium is effective on the approval date listed on the first page of this document. As required by 1.7(b), these regulations, permit requirements, and written determinations shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request. PURPOSE Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 1, Parks, Forest, and Public Property, has been established to provide for the proper use, management, government, and protection of persons, property, and natural and cultural resources under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS). {36 CFR 1.1(b)} Regulations within 36 CFR will be used to fulfill the statutory purposes of units of the National Park System: to conserve scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife; and to provide for the enjoyment of these resources in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. {36 CFR 1.1(b)} Within 36 CFR the park Superintendent has discretionary authority to establish regulations more or less restrictive than a given regulation in certain instances. The Superintendent is required to compile in writing all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. {36 CFR 1.7(b)}. All designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions are addressed in Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 12 below under the appropriate section number and heading where they are applicable. Violations of compendium restrictions will subject a person to the same penalties as violating provisions of 36 CFR.
In addition to the compendium, all designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions will be made available to the public by at least one other method of notification. Methods include maps, signs, and publication in news media, brochures, handouts, or other appropriate media. {36 CFR 1.7(a)} A copy of Title 36, CFR, can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at www.gpo.gov OR from the Superintendent of Documents at P.O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. The CFR is also available on the Internet at www.ecfr.gov. This Superintendent’s Compendium is available for review at https://www.nps.gov/ande/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm or at the Superintendent’s office, Visitor Center, or by request. Gia Wagner, Superintendent 496 Cemetery Road Andersonville, GA 31711 gia_wagner@nps.gov 36 CFR PART 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS36 CFR §1.5 - Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, And Area Designations For Specific Use Or ActivitiesThe 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: (a)(1) Visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established as follows:Visiting hours Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time.
Museum operating hours are subject to change dependent upon seasonal visitor demands, staffing, and special programs. Open to visitors daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time.
Open to visitors daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time.
Subject to staffing availability, the National Cemetery may be open when the rest of the park is closed. Open by Appointment.
Open to visitors may be scheduled outside posted visiting hours.
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.
ClosuresThe park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends. The Superintendent may close any portion of the park and/or roadways to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices are prohibited. Locations Closed to Public Access The Cemetery Office is currently closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Once open, and subject to staff availability and burial services, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except on federal holidays. The Park Headquarters is currently closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Once open, and subject to staffing, it will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except on federal holidays. All employee residences and their yards.
Determination: the residences are the private domiciles of the employees. Determination: Maintenance yards can be dangerous and are closed for visitor safety.
Determination: Museum collections are closed to visitors for preservational purposes.
Roads identified with “Do Not Enter”, “Authorized Personnel Only”, or “Service Road” signs.
Determination: This closure allows for protection of resources or for assurance of public safety during periods of unusual or unpredictable circumstance Areas temporarily closed for prescribed burns or other management actions as identified by signs.
Limitation on visitor access to the area near the National POW Museum parking area. Determination: This closure allows for protection of resources or for assurance of public safety during periods of unusual or unpredictable circumstance Public Use Limits Parking at the visitor center is allowed only in spaces that are delineated by painted lines on the lot.
Parking for oversized vehicles is in the lower level of the parking lot. Funeral processions and attendees are to enter through the cemetery gate located 1.0 mile north of the town of Andersonville.
If no burial services are scheduled, the cemetery gate is to remain closed unless authorized by the Superintendent. Section 5.2.A of the DOI COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan, Superintendents and building managers will require the 25% reduced occupancy standard or the six-foot physical distance reduced occupancy standard for indoor spaces.
When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks. When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants. When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park. Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement. Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status. Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities. (a)(2) Areas designated for specific uses or activities, and restrictions or conditions for specific uses or activities include:Areas designated for specific uses or activities: The Rostrum is located at the east side of the National Cemetery and is designated as a committal shelter to be used for all burial services. Use of the Rostrum is limited to committal services scheduled through the Cemetery Administrator and special events and programs authorized by the Superintendent.
The Scout Camping Area is located across Highway 49 from the National Cemetery entrance.
Use of this primitive camping area is by reservation only; is limited to no more than 5 consecutive days; and is limited to organized youth groups, such as Boy and Girl Scouts. To be eligible, groups must participate in a park program or complete a service project. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. The Youth Crew Camping Area is located adjacent to the museum parking lot.
Use of this area is limited to authorized youth crews working in the park under an approved agreement with a designated youth organization partner (e.g. American Conservation Experience). The POW Research Library is located in the museum and is available for public research by appointment only. Access requires staff assistance and oversight.
Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. First Amendment Areas have been designated for public assemblies, gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views. These areas include the grassy field immediately west of the picnic area, the grassy area south of the National Prisoner of War Museum bordered by walkways and referred to as the Horseshoe, and the eastern section of the lawn in front of the National Prisoner of War Museum. The following activities are prohibited as specified:
The following conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities as noted:
Determination: Wheelchairs and OPDMDs provide a range of mobility aid options for those who would otherwise be unable to visit the park or find it difficult to visit sites due to personal mobility limitations. Use of e-bikes, defined as a two-or-three wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.):
Determination: Park intent is to allow e-bikes to be used for transportation and recreation in a manner similar to traditional bicycles. Except on park roads and other locations where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, operators may only use the power provided by the electric motor to assist pedal propulsion of an e-bike. It will not create any adverse impacts to park visitors, resources or values due to the existing use of the these locations by motor vehicles and bicycles. This action is covered by the categorical exclusion 3.2.E in the NPS NEPA Handbook. Buses and other motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines more than five minutes when parked with no passengers on board and are prohibited from blocking traffic. Determination: Idling vehicles create noise and pollutants which can disrupt funerals, disturb those visiting graves, and interfere with outdoor programs. The Superintendent may make exceptions from this depending on weather conditions and locale of planned activities. Launching, landing, operating, or other use of drones or other unmanned aircraft (UA) from, on, or over lands and waters within the boundaries of the park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. UA include any devices used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention, and the associated operational elements and components required to operate or control the device. Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within the park conflicts with or impacts visitor experience, health, and safety as well as park resources and values. 36 CFR §1.6 -Activities That Require A Permit(f) The following activities require a permit or written permission from the Superintendent as specified. Unless noted otherwise in this document, permit applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the scheduled date of the event or activity.
36 CFR PART 2 – RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION36 CFR §2.1 - Preservation Of Natural, Cultural, And Archaeological Resources(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected only by authorized personnel for use in living history programs and demonstrations or by those authorized to camp in designated camping areas. (a)(4), (a)(5) Activities that impact earthworks, monuments, headstones, or other cultural and archeological resources are prohibited. This includes:
Determination: The park’s enabling legislation, General Management Plan, and Resource Management Plan calls for preservation of cultural resources within the boundaries of the historic site. These activities are particularly detrimental to long-term preservation of these resources. (a)(7) Possession or use of a metal detector, magnetometer, ground penetrating radar (GPR), or other detecting or imaging device is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent. (c)(1), (c)(2) Up to one gallon per family or group of blackberries, wild plums, wild grapes (muscadines), and pecans may be gathered for personal use or consumption only. Collection of Spanish moss, magnolia seed pods, and pine straw is prohibited. No other fruits, nuts, or berries may be collected. Determination: Because of the cultural tradition of preserves/canning of wild fruits and berries and agricultural tradition of gathering pecans and the limited pressure from persons collecting these items, there is currently little risk that limited personal collection will adversely affect the long-term integrity of these resources. If significant changes in visitor use patterns or measurable adverse effects to park resources are detected, these limits may be revised or the authorization to gather a particular item eliminated entirely. 36 CFR §2.2 - Wildlife Protection(d) Transporting lawfully taken wildlife is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
(e) Viewing of wildlife using an artificial light is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.4 - Weapons, Traps, Or Netsa)(2)(i) Carrying, possessing, or using weapons (excluding legal firearms), traps, or nets is prohibited with the following exceptions:
Determination: Feral hogs, armadillos, bats that infiltrate structures, and other wildlife can damage earthworks, historic structures, and other park resources. Exclusion devices such as nets, or control measures such as trapping or shooting, may be required to prevent or minimize damage to park resources and assets.
Determination: Allowing presenters and volunteers to carry these weapons helps create the historic atmosphere of the event/program time period. To provide for public safety, weapons will remain unloaded and only demonstrated under specific guidance and supervision as authorized by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §2.10 - Camping and Food Storage(a) Camping is prohibited except as provided for in the following designated areas under the conditions listed:
36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking(a) Picnicking is allowed only in the designated picnic area, located along the road connecting the National Cemetery to the historic prison site. 36 CFR §2.13 - Fires(a)(1) Fires are prohibited except as follows:
36 CFR §2.15 - Pets(a)(1) Conditions for pets and service animals are as follows:
(e) Conditions for pets in park housing areas are as follows:
36 CFR §2.16 - Horses and Pack AnimalsUse of horses or horse drawn vehicles is prohibited unless authorized in writing and under conditions specified by the Superintendent. 36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking and Tobacco Products(a) Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and other nicotine delivery systems are prohibited in the following locations and under the following conditions:
Determination: Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited in government buildings and vehicles to comply with government-wide health and safety policies. Smoking is prohibited where posted and during high fire danger to protect park resources and reduce risk of fire.
36 CFR §2.35 -Alcohlic Beverages and Controlled Substances
36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives
Conditions for ExplosivesThe possession and use of small quantities of black powder necessary to support park permitted historic weapons demonstrations is permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the black powder will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations. 36 CFR §2.5 - Research SpecimensResearch specimens may only be collected under the authority and conditions of an approved research permit. See also Part 1 Section 1.6. 36 CFR § 2.51 - Public Assemblies and MeetingsPublic assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views will be allowed at designated locations. See also Part 1 Sections 1.5(a)(2) and 1.6. First Amendment Areas have been designated for public assemblies, gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views. These areas include the grassy field immediately west of the picnic area, the grassy area south of the National Prisoner of War Museum bordered by walkways and referred to as the Horseshoe, and the eastern section of the lawn in front of the National Prisoner of War Museum. Determination: To maintain the dignity and reverence for which the historic site was established by its enabling legislation, the Superintendent has designated specific areas for the purpose of First Amendment Rights. Requests for a special use permit will be reviewed to determine if they are appropriate and reasonably consistent with protection and use of the park area for the purposes for which it was established." If required, applications for permits must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the date desired. Public expressions of views must not conflict or interfere with scheduled park functions or programs. 36 CFR §2.62- Memorialization(a) Installation of a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative object without authorization is prohibited.
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation is prohibited except for eligible veterans and dependents through a special use permit in the area of the National Cemetery identified in the Cemetery Operations Plan. 36 CFR §4.10 - Travel On Park Roads and Routes(a) Park roads are open to travel by motor vehicles, e-bikes, and bicycles as listed and under the following conditions:
36 CFR §4.13 - Obstructing Traffic
36 CFR §4.21 - Speed LimitsUnless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is fifteen (15) miles per hour. 36 CFR PART 12 – NATIONAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS36 CFR PART 12 – NATIONAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS
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Last updated: April 7, 2025