Superintendent’s Compendium
Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority
Approved by:
Ahna Wilson, Superintendent
136 Fall Street
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
315.568.0024 phone
315.568.2141 fax
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 Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(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
The Women’s Rights National Historical Park Visitor Center open hours vary according to season. Please check the hours of operations information on the park website www.nps.gov/wori and park social media pages.
Information on updated hours of operation and tours at the Stanton House, Wesleyan Chapel, and M’Clintock House are available at the Visitor Center and posted on the website.
Declaration Park and landscapes at the Stanton House, Chamberlain Property, M’Clintock House, and Hunt House are open dawn to dusk.
Park Administration is open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, year-round. Offices are closed during all federal holidays.
Park information is available at the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/wori/
All buildings are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Justification: Visiting hours are determined for the best interests of the park and necessary for the proper management of the park.
Public Use Limits
Pursuant to §1.5(d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservations system:
The Guntzel Theater (located on the first floor of the visitor center) occupancy is limited to 75 persons at any time.
Occupancy at the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House is 8 at any time.
Occupancy at the M’Clintock House is 26 persons at any time.
Justification: Limits are established for the safety of visitors, protection of resources and are the minimum restrictions necessary to achieve such protection.
Closures
All construction sites are closed to the public.
The maintenance shop and related areas are closed to the public.
All or portions of the park may be closed to the public when it is necessary to protect the public from unsafe conditions or to protect park resources from irreversible damage. Signs will be posted to announce such temporary closures.
Park hours of operation may be adjusted at the discretion of the Superintendent for various reasons including but not limited to staffing limits, operational needs and requirements, visitor and employee safety, and special events and/or permits.
Extended hours will only occur with approval from the Superintendent.
Justification: Limits are established for the safety of visitors, protection of resources and are the minimum restrictions necessary to achieve such protection.
Unmanned Aircraft
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Women’s Rights National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Grounds and Public Use Limits
All areas of the park, not otherwise closed to public use, will be open to public use with the following limits:
Any or all areas may be closed to public use or a permit issued may be canceled at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee when an emergency or potentially hazardous condition exists.
All school groups consisting of 12 or more students who are under the age of eighteen shall be accompanied by a minimum of one chaperone for every 12 students during the groups visit.
Chaperones must be a minimum of eighteen years of age. Students found without their chaperon may be required to leave the park.
Disorderly persons or groups consisting of disorderly persons may be removed from the park and prevented from returning to the park on the day they are removed.
It is prohibited to sit, stand upon, or climb any railing, fence, ledge, wall, tree, statue, museum exhibit or refuse receptacle.
Climbing over, under, or around railings, gates, doors, stanchions and lines, barricades, or other physical barriers used to control public access is prohibited.
Touching designated furnishings or objects in any of the historical homes are prohibited.
It is prohibited to consume food or drink inside any historic structure or in the visitor center.
Justification: Limits are established for the safety of visitors, protection of resources and are the minimum restrictions necessary to achieve such protection.
All areas designated for parking government vehicles are limited to administrative use.
Justification: These parking areas quickly exceed capacity during heavy visitation periods, administrative use of parking areas allows for operational efficiency for park staff.
Boating
The launching and using human-powered, non-motorized watercraft is only allowed at the Chamberlain property. See also 36 CFR § 3.8 for more information.
Justification: To provide for the safety of visitors and park resources. The park does not have facilities or infrastructure suitable for launching or docking motorized boats and hence to ensure for health and safety of visitors the activity is not permissible.
Climbing Trees
Climbing in or on trees is prohibited.
Justification: Climbing stresses and damages park trees which are an essential part of the cultural landscape.
Engine Idling
Drivers of commercial passenger-carrying diesel-fueled motor vehicles are prohibited from idling engines in parking lots of developed areas for periods longer than five minutes.
Justification: The noise and fumes caused by these engines severely impacts the natural experiences sought by many visitors.
Filming
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public;
Uses hand-carried equipment only;
Does not require exclusive use of a site;
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
Geocaching
Activities such as geocaching that involve hiding and/or hunting physical containers are prohibited with the exception of containers placed by park personnel for educational purposes.
Justification: Allows for the management of potential adverse environmental impacts.
Off-road Recreational Vehicles
The operation of off-road recreational vehicles or All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) is prohibited.
Justification: Activity detracts from the historic setting of the park and poses a significant risk to visitor safety and park resources which cannot be sustained without causing unacceptable impacts.
Off-road recreational and utility vehicles maybe allowed for administrative purposes, such as fire control, search and rescue, law enforcement, resource management activities, or power line maintenance.
Justification: To provide for the safety and security of visitors, staff and park resources.
Parking Limits
Public parking for the purpose of visiting park facilities or using park resources or for individuals conducting business with the park is permitted in the parking lot located to the rear of the Women’s Rights Visitor Center. Town parking is also available close by
Justification: These parking areas quickly exceed capacity during heavy visitation periods.
Other Recreational Activities
Badminton and volleyball nets, or any object anchored with stakes is prohibited.
Organized sports are prohibited.
Sunbathing is prohibited.
Justification: Recreational activities which involved ground penatration due to the use of stakes are a risk to underground cultural resouces. Other recreational activities may pose a risk of damage to vulnerable historic building fabric such as windows and siding.
Remote-Controlled Devices
All areas of the park are closed to remote-controlled devices including but not limited to airplanes, helicopters, cars, and similar objects.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered bythe National Park Service within the boundaries of Women’s Rights NHP is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: 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, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Justification: Activity detracts from the historic setting of the park and poses a risk to visitor safety.
CCTV Policy Statement
In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Women’s Rights National Historical Park 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 to 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, 26.3.7), 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.
36 CFR § 1.6 PERMITS
Engaging in the following activities without first obtaining the required permit is prohibited:
Carrying or possession of a weapon, trap, or net unless necessary to support §2.5 activities, 36 CFR §2.4(d)(1)
Collecting research specimens (plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals), 36 CFR §2.5(a)
Operating an unauthorized 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, 36 CFR §2.12(a)(4)
Aircraft and Air Delivery
Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means, 36 CFR §2.17(a)(3)
Removal of downed aircraft, 36 CFR §2.12(c)(1)
Noncommercial soliciting, 36 CFR §2.37
Explosives
Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents, or explosive materials, 36 CFR §2.38(a)
Using or possessing fireworks 36 CFR §2.38(b)
Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events, 36 CFR §2.50(a)
Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions for groups greater than 25 people, 36 CFR §2.51(a)
Sale or distribution of printed matter for groups greater than 25 people, 36 CFR §2.52(a)
Memorialization - Scattering of human ashes or remains, leaving markers, tributes or memorials 36 CFR §2.62(b)
Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the U.S.), 36 CFR §5.3
Construction of buildings, or other structures, boats, docks, road, trails, paths, etc. 36 CFR §5.7
Violating a term or condition of permits issued under these actions may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
Contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator or send a request in the mail to Women’s Rights National Historical Park, 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148.
Special Use Permit Applications must be filed with the Special Use Permit Coordinator 3 weeks prior to the anticipated activity.
The permittee shall be responsible for paying the cost of preparing the permit and for all additional costs incurred in monitoring the event and for any maintenance costs.
General Regulations
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
All areas of the park are closed to wood gathering 36 CFR § 2.1 (a)(4)
Justification: Standing dead, down, and live wood provides habitat for cavity-nesting species and insects.
It is prohibited to gather any fruits, berries, nuts, or unoccupied shells. 36 CFR § 2.1 (c)(2)
Justification: Due to limited number of these items, any public collection would negatively impact the park and neighbors
It is prohibited to remove objects from the ground surface or through digging. 36 CFR § 2.1 (a)(6)
Justification:Collection would disturb archeological resources and violate the Archeological Resource Protection Act.
It is prohibited to utilize metal detectors or other remote sensing tools without prior park approval. 36 CFR § 2.1 (a)(7)
Justification:Data collection without park approval violates the Archeological Resource Protection Act.
36 FR §2.3 – FISHING
Fishing: this activity is only allowed at the Chamberlain property.
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 2.14(a)(7), gutting and cleaning of fish is prohibited in the park.
Non-conflicting New York state fishing laws and regulations apply throughout the park 36 CFR §2.3 (a)
Fishing with live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or fish roe is prohibited. Other types of bait may be used in accordance with state law. 36 CFR § 2.3 (d)(2)
Commercial fishing is prohibited in all areas of the park 36 CFR§ 2.3 (d)(4)
Justification: Introduction of non-native species is detrimental to the ecosystem and the discarding of fish entrails is a health risk and attractive nuisance.
36 CFR §2.4 – WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS
Individuals are authorized to possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within NPS areas in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Possession of firearms is prohibited in Federally-owned or leased buildings. The law regarding discharge of firearms remains unchanged. 36 CFR §2.4(h)
Justification: This wording reflects implementation of 512, P.L. 111-24, Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, 123 Stat. 1764-65 § 512
effective February 22, 2010
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING
All areas of Women’s Rights NHP are closed to camping, 36 CFR § 2.10(a)
Justification: Camping activities detract from the historic setting of the park.
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Picnicking is only allowed at the following locations:
Chamberlain property, Declaration Park, behind the Stanton home and on the benches at the rear of the Visitor Center.
Justification: Picnicking in close proximity to buildings detracts from the historic setting of the park.
Groups of 25 people or more require a permit to picnic on park grounds
Justification: Large groups require more oversight to avoid adverse impacts to park resources and operations.
36 CFR §2.13 – FIRES
Portable gas grills are permitted in picnic areas with tables. The use of charcoal or other open flame is prohibited. 36 CFR § 2.13(a)(1)
Fires are prohibited in all areas of the park during Red Flag Warnings 36 CFR § 2.13(c)
Lighting and maintaining any type of fire, including but not limited to cigarettes, candles, lanterns, grills, and stoves, is prohibited within any park building unless authorized by the Superintendent. 36 CFR § 2.13(a)(1)
Justification: The use of fire is regulated to protect structures, natural resources, and the public.
36 CFR §2.14 – SANTITATION AND REFUSE
The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property is prohibited 36 CFR § 2.14(a)(2)
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
The following are prohibited:
Possessing a pet in a public building, public transportation vehicle, or location designated as a swimming beach, or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent. This subparagraph shall not apply to guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or hearing ear dogs accompanying hearing-impaired persons.
Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.
Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object, except in designated areas or under conditions which may be established by the superintendent.
Allowing a pet to make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, impact on park users, and other relevant factors, or that frightens wildlife by barking, howling, or making other noise.
Failing to comply with pet excrement disposal conditions which may be established by the superintendent.
This section does not apply to dogs used by authorized Federal, State and local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties
This restriction does not apply to service animals accompanying persons with disabilities as defined by 28 CFR 36.104
Justification: Proper disposal of pet waste eliminates a water quality, health and aesthetic problem
36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES
Use of roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, roller skis, or similar devices is prohibited. 36 CFR § 2.20
Justification: These activities would conflict with other visitors at the park and the infrastructure does not allow for these activities.
36 CFR §2.21 - SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings, all government vehicles, within 25 feet of a public building entrance, and within 50 feet of fuel storage facilities. 36 CFR § 2.21(a)
Pursuant to the Director’s Policy Memorandum 15-03, the use of Electronic Delivery Systems (ENDS) or “vaping” will be treated the same as smoking.
Justification: It is NPS policy that public use and administrative facilities be smoke-free. The restrictions are intended to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, and prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.
36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY
Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours is prohibited unless the property is part of an activity under a special park use permit. 36 CFR § 2.22(a)(2)
36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
The park is closed to alcohol consumption except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit: 36 CFR § 2.35 (a)(3)(i)
Justification: Limits are established for the safety of visitors.
36 CFR §2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES
(c)(2) The following areas have been established for small First Amendment activities that do not require a Special Use Permit. They are available on a first-come, first served basis. The established locations are:
Visitor Center
May – October: Designated area within Declaration Park
Nov – April: Designated area on the bluestone sidewalk west of the Wesleyan Chapel front doors to the western wall of the Chapel closest to the Water Wall an extending toward the street 15 feet.
Designated areas at the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, and M’Clintock House.
Note: First Amendment activities for 14 days or less and involving 25 people or fewer do not require a Special Use Permit to demonstrate or distribute or sell printed matter under our First Amendment rights. However, First Amendment activities without a permit are restricted to the designated first amendment sites listed above. Those sites were selected by the park for their high visibility and access to the public and for the physical nature of those sites to provide ample room for freedom of speech activities. Activities shall not cause injury or damage to park resources, unreasonably interfere with tranquility or interpretive activities, or create a clear or present danger to park visitors.
Justification: The permit process allows NPS to protect park resources and guarantees groups a priority for a space when multiple groups or individual demonstrators want to use a designated first amendment area in a park.
36 CFR §2.52 – SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER
The sale or distribution of printed matter by 25 people or less is allowed within the park areas designated as available under §2.51 (see above). The sale or distribution of printed matter by more than 25 persons requires a permit.
Justification: The permit process allows NPS to protect park resources and guarantees groups a priority for a space when multiple groups or individual demonstrators want to use a designated public assembly area in a park.
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
No designated area exists, and no permits will be issued for memorialization purposes. Justification: Activity detracts from the historic setting of the park
36 CFR §3.16 – SWIMMING
Swimming and wading in park waters is prohibited. Justification: Restriction is intended to protect the health and safety of visitors.
36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND DESIGNATED ROUTES
Off-road motor vehicle use is prohibited 36 CFR §4.10(a) Justification: To ensure the safety of park visitors and to protect cultural landscapes
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES
Bicycles, including e-bikes, are not permitted use on the historical properties of the park. Local ordinance prohibits bicycles, including e-bikes, from use on sidewalks around the park Visitor Center. Justification: To avoid adverse environmental impact and honoring the historical significance of the sites.
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 §5.4 – COMMERCIAL PASSENGER-CARRYING MOTOR VEHICLES
(a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicle except as authorized under a contract or permit from the Secretary or his authorized representative is prohibited in certain parks.
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.
Due to safety concerns, the First Amendment Areas at 136 Fall Street vary by season.
