36 CFR 7 - SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

This rule designates off-road vehicle (ORV) routes and authorizes limited ORV use within Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) in a manner that will protect and preserve natural and cultural resources, provide a variety of safe visitor experiences, and minimize conflicts among various users. Under National Park Service (NPS) general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation.

This rule implements the Record of Decision for the 2011 Winter Use Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and governs winter visitation and certain recreational activities in Yellowstone National Park for the 2011-2012 winter season. The rule retains, for one additional year, the regulations and management framework that have been in place for the past two winter seasons (2009-2010 and 2010-2011). Specifically, the rule retains provisions that: require most recreational snowmobiles operating in the park to meet certain National Park Service air and sound emissions requirements; require snowmobiles and snowcoaches in Yellowstone to be accompanied by a commercial guide; set daily entry limits on the numbers of snowmobiles (up to 318) and snowcoaches (up to 78) that may enter the park; and prohibit traveling off designated oversnow routes.

This rule designates certain multi-use pathways in Grand Teton National Park (Park) as routes for bicycle use. National Park Service (NPS) regulations require issuance of a special regulation to designate bicycle routes that are located off park roads and outside developed areas. The first two segments of a planned multi-use pathway system have been constructed and are generally located within 50 feet of existing park roads. Separating bicycle traffic from lanes used for motor vehicle travel will reduce real and perceived safety hazards, which will enhance opportunities for non-motorized enjoyment of the park and encourage the use of alternate transportation. This rule also revises NPS special regulations regarding fishing and vessels in certain Park waters to reflect current operating practices and management objectives.

The National Park Service is amending special regulations for Cape Cod National Seashore that authorize hunting to allow for a spring season hunt for Eastern Wild Turkey. The Final Rule implements the Record of Decision for the Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program Environmental Impact Statement of August 2007.

This rule designates off-road vehicle (ORV) routes and authorizes limited ORV use within Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) in a manner that will protect and preserve natural and cultural resources, provide a variety of safe visitor experiences, and minimize conflicts among various users. Under National Park Service (NPS) general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation.

This rule implements the Record of Decision for the 2011 Winter Use Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and governs winter visitation and certain recreational activities in Yellowstone National Park for the 2011-2012 winter season. The rule retains, for one additional year, the regulations and management framework that have been in place for the past two winter seasons (2009-2010 and 2010-2011). Specifically, the rule retains provisions that: require most recreational snowmobiles operating in the park to meet certain National Park Service air and sound emissions requirements; require snowmobiles and snowcoaches in Yellowstone to be accompanied by a commercial guide; set daily entry limits on the numbers of snowmobiles (up to 318) and snowcoaches (up to 78) that may enter the park; and prohibit traveling off designated oversnow routes.

This rule designates certain multi-use pathways in Grand Teton National Park (Park) as routes for bicycle use. National Park Service (NPS) regulations require issuance of a special regulation to designate bicycle routes that are located off park roads and outside developed areas. The first two segments of a planned multi-use pathway system have been constructed and are generally located within 50 feet of existing park roads. Separating bicycle traffic from lanes used for motor vehicle travel will reduce real and perceived safety hazards, which will enhance opportunities for non-motorized enjoyment of the park and encourage the use of alternate transportation. This rule also revises NPS special regulations regarding fishing and vessels in certain Park waters to reflect current operating practices and management objectives.

We, the National Park Service, are reopening the public comment period for the proposed rule to manage off-road vehicle use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. The additional comment period allows more time for those who may have been affected by Hurricane Irene to submit comments.

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to designate routes where off-road vehicles (ORVs) may be used within Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), North Carolina. Under NPS general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the national park system is prohibited unless otherwise provided for by special regulation. The proposed rule would authorize ORV use at the Seashore, manage it to protect and preserve natural and cultural resources and natural processes, and provide a variety of safe visitor experiences while minimizing conflicts among various users.

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to designate four bicycle routes within Mammoth Cave National Park. This proposed rule is necessary to implement portions of the park's Comprehensive Trail Management Plan and the requirements of the NPS general regulations require that a special regulation be promulgated in order to allow off-road bicycle use on routes outside of developed park areas. Authorizing routes for bicycling will address the significant interest of the visiting public for bicycling in the park. This proposed rule would allow bicycle use on a new Connector Trail in the vicinity of Maple Springs; the Big Hollow Trail, a new bike trail in the hilly country of the park north of the Green River; the nine-mile Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail; and the White Oak Trail.

The National Park Service (NPS) is physically moving the office of the Division of Park Programs, National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA) which processes applications for special events and demonstrations permits for nine parks in the National Capital Region (NCR). This rule updates the address and location of the office where these permit applications may be obtained and where completed applications are to be submitted by mail or in person.

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to amend special regulations for Cape Cod National Seashore, to allow for a spring-season hunt for Eastern Wild Turkey. The proposed rule would implement the Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program Environmental Impact Statement of August 2007.

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to amend the regulations on demonstrations and special events for the National Capital Region. This proposed rule would revise the definition of “demonstration” as well as specify the conditions under which solicitation of gifts, money, goods, or services could occur.