GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

**TITLE 36, CHAPTER I**

Compendium of Designations, Closures, Request Requirements, and other
Restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the
Superintendent.

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in
Title 36,

Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7, authorized by
Title 16,

United States Code, subsection 3, the following regulatory provisions
are

established for the proper management, protection, government and public
use

of the portions of Great Sand Dunes National Park under the jurisdiction

of the National Park Service.

Unless otherwise stated, the regulatory provisions apply in addition to
the

Requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Steve W. Chaney, Superintendent Date

**36 CFR § 1.5 -CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS**

**(a)(1) The following closures and public use limits are established
for all or listed portions of the park to all public use or to a
specific use or activity:**

# [Closures]{.underline}

*[Public Entry:]{.underline}*

# The following areas are closed to public entry:

-   The National Park Service (NPS) residential and maintenance shop
    area.

-   The water tank road at the Piñon Flats Campground.

Determination: This restriction is intended to provide for the privacy
and security of park residents by limiting entrance to the housing area
to residents and their invited guests, employees, and contractors.
Similarly, this restriction provides additional security for government
facilities, vehicles, equipment, and other property kept at the NPS
Maintenance Area.

The water tank road at the campground is for service use only.

## 

[*Camping*:]{.underline}

The following areas are closed to overnight camping:

-   The **No Camping Zone** as described below and as shown on the
    attached map.

> The ***No Camping Zone*** is defined as within a boundary line
> beginning at park headquarters, extending west to the west bank of
> Medano Creek then northerly to the top of the main ridge on the
> eastern front of the dune field, then following this ridgeline in a
> northerly direction to the juncture of Little Medano Creek and Medano
> Creek, then southerly along the east bank of Medano Creek to the
> Dunes-to-Campground trail, then east along this trail to the Medano
> Pass Primitive Road, then south along this road to the intersection
> with the Park Road, then southerly along the Park Road to park
> headquarters. A map depicting this area is attached.

Determination: The No Camping Zone is the most frequented and popular
area of the park. This restriction is intended to prevent unnecessary
visual intrusions for day users and prevent additional resource impacts
associated with camping, primarily waste disposal, sanitation, and
degraded water quality.

-   All other non-wilderness areas of the park except at designated
    backcountry campsites and within designated sites at the Piñon Flats
    Campground.

Determination: Designated campsites are established to concentrate
campsite impacts to areas where such impacts can be managed and
minimized.

## Public Use Limits

*[Camping group size limits]{.underline}:*

-   The group size limit for all wilderness and other backcountry areas
    of the park is 6 persons. Additionally, groups with livestock may
    have up to 6 animals per group.

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-   The group size limit in Loops 1 and 2 of the Piñon Flats Campground
    is 6 persons or one family per site.

Determination: Group size limits are set to minimize or prevent undue
impacts to individual campsites and surrounding areas; to prevent
campsites from growing to prevent the increase of social trails; to
prevent intrusions on other visitors enjoying backcountry or campground
experiences; and to manage human waste accumulations in backcountry
areas, thereby protecting water quality.

*[Camping Overnight stays]{.underline}*:

-   The overnight stay limit within the park for all persons, groups,
    and organizations is 14 consecutive days and 21 total days per
    calendar year. This limit does not apply to holders of Incidental
    Business Permits or their employees who are conducting business
    operations under the terms and conditions of the company's IBP, but
    it does apply to their clients.

Determination: Overnight stay limitations are a 'standard industry
practice' to ensure the equitable use and allocation of campsites and
campground facilities.

**(Refer also to § 2.10, Camping, on page 8 for other regulations
relating to campground and backcountry area camping.)**

*[Hunting camps]{.underline}*:

-   Hunting camps are not allowed within any backcountry/wilderness area
    of the park. A hunting camp is defined as a campsite occupied by one
    or more persons who are conducting, or intend to conduct, any
    hunting activities.

Determination: Hunting is not allowed within Great Sand Dunes National
Park. This restriction is intended to protect the wildlife residing
within the park and to prevent giving others the mistaken idea that
hunting is allowed.

#### Glass Containers 

The use of glass containers in the wilderness area is prohibited.

Determination: This restriction is intended to prevent broken glass
containers in an area where visitors frequently go barefooted.

[Medano Pass Primitive Road]{.underline}

The Medano Pass Primitive Road is closed to motor vehicle traffic during
those periods: When stream crossings become hazardous due to weak ice;
snow accumulations make travel hazardous or may result in motorists
traveling off-road in an attempt to bypass snowdrifts; or muddy and wet
conditions may result in road damage or motorists traveling off-road in
an attempt to bypass muddy sections.

Determination: During the late fall or early winter when stream
crossings begin to ice over an ice condition often results wherein the
ice cannot support the full weight of a vehicle. During this time one or
two wheels of the vehicle may break through causing the wheel or wheels
to get stuck behind a ledge of ice from which it is impossible to get
out without significant help. Closing the road at these times is
intended to protect drivers who may get stuck at remote crossings during
cold weather.

Snow accumulations can cause the road to become impassable, thereby
presenting a safety hazard should motorists become stuck. Patrol
resources are limited and stuck motorists may not be discovered for
days. Also, experience has shown that many motorists will attempt to
drive off road around snowdrifts so this measure will prevent associated
off-road travel impacts.

During spring snowmelt or warm periods the road frequently becomes very
muddy and snowmelt often runs down or across the roadway. During these
periods vehicle traffic can cause damage to the road in the form of
rutting or by causing runoff to cause additional erosion. This temporary
closure is intended to minimize road damage.

*[Motor and Non-motorized Vehicles:]{.underline}*

The following roads are closed to the use of two-wheel drive vehicles:

-   The Medano Pass Primitive road between the *Point of No Return* and
    the park/preserve boundary.

Determination: The Medano Pass Primitive road traverses a section of
soft, deep, sand that frequently results in even four- wheel drive
vehicles becoming stuck. Much of the road is also only one lane in
width. When vehicles become stuck, traffic can be obstructed until the
roadway is cleared. This restriction is intended to prevent two wheel
drive motorists from becoming stuck with the subsequent inconvenience to
them and other motorists, as well as preventing them from incurring
costly tow bills. This restriction may also prevent damage to private
property that may occur while trying to free a stuck vehicle, and damage
to natural resources as other motorists may travel off road to get
around the stuck vehicle.

The following roads are closed to the use of motorized and non-motorized
vehicles, including bicycles, except for administrative use.

-   All roads within the Baca Unit.

-   All roads located on lands now owned by the National Park Service
    but which were formerly administered by the Bureau of Land
    Management prior to November 22, 2000.

> *Determination: The National Park Service is currently in the process
> of preparing a General Management Plan (GMP) for Great Sand Dunes
> National Park and Preserve including lands within the newly acquired
> Baca Unit. Until the GMP, which will provide an overall direction and
> guidance for future management actions, is completed and approved,
> these roads will remain closed to public vehicle use to ensure that
> non-conflicting, inappropriate, or resource degrading activities do
> not occur.*

*[Overnight parking]{.underline}*

Overnight parking (excluding registered campers in Pinyon Flats
Campground) is prohibited in all areas of the park except for the
following locations upon condition that the owner/operator has obtained
a Backcountry Use Permit and associated trailhead parking pass:

-   Amphitheater Parking Lot

-   Dunes Overlook Trailhead

-   Point Of No Return Trailhead

-   Montville Trailhead

-   Headquarters Parking Lot (during the off-season period between Labor
    Day and Memorial Day only)

-   Sand Ramp Trailhead

> *Determination: Reasonable accommodation for visitors engaged in
> overnight backcountry trips for which a Backcountry Use Permit has
> been issued. Parking spaces are limited at each of these areas so, in
> order to provide fair allocation, permits must be obtain beforehand.*

*[Picnicking]{.underline}*

The Piñon Flats Campground is open to picnicking only during the period
of October 1^st^ -- April 30^th^.

*Determination: During this period there are adequate campsites
available for both*

*picnickers and campers. However, during the period of May 1- September
30, the*

c*ampground is* *often near capacity. This limitation is instituted in
order to prevent persons*

*who are not intending to* *camp from occupying a site for an
unreasonable amount of time or*

*discouraging would-be campers from using the campground.*

(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or
activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:

######### Camping

Please refer to §2.10 of this compendium for specific camping area
designations.

######### Weapons

In accordance with the provisions found in 36 CFR § 2.4(d)(4), a permit
may be issued to hunters in possession of a valid Colorado hunter's
license to carry a weapon across park lands for the express purpose of
hunting in the Little Medano, Cold Creek, and Sand Creek drainages of
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve and to access Rio Grande National
Forest areas from north of the mouth of Sand Creek to Cedar Canyon. Such
permit may be issued with an effective date of no sooner than two (2)
days before the onset of the specified hunting season and an expiration
date of no later than one (1) day after the close of the hunting season.
Weapons carried under this permit must be broken down or disassembled
and packed and carried in a manner as to prevent their ready use. The
weapons must be transported on the Sand Ramp Trail to any of the stated
drainages within the National Preserve.

*Determination: The Little Medano and Cold Creek drainages are
surrounded by rugged*

*cliffs that preclude carrying in a weapon without crossing over park
lands. Hunting is*

*a legitimate activity within those portions of these drainages located
within the national*

*preserve. By designating this portion of the Sand Ramp Trail for this
specific use the NPS is*

*providing access to otherwise inaccessible lands contiguous to the
national park where*

*other means of access are otherwise impracticable or impossible.
Additionally, the described*

*Rio Grande National Forest areas are similarly inaccessible without
crossing park lands.*

*Because lower Sand Creek is situated between Cold Creek and RGNF
drainages to the north,*

*it is included in this order even though otherwise accessible from
upper Sand Creek.*

**36 CFR § 1.6 --PERMITS**

(f) **The following is a compilation of those activities for which a
    permit from the superintendent is required:**

§ 2.4 Weapons, Traps, and Nets

-   \(d\) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net

> § 2.5 Research Specimens

-   \(a\) Collect or take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals

> § 2.10 Camping

-   \(a\) Camp in the Piñon Flats Campground or backcountry camping in
    wilderness and non-wilderness portions of the park

> § 2.12 Audio Disturbances

-   (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 and Air Delivery

-   (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute,
    helicopter, or other airborne means

-   (c)(1) Removal of downed aircraft

> § 2.23 Recreation Fees

-   \(b\) Special recreation activities

> § 2.37 Noncommercial Soliciting

-   Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services

> § 2.38 Explosives

-   \(a\) Use, possess, store, or transport explosives or blasting
    agents

-   \(b\) Use or possess fireworks

> § 2.50 Special Events

-   \(a\) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public sector
    attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

> § 2.51 Public Assemblies, Meetings

-   \(a\) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations,
    parades, and other public expressions of views

> § 2.52 Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

-   \(c\) Sale or distribute printed matter provided it is not solely
    commercial advertising

> § 2.60 Livestock Use and Agriculture

-   \(b\) Livestock use

> § 2.61 Residing on Federal Lands

-   \(a\) Residing on park lands

> § 2.62 Memorialization

-   \(b\) Scattering human ashes

> § 4.11 Load, Weight, and Size Limits

-   \(a\) Exceeding established vehicle load, weight, and size limits

> § 5.1 Advertisements

-   Display, posting, or distribution

> § 5.3 Business Operations

-   Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires permit, contract or
    other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant
    to special regulations)

> § 5.5 Commercial Photography

-   \(a\) 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 models for the purpose of commercial advertising

> § 5.7 Construction of Buildings or Other Facilities

-   Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, paths,
    structures, etc.

§6.9 Permits

-   \(a\) Operation of a solid waste disposal site

**36 CFR § 2.1 -- PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL
RESOURCES**

(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground that is less than four (4) inches in
diameter may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park
in the following areas:

-   Within ¼ mile of the Sawmill Canyon and Sand Creek backcountry
    campsites that have fire grates provided.

**(c)(1) The following fruits, berries, or nuts may be gathered by hand
for personal use or consumption:**

-   Pinyon nuts

-   Edible Mushrooms

-   Currants

-   Gooseberries

-   Raspberries

-   Strawberries

(**c)(2)(i) Quantities of designated fruits, berries, or nuts that may
be gathered by one person during a calendar year is as follows:**

-   Piñon nuts -- 1 gallon

-   Currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and strawberries -- 1 quart
    each

-   Mushrooms -- 2 pounds

Determination: Adequate quantities of the named fruits exist to allow
for personal use in the designated quantities without causing undue
competition with wildlife for their food needs.

**36 CFR § 2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION**

\(d\) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is
permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

-   For transporting on foot or horseback: Upon condition that a Special
    Use Permit, which describes how and where game carcasses may be
    transported, is first obtained from the Superintendent.

-   For transporting in a vehicle: Upon condition that the game carcass
    is not readily visible.

\(e\) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the
use of an artificial light:

-   All areas within the park.

**36 CFR § 2.10 - CAMPING**

(a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping. A
    permit system has been established for camping areas and camping
    activities, and conditions for camping and camping activities are in
    effect as noted:

> **Piñon Flats Campground:**

-   A permit, available on a self-registration basis at the kiosk at the
    entrance to the campground, is required to camp. The permit must be
    obtained, paid for, and posted at the campsite within 30 minutes of
    arrival.

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-   Tents must be pitched within tent pads provided or, where no tent
    pad has been constructed, within the rock walls.

-   No more than two motor vehicles may be parked at an individual
    campsite. Each vehicle must be parked entirely on the paved driveway
    or parking space and clear of the traffic loop. Extra vehicles may
    be parked at the amphitheater parking lot provided a note is left on
    the dashboard indicating which site the vehicle is associated with.

-   Generators must be turned off during the period between 8:00 P.M.
    and 6:00 A.M.

> **Wilderness areas:**

-   A backcountry use permit, available at the Visitor Center, is
    required to camp in the wilderness portion of the park.

-   Camping is prohibited within:

    -   ¼ mile of the Sand Ramp Trail or any park roads. Campsites
        beyond ¼ mile must also be out of sight from trails and roads.

    -   The designated *NO CAMPING ZONE* as described in Section 1.5
        above.

> **Non-wilderness areas:**

-   A backcountry use permit, available at the Visitor Center, is
    required to camp in the non-wilderness portion of the park.

-   Camping along the Sand Ramp Trail is allowed only at designated
    backcountry campsites, namely:

    -   Sawmill Canyon Handicapped Accessible Campsite

    -   Buck Creek Campsite

    -   Escaped Dunes Campsite

    -   Indian Grove Campsite

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-   Tents or sleeping areas must be within fifty (50) feet of the brown
    arrowhead post at these campsites.

(d) Except while being consumed or being prepared for consumption, food
    and lawfully taken fish, plus garbage and equipment used to cook or
    store food, must be kept sealed in a vehicle, or in a camping unit
    that is constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or suspended at
    least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a post,
    tree trunk, or other object, or in provided bear-proof storage
    lockers in the following areas:

-   All areas within the park.

> Park rangers may inspect all unattended items that have the appearance
> of being used for food storage, food preparation, or food waste.

**36 CFR § 2.11 - PICNICKING**

**Conditions for picnicking:**

The maximum time limit for using a picnic table in the picnic area or at
pullouts along the Medano Pass Primitive Road that have picnic tables
provided is three hours, excluding persons who have reserved the South
Ramada area of the picnic area.

**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 or receptacles,
and under the conditions noted:

[Designated Areas:]{.underline}

-   Campfires are allowed only in provided fire grates in the Piñon
    Flats

Campground or at the Sawmill Canyon and Sand Creek backcountry

campsites.

[Established Conditions:]{.underline}

-   Only charcoal fires are allowed in the picnic area fire grates.

# 

# 36 CFR § 2.14 - SANITATION AND REFUSE

**(a)(5) Designated fixtures for washing food, clothing, dishes, or
other property:**

-   Outside sinks located at the comfort stations in the Piñon Flats

> Campground.

(b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human
    body waste:

-   Toilet paper must be carried out of backcountry and wilderness areas
    except where toilet facilities are provided.

-   Human body waste shall be disposed of in the following manner:

    -   Within the dune field -- buried in one (1) inch of sand.

    -   Within all other backcountry areas -- buried in six (6) inches
        of soil at least 200 feet from any water source.

**36 CFR § 2.15 - PETS**

> **(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed in accordance with the
> following conditions:**

-   Persons possessing pets in areas that are open to pets must remove
    pet

excrement and deposit it in toilet facilities or dumpsters only.

**(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following
conditions:**

-   Park residents must adhere to the pet policy as established by the

Superintendent.

**36 CFR § 2.16 - HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS**

(a) **The following are designated as pack animals:**

-   Horses

-   Mules

-   Burros, donkeys, asses

-   Llamas

> \(b\) The use of horses or pack animals is permitted on the following
> trails, routes, or areas:

-   All trails and areas within the park [except]{.underline} for the
    following:

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-   The No Public Horse Use Zone as described below and shown on the
    attached map:

> The ***No Public Horse Use Zone*** is defined as the visitor center
> area; the main dune use area (that area within the no camping zone
> from the southern shore of Mosca Creek Island north to the
> 'Campground-to-Dunes' trail); Picnic Area, Dunes Parking Lot; and the
> Piñon Flats Campground. A map depicting this area is attached.

-   Visitor Center to Montville Parking Lot trail

-   Montville Nature Trail (excluding that portion of the trail which
    coincides with the Mosca Pass trail)

-   Visitor Center to Picnic Area trail

-   Wellington Ditch Trail

-   Piñon Flats trail

-   The portion of the Sand Ramp Trail between the Dunes Overlook
    trailhead (Loop 2 in the campground) and the junction with the Dunes
    Overlook Trail, including the Buck Creek Campsite access trail.

-   Dunes Overlook Trail

-   Deadman Creek riparian corridor

*Determination: Horse and pack animal use in the park is a long-standing
recreational activity.*

*The exceptions listed above are to prevent conflicts with other users,
primarily pedestrians, in concentrated use areas and trails in the
developed area. The Deadman Creek riparian corridor is closed at least
until potential resource impacts can be evaluated.* *Lower Deadman Creek
has a riparian community different from the upper part of the creek, and
includes a combination of juniper and cottonwood that is the largest of
only ten occurrences of such a community in the state of Colorado.
Deadman Creek also has fish and bat species which are rare, including
the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and the pale-nosed bat*.

\(g\) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:

-   Horses may be unloaded only at the Montville/Mosca Pass Trailhead,

> Amphitheater, or Point of No Return parking lots.

-   Owners must shovel any manure into trailers at the parking area
    before and after riding.

-   Horses may not enter the park by crossing over the boundary between
    the park and the Baca-Grande subdivision.

-   Horses and pack animals may be kept overnight only at the Little
    Medano, Aspen, Cold Creek, and Sand Creek backcountry campsites.
    Livestock must be picketed at least 100 feet away from the campsite
    marker post.

-   Livestock must be picketed or corralled in a manner as to prevent
    damage to trees and pawing around tree trunks, grazing to an extent
    that plants are eaten to ground level or individual plants pulled up
    by the roots, denuding the area of vegetation by grazing or
    trampling, or causing other damage to natural or cultural resources.

-   Livestock may also be kept overnight in wilderness portions of the
    park. Leave-no-Trace principles must be followed at all locations
    where stock is kept overnight.

-   Stock must be fed weed-free hay at least 24 hours before entering
    the park. Only certified weed-free hay, grain, or processed pellets
    may be packed into the park's backcountry.

**36 CFR § 2.20 - SKATING AND SKATEBOARDS**

The use of skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or
similar devices is allowed only in the following areas:

-   NPS residential area.

-   Employee's parking lot at the Visitor Center except during hours
    when the Visitor center is open to the public.

**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:**

-   All buildings and facilities, excluding residences

Determination: This restriction is intended to reduce the risk of fire
in government facilities and provide for the comfort and health of
employees and visitors.

# 36 CFR § 2.23 - RECREATION FEES

(b) Recreation fees, in accordance with 36 CFR Part 71, are established
    for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the
    following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or
    for participation in the following group activity, recreation
    events, or specialized recreations uses:

[Entrance Fee Areas:]{.underline} All persons age 16 years and older
entering Great Sand Dunes National Park are subject to paying the \$3.00
entrance fee except in the following cases:

-   They are in possession of (or riding in the same private family
    vehicle as a person who possesses) a valid National Parks Pass,
    Golden Age Passport, Golden Access Passport, or Golden Eagle
    Passport

-   They obtain upon entering a National Parks Pass, Golden Age
    Passport, or Golden Access Passport.

-   They obtain a Great Sand Dunes Annual Pass, the price of which is
    \$15. This pass has two signature lines for the purchaser and spouse
    or, if no spouse, one other person. The pass is non-transferable and
    is valid for one year until the last day of the same month in which
    it was purchased. The pass may be used for entrance only and admits
    person/s as signed on the pass and accompanying passengers in a
    single, non-commercial vehicle. For per-person entrance fees in
    other circumstances, it admits person/s as signed, spouse, children,
    and parents.

Entrance permits issued upon receipt of the entrance fee amount are
valid for seven (7) days from the date of purchase.

####### Commercial Vehicles

Commercial passenger carrying vehicles are charged a flat rate according
to vehicle capacity. Great Sand Dunes has been designated a Tier IV
area. National Parks Passes and Golden Age, Access, or Eagle Passports
possessed by passengers in a commercial vehicle do not qualify for
entrance or reduced fees.

-   Motor coach (26+ passenger capacity) = \$100

-   Mini-bus (16-25 passenger capacity) = \$ 40

-   Van (7-25 passenger capacity) = \$ 40

-   Van (1-6 passenger capacity) = \$ 25 + \$3 per passenger

[Daily Site Use Fee Areas:]{.underline}

Piñon Flats Campground:

-   Individual sites on loops 1 and 2 (campsites 1-88) are available on
    a first come -- first serve basis at \$14.00 per night per site,
    limit of six (6) persons or one family per site.

-   Loop 3, sites A, B, & C, are available on a reservation basis for
    larger groups. Rates are as follows:

> Sites A & B: \$45.00 minimum fee plus \$3.00 per night for each person
> over 15 people.
>
> Site C: \$30.00 minimum fee plus \$3.00 per night for each person over
> 10 people.

**36 CFR § 2.35 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES**

(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas,
and/or public facilities within the park are closed to the consumption
of alcoholic beverages and the possession of a bottle, can, or other
receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has
been opened, or whose seal is broken, or the contents of which have been
partially removed:

-   Any parking lot, pullout, or roadside area,
    **[excluding]{.underline}** the picnic area , Piñon Flats
    Campground, or parking areas along the Medano Pass primitive road
    which have picnic tables provided.

### Determination: The consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of an open container is inappropriate considering other uses of these locations and the purposes for which they are maintained or were established, namely for short term use to view or visit the dunes and other park locations. They are not intended for picnicking and are frequented by other visitors, many with small children. This restriction is intended to prevent violation of other regulations regarding open containers in motor vehicles; prevent driving while impaired or under the influence of alcohol, prevent littering, and prevent those who would park in these areas for the express purpose of consuming alcoholic beverages, thus ensuring that traffic moves regularly through pullouts and short term parking areas.

**36 CFR § 2.51 -- PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS**

(e) **The locations available for public assemblies are designated as:**

-   Those areas shown on the attached map entitled "Public Assemblies
    Areas". These areas are described as:

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-   At the visitor center parking lot the first three parking spaces
    immediately west of the handicapped space.

-   At the dunes parking lot, the first three parking spaces immediately
    east of the North Boardwalk.

-   At the amphitheater parking lot, the paved area within 50 feet of
    the tire air station.

**36 CFR § 4.21 SPEED LIMITS**

**(b) The following special speed limits are established**:

-   30 mph in both directions along that portion of the Park Road known
    as the 'S-curves'.

-   30 mph along the northbound portion of the Park Road beginning ¼
    mile south of the entrance station to the beginning of the 10 mph
    zone.

-   30 mph in both directions along that portion of the Park Road north
    of the entrance station to the intersection with the Medano Pass
    Primitive Road.

-   30 mph in both directions along the Dunes Lot Access Road.

-   10 mph in both directions along that portion of the Park Road within
    300 feet of the entrance station.

Determination: The reduced speed limit along the 'S-curves' portion of
the park road is intended to prevent recurrence of auto accidents,
including roll-overs with injuries, that had occurred when the speed
limit was set at 45.

*The 30 mph zone for northbound traffic nearing the entrance station is
intended to slow traffic prior to reaching the 10 mph zone.*

*The 30 mph zone north of the entrance station to the Medano Pass
Primitive Road intersection is in an area with concentrated pedestrian
and motor vehicle traffic with autos frequently pulling into and out of
pullouts and parking lots along curves and hills with limited sight
distance.*

*The Dunes Lot Access Road is relatively short with limited sight
distance and autos frequently park along the roadway shoulders when the
parking lot is full.*

Visitors must stop at the entrance station when entering and leaving.
Additionally, the northbound lane is constricted. This zone is
established to slow traffic down in preparation for stopping.

**36 CFR § 4.31 HITCHHIKING**

**Hitchhiking is allowed in the following areas:**

-   Along all roadways.

Determination: The park is remote from the nearest city served by public
transportation and so other transportation options are not available to
some visitors. Prior to this date, hitchhiking is an infrequent
occurrence that has not presented any problems related to criminal
activity, traffic obstruction, or other safety hazards.

January 31, 2006

Memorandum

To: Superintendent

From: Chief Ranger

Subject: 2006 Compendiums

Attached are updated park and preserve compendiums for your review and
signature. The following updates were made:

Park Compendium:

1.  § 1.5 --Closures and Public Use Limits -- Overnight Parking
    restriction revised for clarity and to not conflict with unattended
    property provisions.

2.  §1.5 -- Closures and Public Use Limits -- Included provision that
    all roads on former BLM lands are closed to vehicles except for
    administrative use.

3.  §2.1 -- Preservation of Natural Features -- Quantity of pinyon nuts
    that a person can collect during the year raised from 2 qts to 1
    gallon.

4.  §2.10 -- Camping -- Different quiet hours for generator use in the
    campground included.

5.  §2.16 -- Horses -- Included stronger provision for requiring that
    horses be picketed in a manner to prevent resource damage.

6.  §2.20 Skating -- Opened the VC employee's lot to skates and
    skateboards after hours.

7.  §2.23 Recreation Fees -- Updated to reflect new age limit and group
    camping fee schedule.

Preserve Compendium:

1.  Same as changes 2 and 4 above.

2.  §2.16 Horses -- Added provision that horses must be picketed at
    least 300 feet from lakes.