**KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK**

**COMPENDIUM**

**2002**

National Park Service (NPS) regulations applicable to the protection and
equitable public use of units of the National Park System grant
specified authorities to a park superintendent to allow or restrict
certain activities. NPS regulations are found in Titles 36 and 43 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and created under authority and
responsibility granted the Secretary of Interior in Titles 16 and 18 of
the United States Code. The following compendium comprises a listing of
all NPS regulations that provide the Superintendent with discretionary
authority to make designations or impose public use restrictions or
conditions. The larger body of NPS regulations that do not provide
discretionary authority to the Superintendent is not cited in this
compendium. A complete and accurate picture of regulations governing use
and protection of the park can only be gained by viewing this compendium
in context with the full body of applicable regulations found in Titles
36 and 43 CFR*. Please contact Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward,
Alaska at (907) 224-3175 for questions relating to information provided
in this compendium.*

##### TITLE 36 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

**PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS**

**1.5 Closures and public use limits**

**(a)(1) Visiting hours, public use limits, closures**

> Technical climbing and rock/ice scrambling is prohibited on Exit
> Glacier from the terminus area to a point one-half mile up the glacier
> from the terminus point during the period of April 1 through November
> 1.
>
> *This restriction serves to protect the safety of visitors, whether
> climbers or bystanders below, from falling ice at the glacial terminus
> during the summer season. It also protects the scenic and aesthetic
> values of this highly visible area for the majority of visitors. It
> provides for climbing activity at Exit Glacier, but keeps it on safer,
> more stable ice and safely away from heavily used pedestrian trails
> below. Climbing is allowed in winter months when the terminus is less
> active, ice more solid, and bystanders are generally not present.*
>
> The riding or use of bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates,
> in-line skates, or similar devices is prohibited on the deck and
> sidewalks of the Visitor Center / Headquarters building and in the
> Exit Glacier Study Area[^1][^2], except on the entrance road and in
> the parking lot.
>
> *This restriction is based on the determination that public safety is
> threatened by the use of these devices in these crowded pedestrian
> areas.*
>
> See specific sections in this document for additional information
> regarding closures, visiting hours, and public use limits.

**(a)(2) Designated areas for specific use or activity or conditions**

> See specific sections in this document for additional information
> regarding designated areas and conditions for engaging in certain
> activities.

**1.6(f) Compilation of activities requiring a permit**

-   Scientific research, (1.5)

-   Collecting research specimens, (2.5)

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-   Backcountry camping, (2.10(a))

-   Operating a power saw in developed areas, (2.12(a)(2))

-   Operating a portable motor or engine in undeveloped areas,
    (2.12(a)(3))

-   Operating a public address system, (2.12)(a)(4))

-   Air delivery, (2.17(a)(3))

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-   Noncommercial soliciting, (2.37)

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-   Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting
    agents, or explosive materials, (2.38(a))

-   Special events, (2.50(a))

-   Public assemblies and meetings, (2.51(a))

-   Sale and distribution of printed matter, (2.52(a))

-   Grazing, (2.60(a)(1), (2))

-   Residing on federal lands, (2.61(a))

-   Installing a monument, (2.62(a))

-   Commercial notices or advertisements, (5.1)

-   Commercial operations, (5.3)

-   Commercial photography or filming, (5.5)

-   Repair or construction of any structure or facility, road, trail, or
    airstrip on federal lands, (5.7)

-   Mining operations (9.9(a)) or an approved Plan of Operations (in
    lieu of permit))

-   Abandoned property, leaving property unattended for over 12 months,
    (13.22(b))

-   Cabins on federal lands-

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-   General use and occupancy, (13.17(e)(1), (2))

-   Cabins otherwise authorized by law, (13.17(e)(8))

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-   Access to inholdings where access is not made by aircraft,
    snowmachine, motorboat or non-motorized surface transportation, (43
    CFR 36.10(b))

-   Salvaging, removing, possessing aircraft, (43 CFR 36.11 (f)(3)(ii))

-   Helicopter landings, (43 CFR 36.11(f)(4))

-   Off-road vehicle (ORV) use, (43 CFR 36.11(g)(2))

-   Temporary access across federal land for survey, geophysical or
    exploratory work, (43 CFR 36.12(c))

    **PART 2. RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION**

    **2.1(a)(4) Designated areas for collection of dead and downed
    timber for firewood**

###### Superseded by 13.20(b)(4).

2.1(a)(5) Designated areas and conditions for walking, climbing on
archeological cultural resource sites

No designations or conditions at present. Walking or climbing on
archeological cultural resources sites is prohibited.

**2.1(b) Designated trails**

On the Harding Icefield trail, leaving the trail to shortcut between
portions of the same trail is prohibited, except in areas that are
covered with snow or unvegetated rock or scree. Hikers shall remain on
the designated trail in all areas where the trail passes through alpine
tundra vegetation.

####### This restriction serves to protect plant and soil resources and public investment in trail development from damage. Hikers cutting switchbacks along the heavily used trail easily damage shallowly rooted vegetation on steep slopes. Heavy rain and snow then erodes these denuded areas, eliminating topsoil required by plants and destroying the trail, which must then be rebuilt to allow access to this popular hiking area. 

**2.1(c)(1-3) Designated fruits and berries, nuts, and unoccupied
seashells to harvest by hand**

###### Superseded by 13.20(b)(1).

[]{.mark}

**2.2(d) Established conditions and procedures for transporting lawfully
taken wildlife through the Park area**

[Procedures and Conditions in effect:]{.underline}

> Requires prior notification to park superintendent verbally or in
> writing providing the following information:
>
> •Where will hunting take place
>
> •Names and addresses of hunters
>
> •Means of access (aircraft \"N\"\'number, ATV\'s description)
>
> •Species hunted
>
> •Approximate-dates of transport
>
> •Agreement to show or locate kill location on map if contacted
>
> •Map clearly showing Park boundaries

*This requirement is intended to allow transport of legally taken game
across Park lands.*

**2.2(e) Designated areas for wildlife viewing with artificial light**

All areas are closed to wildlife viewing with artificial light.

*This requirement is intended to prevent wildlife disturbance and
harassment.*

**2.3(d)(2) Fresh waters designated as open to bait fishing with live or
dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, nonpreserved fish eggs or
fish roe**

No waters are designated as open to fishing with the types of bait
identified above. Other types of bait may be used in accordance with
state law.

**2.3(d)(8) Designated areas open for fishing from public boat docks,
bridges, etc.**

All areas open to fishing from public boat docks, bridges, etc.

**2.4(a)(2)(i) Carrying of weapons at designated locations and times**

> Superseded by 13.19(b).

**2.4(a)(2)(ii) Designated locations for target practice**

No designated locations. Target practice is prohibited in the Park.

**2.10(a) Camping-conditions and permits**

> A backcountry permit is required for all camping within Kenai Fjords
> National Park except within the Exit Glacier campground. For the
> purpose of this section, camping is defined as any planned overnight
> stay in the park, except the overnight use of Public Use Cabins for
> which a Special Use Permit is required.
>
> *This requirement ensures that all backcountry campers directly
> receive information regarding safety, resource impacts, and
> backcountry regulations. It also facilitates the gathering of public
> use data to allow sound backcountry management for future visitor
> enjoyment and resource protection.*

**2.10(d) Food storage - designated areas and methods**

> All food, food containers, garbage, harvested fish and equipment used
> to cook or store food must be secured within a building, bear
> resistant section of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, a bear resistant
> food container, or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4
> feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk, wire cable, or other
> object.
>
> A bear resistant section or container is securable and constructed of
> material capable of withstanding a minimum of 200 ft./lbs of energy.
> Some examples include: PVC plastic backpacker canisters, steel drums
> with locking rings, modified military ammo cans, and metal raft dry
> boxes. Ice chests, coolers, tents, and plastic packing boxes are NOT
> approved bear resistant food containers.

At the Exit Glacier Campground, all food will be stored either in a
vehicle or in the locker of the campground cooking shelter. All food
preparation, cooking and eating shall be done in the campground cooking
shelter. No food items shall be taken to, consumed, or stored at the
individual campsites.

*The intent of these requirements is to prevent bears and other wildlife
from obtaining and habituating to food and garbage, thus protecting
wildlife and park visitors alike.*

**2.11 Picnicking - designated areas**

Superseded by 13.18(b).

**2.13(a)(1) Fires - Designated areas and conditions**

-   Campfires in the Exit Glacier Study Area[^3] are allowed only in the
    designated steel fire ring that is provided at the cooking shelter.

-   No campfires are allowed within 600 feet of coastal public use
    cabins unless they are built below the mean high tide line.

-   All trash (i.e., tin foil and cans) must be removed from fire pits.

    *These requirements are intended to ensure that the visual and
    ecological impacts of campfires and cooking fires are limited in
    high use areas. Fire rings attract trash and food residue as campers
    attempt to burn trash before leaving the area. High temperature
    impact soils and impairs plant growth. Trampling and soil compaction
    occurs around fire rings as well.*

    **2.14(a)(2) Sanitation and refuse - using government receptacles**

    Dumping of refuse brought into the park in the NPS trash receptacles
    is prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the superintendent.

    *This requirement is intended to ensure the refuse handled by the
    park is generated by activities occurring within the park.*

    **2.14(a)(5) Sanitation - designated areas for bathing and washing**

    Wastewater from dishwashing and bathing activities at the Exit
    Glacier Campground and at coastal public use cabins shall be
    disposed of in the established pit toilet. Bathing and washing are
    prohibited in all other areas. Bathing is not permitted in the
    restrooms adjacent to the main parking area at Exit Glacier.

    **2.14(a)(7) Sanitation - designated areas for disposal of fish
    remains**

    No designated areas at present. Fish remains may not be disposed of
    on either land or water within 200 feet of public boat docks or
    designated swimming beaches.

    **2.14(a)(8) Sanitation - human waste in developed areas**

    Human waste must be disposed of in public restrooms and outhouses
    where available.

    **2.14(a)(9) Sanitation - designated areas for disposal of human
    waste in undeveloped areas**

    Within 1/4 mile of shoreline, human body waste will either be
    removed as trash or deposited in cat-holes dug at least 100 feet
    from any surface freshwater source and at least 6 inches deep.
    Toilet paper will be burned or removed as trash.

    *This requirement is intended to ensure that proper disposal of
    human waste occurs in the backcountry to protect water quality and
    visitor safety.*

    **2.14(b) Sanitation- conditions concerning disposal, carrying out
    of human waste**

    No conditions at present.

    **2.15(a)(1), (a)(3), (a)(5), (b), (e) Pets**

> Pets are prohibited in all backcountry areas, on all trails in the
> Exit Glacier Study Area[^4], away from any established road in the
> Exit Glacier Study Area, on the Harding Icefield trail, in all public
> use cabins, housing, and in all park administrative facilities. Pets
> on the Exit Glacier Road and in the Exit Glacier parking areas must be
> restrained on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or
> must be otherwise physically confined at all times. These restrictions
> do not apply when sufficient snow exists for skiing or dog sled use,
> provided that the dog(s) are restrained as part of a sled dog team or
> for the purposes of skijoring, nor to Service animals at any time.
>
> *These restrictions serve to protect park wildlife and visitors from
> the negative impacts of domestic animals.*

**2.16(a)-(c) Horses and pack animals**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(e).

**2.17(a)(1) Aircraft operation**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(f)(1).

**2.17(a)(2) Aircraft operation near docks, piers, swimming beaches and
other designated areas**

No areas prohibited at present.

**2.17(c)(1) Removal of downed aircraft**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(f)(3)(ii).

**2.18(c) Snowmobiles-designated areas for use (Non-traditional
activities)**

No areas are designated for snowmachine use except as permitted by 43
CFR 36.11(c).

**2.19(a) Winter activities-designated areas**

All areas are open to winter use.

**2.20 Skating and skateboards**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(e).

**2.21 Smoking**

Smoking is prohibited in the Seward Visitor Center, in the Exit Glacier
Road Maintenance Facility, in the Exit Glacier Ranger Station and ranger
residences, in the Aialik Bay and Nuka Bay ranger residences, in all
public use cabins, and in any other park structure. Smoking is
prohibited in any NPS owned or leased vehicle, and on any park vessel.
Smoking is prohibited within 100 feet of the park fuel and aviation gas
storage facilities.

*These restrictions are intended to protect public health from the
effects of smoking and minimize the risk of fire and explosions around
fuel storage and dispensing facilities.*

**2.22 Property - leaving property unattended for 24 hours**

Superseded by 13.22.

**2.35(a)(3)(i) Alcoholic beverages - areas closed to consumption**

No areas are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages.

**2.38(b) Explosives - areas designated for using fireworks**

No areas designated for use of fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited.

**2.51(e) Public assemblies/meetings - designated areas**

-   Exit Glacier parking lot, the small plaza bounded by the
    recreational vehicle parking lot on the northeast, the car parking
    lot on the northwest, and the bus traffic lane and handicapped
    parking area on the south. See attached map.

-   The graveled area between the rear of the Seward Visitor Center and
    the boardwalk of the Seward Small Boat Harbor.

    **2.52(e) Sale and distribution of printed matter-areas designated
    for such use**

> -Exit Glacier - Walkway adjacent to parking lot, beginning 25\' south
> of the Winter restrooms and continuing to the northern end of the
> paved trail to glacier.
>
> -Seward Visitor Center - The graveled area behind the building,
> bounded by the following perimeter: a line running east from the rear
> public entrance to the northern-most interpretive kiosk, then north to
> the fire hydrant on the south side of the paved fire lane, then west
> to the northeast corner of the Visitor Center building.

**2.60(a)(3) Designated areas for grazing**

Grazing of pack or saddle animals by private parties, not to exceed 14
days, is authorized without a permit within the Park. Any feed brought
in must be "weed-free".

*These restrictions seek to lessen the impact of extended camps on
vegetation and minimize the risk of nonnative plant invasion.*

**2.62(b) Memorialization-designation of areas for scattering ashes**

All areas of the park are open to scattering of ashes without a permit.

**PART 3. BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES**

**3.3 Permits**

No permits required at present.

**3.6(i) Boating, prohibited operations - designated launching areas**

No designated areas.

**3.6(j) Operating a vessel not directly accessible by road**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(d).

**3.6(k) Launching or operating airboats**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(d).

**3.6(l) Operating a vessel in excess of designated size**

No maximum size designations at present.

**3.20(a) Water skiing-designated waters**

No designated areas.

**3.21(a)(1) Swimming and bathing-areas designated as closed**

All park areas are open to swimming. Bathing is not permitted in park
waters.

**3.23(a) SCUBA and snorkeling - designated conditions in swimming
areas, docks, etc.**

No restrictions at present.

**PART 4. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY**

**4.10 Travel on park roads and designated routes-areas designated for
off-road use in Preserves**

Not applicable. See 43 CFR 36.10, 36.11(c), (g).

**4.11(a) Load weight and size limits - permit requirements and
restrictive conditions**

No restrictions at present.

**4.21(b)-(c) Speed limits-designation of a different speed limit**

No designations at present.

**4.30(a) Bicycles-closed areas**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(e).

**4.30(d)(1) Wilderness closed to bicycle use**

Superseded by 43 CFR 36.11(e).

**4.31 Hitchhiking-designated areas**

All areas of the park are open to hitchhiking.

**PART 13. ALASKA REGULATIONS**

**SUBPART A -- PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION**

13.17(d)(8)(ii), (iv) Established conditions for removal of cabin for
which a cabin permit has been denied, expired, or revoked

No conditions established at present (may require access permit).

**13.17(e)(5)(i) Designated cabins or other structures for general
public use**

The following cabins are designated for public use:

Holgate Arm Cabin

Aialik Bay Cabin

North Arm Cabin

Willow Cabin (October 15 -- April 15)

**13.17(e)(5)(ii) Established conditions and allocation system to manage
the use of designated public use cabins**

A Special Use Permit is required for occupancy of any public use cabin.

**13.18(a) Restricted areas for camping**

Areas temporarily restricted or closed to camping are listed under
13.30(d)(2).

**13.18(b) Picnicking-areas where prohibited by posted signs**

No closed or restricted areas.

**13.19(b) Carrying firearms**

Firearms may be carried throughout the Park in accordance with all
applicable state and federal laws. Temporary restrictions will be listed
under 13.30(d)(2).

**13.20(d) Preservation of natural features**

> No dead standing trees may be cut within one half mile of any public
> use cabin. Cutting of standing live trees is prohibited under
> 2.1(a)(4).
>
> The cutting of **standing** dead trees is prohibited in the Exit
> Glacier Study Area[^5].
>
> *The Exit Glacier Study Area is visited by up to 200,000 people each
> year. Dead standing snags are an important component of the scenery in
> the Exit Glacier area, especially in riparian areas, and their loss
> will have a significant adverse impact on visitor enjoyment of park
> resources. Many of these trees provide an important visual testimony
> to the on-going ecological succession following retreat of the
> glacier. Dead standing trees provide important habitat for wildlife.
> Bald eagles and other raptors such as goshawks use these snags for
> perching while hunting and other small cavity-nesting birds and
> mammals utilize this habitat as well. A large quantity of downed dead
> wood is available in the area around the Exit Glacier Campground for
> campfires.*
>
> The cutting of **standing** dead trees is prohibited along the coastal
> corridor of the park\'s Natural Zone (as defined by the park\'s
> General Management Plan), within the area extending from the mean high
> tide line to one quarter mile inland. See attached map.
>
> *The trees are a unique and important component of scenery along the
> park coast and their loss will have a significant adverse impact on
> visitor enjoyment of park resources. These drowned forests stand as a
> visual testimony to the forces of the 1964 Great Alaskan Earthquake
> and are a unique characteristic of the outer Kenai coast. Many of
> these trees have cultural significance, bearing the marks of the
> prehistoric and historic native inhabitants of the coast. These
> \"culturally-modified trees\" are irreplaceable and are an important
> resource to scientists, native Alaskans and the general public. Dead
> standing trees and snags provide important habitat for wildlife. Bald
> eagles use these drowned forests extensively for perching while
> hunting along the shoreline, and other small cavity nesting birds
> utilize this habitat as well.*

**13.22(c) Designate areas where personal property may not be left
unattended for any time period, limits on amounts and types, manner in
which property is stored**

Personal property may not be stored or left unattended for more than 14
consecutive days without written permission from the superintendent.

*This restriction is intended to limit abandonment of personal property
in the park and impacts to resources and other park users. Provisions
are provided for longer-term storage of gear where warranted with
permission of the superintendent.*

**13.30(d)(1) Temporary closures and restrictions relating to the use of
aircraft, motorboats, and non-motorized surface transportation or to the
taking of fish and wildlife**

No closures or restrictions at present.

**13.30(d)(2) Temporary closures and restrictions (other)**

*Camping:* In effect from March 1^st^-November 1^st^

-   Tent camping is prohibited within 600 feet of any public use cabin.

-   Camping within the Exit Glacier Study Area[^6] is prohibited within
    ½ mile of any road or trail, with the exception of designated sites
    in the Exit Glacier Campground. Camping more than 1/2 mile from a
    road or trail but within the Exit Glacier Study Area is allowed only
    on areas that are covered with snow or unvegetated rock or scree.

-   Camping at the Exit Glacier Campground shall not exceed 14
    consecutive nights per person, or 14 total nights in a six-month
    period per person.

-   No more than 6 persons and/or 2 tents may occupy a single campsite
    in the Exit Glacier Campground. Tents are allowed only on designated
    tent pads as marked by rock borders, gravel pads, signs, or similar
    devices.

    *These restrictions serve to protect plant and wildlife resources in
    the heavily used Exit Glacier and coastal public use cabin areas by
    limiting group size and prescribing camp locations in these areas to
    avoid fragile alpine or coastal vegetation. They also serve to
    protect the recreational experience of all visitors by limiting time
    any one group can occupy a site and preventing camping directly on
    or in immediate sight of the heavily used Harding Icefield Trail or
    day use areas adjacent to Exit Glacier.*

**43 CFR, PART 36 TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITY SYSTEMS (Access
Regulations)**

36.11(c) Temporary closures or restrictions on the use of snowmachines
for traditional activities

> The Superintendent will notify the public when snow cover is adequate
> for the Park to snowmachine use each winter season. The public will
> also be notified of any changes in conditions (inadequate snow cover)
> resulting in any temporary closures or restrictions on snowmachine use
> and or re-openings following such temporary closures or restrictions.

**36.11(d) Temporary closures or restrictions on use of motorboats**

No closures or restrictions at present.

**36.11(e) Temporary closures or restrictions on use of non-motorized
surface transportation**

> See the listing under section 1.5(a)(1) regarding the closure to
> skating devices for safety reasons.

**36.11(f)(1) Temporary closures or restrictions on landing areas for
fixed-wing aircraft**

No closures or restrictions at present.

**36.11(f)(3)(ii) Established procedure for salvaging and removing
downed aircraft.**

> A permit is required from the superintendent before downed aircraft
> may be salvaged and removed from the park; violation of the terms and
> conditions of the permit is prohibited.
>
> *This requirement allows the superintendent to establish terms and
> conditions for salvage operations as necessary to protect resources,
> provide for public safety, and minimize impacts on visitors.*

**36.11(g)(1) Use of off-road vehicles (ORV) on established trails**

No trails designated for ORV use at present.

**This compendium is approved and rescinds all previous compendiums
issued Kenai Fjords National Park.**

##### Superintendent Date

[^1]: The Exit Glacier Study Area is the study area of the Exit Glacier
    Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) Plan, also called
    the Exit Glacier Plan. See attached map.

[^2]: 

[^3]: The Exit Glacier Study Area is the study area of the Exit Glacier
    Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) Plan, also called
    the Exit Glacier Plan. See attached map.

[^4]: The Exit Glacier Study Area is the study area of the Exit Glacier
    Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) Plan, also called
    the Exit Glacier Plan. See attached map.

[^5]: The Exit Glacier Study Area is the study area of the Exit Glacier
    Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) Plan, also called
    the Exit Glacier Plan. See attached map.

[^6]: The Exit Glacier Study Area is the study area of the Exit Glacier
    Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP) Plan, also called
    the Exit Glacier Plan. See attached map.