NPS Photo

Woody Smeck, the Superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, approves the Superintendent's Compendium for the park.

The Superintendent's Compendium: Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority

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In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Volume 1, Chapter 1, Parts 1-5, authorized by Title 16, United States Code, Chapter 1, Subchapter I, Section 3, the following regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government and public use of those portions of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-5. 

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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:

• All park areas are open 24 hours a day all year unless listed below, outlined in a separate Superintendent's closure, or posted otherwise.
• Gated parking lots are closed from sunset to 8:00 a.m., during and following periods of wet weather, emergency conditions, or as posted.

Justification: These closure periods are to help control / prevent under-age drinking parties in the late night/early morning hours and to help prevent damage to parking areas.

• The Western Town at Paramount Ranch, the Circle X Ranch House, the Varney Homestead, and Peter Strauss Ranch house and its surrounding facilities are closed to the public from sunset to 8:00 a.m., except by special park use permit.

Justification: These closure periods are to prevent vandalism to private and government property, and to prevent climbing on and around unstable movie sets.

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Public Use Limits:       

·         Trails and unpaved roads may be closed at any time due to adverse weather events in order to help prevent excessive damage to park resources and to assure public safety.

·         The Western Town at Paramount Ranch is closed to horse and pack animalsand bicycle riding during public events and festivals, except by special park use permit, in order to help prevent injury. 

·         Entering and exiting parkland by other than designated public access points is prohibited to help prevent the establishment of social trails that damage park resources, and to help prevent trespass upon adjacent properties.

·         Possession of glass bottles is prohibited outside of developed areas, at Carlisle Canyon Overlook picnic area (commonly known as Party Rock), and where posted. This is to help prevent injuries and to control littering problems.

·         Possession of spray paint containers outside of motor vehicles is prohibited except by park residents at their residence, authorized park employees and contractors, or by special park use permits. This prohibition is to help prevent further vandalism and destruction of natural features.

·         Possession or release of helium-filled balloons outdoors is prohibited in order to help prevent littering and injury to wildlife.

·         The following group size limits without a permit have been established to protect park resources and to help prevent use beyond the capacity of the infrastructure of a site:

• Rocky Oaks: 50 people or 12 vehicles
• Rancho Sierra Vista: 50 people
•   Satwiwa Cultural Center:50 people
•   Paramount Ranch:50 people
• Peter Strauss Ranch: 50 people, 50 vehicles  
• Solstice Canyon: Weekdays: 50 people or 12 vehicles,  Saturday/Sunday/Holidays: 24 people or six vehicles
• Circle X Ranch and related trailheads: 50 people or 12 vehicles
•   Arroyo Sequit: 25 people or five vehicles
• Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon: 50 people, 12 vehicles
• Public assembly, picnic, wedding, and/or gathering of 50 people or more in any park area requires prior written notification to the Office of Special Park Uses. For large groups, an application for a permit must be received no less than eight weeks in advance.

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Closures:

·         Roads that are gated, posted as closed, or restricted to authorized vehicles, are closed to public vehicular traffic. Such roads have been determined to be unsuitable to public vehicle travel for safety and resource protection.

·         All park areas are closed to golf or hitting of golf balls to help prevent littering and to help prevent damage and/or injury to other park visitors or park resources.

·        Fire lines, posted research areas, posted “trail under construction” zones, and posted re-vegetation areas are closed to public entry in order to help prevent injury, to help prevent damage to fragile resources, and to protect the integrity of research projects.

·         The ranch facilities at Rancho Sierra Vista Site including, but not limited to, the barns, paddocks, sheds, riding rings, and the grounds contained within, and employees’ residences, unless otherwise posted, are closed to public use because they are used for park administrative purposes.

·         The fenced-in pool area at Peter Strauss Ranch is closed to help prevent injury.

·         Movie sets are closed to public entry to help prevent vandalism to private and government property, and to help prevent climbing on and around unstable movie sets. 

·         Areas within the Randa House or within 100' of the Randa House and allout buildings are closed to public entry to help prevent further vandalism to the structures and to help prevent injury.

·         Areas within the Varney Homestead or within 25' of the Varney Ranch House or out buildings are closed to public entry to help prevent further vandalism to the structures and to help prevent injury.

·         Areas within the Morrison Farm House or within 25’ of the Morrison Farm House or out buildings are closed to public entry to help prevent further vandalism to the structures and to help prevent injury.

·         The maintenance facilities at Diamond X Ranch, including the parking lots, maintenance yard and buildings, are closed to public use because they are used for park administrative purposes. The Diamond X Ranch meeting facility is available to the public by special park use permit.

·         All buildings and structures, except when posted otherwise, are closed to public entry to help prevent vandalism and to help prevent injury.

·         Areas within 50' of any park residence, except areas within the Western Town at Paramount Ranch, and on designated park roads and trails, are closed to public entry to help prevent theft of government property and to allow a reasonable measure of privacy. Also included is the fenced porch area in front of the employee residence within Western Town.

·         The following in-holdings are closed to public entry as they are private residences or properties under right-of-use agreements with the NPS:

• NPS Tract 135-01: Camp Eight (Los Angeles County Fire Department)
•   NPS Tract 116-55: Trancas Canyon Inholding (Dragon Residence)

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

·         Hikers shall yield to equestrians. Bicyclists shall yield to equestrians, hikers, and runners.

·         Speed limit for bikes on all park roads and trails is 15 miles per hour. Speeds above 15 miles per hour pose a safety hazard to riders, hikers, equestrians and others.

·         Model airplanes, boats and cars:

Location: The designated model airplane and model car use area is in the north racetrack loop area of Paramount Ranch.

Only electric or non-motorized model aircraft are allowed.

Only electric or non-motorized model vehicles are allowed.

Motorized model boats are not allowed on park waters.

Model airplanes and vehicles must be kept away from wildlife and equestrians.

Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that the use of electric and non-motorized models is a traditional useof the area at Paramount Ranch. 

Softball

Only allowed on the lawn at Paramount Ranch and Peter Strauss Ranch.

Only allowed during periods of low visitation when it will not produce a hazard to others.

No baseballs (hardball) allowed.

Determining factors: Other sites are not suited to this activity. Restrictions are for public safety.

Sport Activities: To include social sport activities such as volleyball and disc throwing (also known as Frisbee^®).

Only allowed on the lawns at Paramount Ranch and Peter Strauss Ranch.

Only allowed during periods of low visitation when it will not produce a hazard to others.

The permanent or temporary marking of the field of play with powder or chalk is prohibited.

Determining factors: Other sites are not suited to this activity. Restrictions are for public safety.

Technical Rock Climbing:

Is allowed park-wide.

Use of motorized drills is prohibited.

Scraping, chiseling, and/or brushing the natural features of the rock is prohibited.

Determining factors: Motorized drills create noise, and have the potential to create widespread damage to rock surfaces. Altering the rock surfaces for non-safety related use unnecessarily damages the flora.

§                                                                            

§    The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:

Passenger carrying busses are subject to the following conditions/restrictions on all park roads within Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area:

Busses must shut down their engines when not underway.

NPS local shuttle bus vehicles and shuttle buses used at events as part of special park use permits are exempt when in-service.

Determining factors: The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park. Due to the nature of the service provided by the shuttle busses, they are excluded from the requirement.

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II.        36 CFR § 1.6 - ACTIVITIES that require a permit

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

·         §1.5(d) The following activities related to public use limits:

•   Group activities involving equipment rental, hiring of individuals, catering, or vehicle access to support areas beyond pedestrian gates.
• Activities or events that exceed group size limits.
• Activities which require NPS supervision or monitoring to help prevent impacts to resources or conflict with visitor uses.

·         §2.4(d)       Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net

·         §2.5(a)       Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)

·         §2.10(a)     The following camping activities:

§         Camping at Circle X Ranch Group Campground

·         §2.17(a)(3)  Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airbonre means.

·         §2.17(c)(1)  Removal of a downed aircraft

·         §2.37         Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services

·         §2.38(a)     Use, possess, store, or transport explosives or blasting agents

·         §2.38(b)     Use or possess fireworks

·         §2.50(a)     Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

·         §2.51(a)     Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

·         §2.52(c)     Sale or distribution of printed matter.

·         §2.60(b)     Livestock use   

·         §2.61(a)     Residing on federal lands

·         §2.62(a)     Erection of a monument

·         §2.62(b)     Memorialization – (Scattering ashes from human cremation)

·         §3.3           Use of a vessel 

·         §4.11(a)     Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits

·         §5.1           Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution)

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

·         §5.5(a)       Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of talent or actors, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television.

·         §5.5(b)       Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or professional models for the purpose of commercial advertising

§5.7           Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.  

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III.       GENERAL REGULATIONS

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(5)   The following conditions are in effect for walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing the listed archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues:

·         These activities may only be done on those resources where NPS-designated trails

exist.

(c)(1), (c)(2)      The following plants or plant parts may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in accordance with the noted size, quantity, collection sites and/or use or consumption restrictions:

·         One handful of mushrooms per person may be gathered for immediate personal use or consumption while within the park.

·         No unoccupied shells may be collected.

·         Fennel stems, native elderberries, black walnuts, hollyleaf cherries, mistletoe, chaparral, currant berries, blackberries, lemonade berries, sugarbush, rose hips, manzanita berries and gooseberries: limited to one handful per person for immediate personal use or onsumption while within the park.

Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined, with consultation from the Resource Management staff, that the allowable quantities will not adversely affect park wildlife, the reproductive potential of a plant species, or otherwise adversely affect park resources.   

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36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

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

·         In accordance with state law. 

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

·         All park areas

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36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING

(d)(8)   Fishing from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks is prohibited, except in designated areas:

·         at Paramount Ranch bridge.

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36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

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

·         Circle X Ranch Group Campground

A paid camping permit must be obtained for each campsite, prior to occupation, and presented to a park ranger or uniformed campground hostupon demand.

Checkout time and stay limits are as posted.

A maximum of 14 vehicles and/or 75 persons per group campsite.

Waste water must be dumped away from the campsite.

Permits may be immediately revoked by park rangers for violation of park regulations by any member of the camping party.

(d)       Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted in 36 CFR 2.10(d),for the following areas:

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36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

Areas Closed to Picnicking:      Circle X Ranch Group Campground.

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36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1)   Lighting or maintaining fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

Designated Areas:

·         Wood fires are prohibited except by special park use permit, or in fireplaces within park buildings.

·         Charcoal fires are permitted only in the Circle X Ranch Group Campground, picnic area, and basketball court, on the lawn at Paramount Ranch 10 feet from surrounding vegetation, on the lawn and cement patio at Peter Strauss Ranch 10 feet from surrounding vegetation, and at park residences and NPS administrative use sites.  

·         Candles, torches, tea lights, and/or other forms of open flames are prohibited except by special park use permit.

Receptacles Allowed:

Charcoal fires are allowed only in provided fire grates or in self-contained barbecues.

Established Conditions for Fires:

Charcoal fires are allowed only when there is a safe location available for the disposal of charcoal waste. Use of special cans for cold ash is encouraged where available. Disposal of ash and by-products into garbage cans is prohibited.

(a)(2)   The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:

·         While in use, stoves and lanterns must be located at least six feet from the closest vegetation. Lanterns may not be hung from trees or other vegetation.

·         Self-contained stoves (gas, propane, kerosene or canned heat) may be used for cooking in all areas.

(b)       Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:

·         Use of special cans for cold ash is encouraged where available. Disposal of ash and by-products into garbage cans is prohibited.

(c)       High fire danger closures will be in effect as noted, unless modified by the Fire Management Officer:

·         Upon the issuance of “Fire Weather Watch and/or Red Flag Warning” warnings as determined by county, state or federal fire officials, or when determined by the Superintendent, all fires are prohibited, including but not limited to:

§         outdoor smoking, including those otherwise provided for in special park use permits, and

§         all portable stoves and lanterns, including those otherwise provided for in special park use permits, and

§         all charcoal fires, including those otherwise provided for in special park use permits.

·         While the public will be notified when such restrictions exist, this may occur without prior public notice. Gas fires from installed systems inside recreational vehicles, buildings, and trailers are allowed at these times

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36 CFR §2.14 – SANITATION AND REFUSE

(a)(2) The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from private or municipal property, may be allowed under the following conditions:

·         Only as incidental to established park uses, or

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36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1)   The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

·         All park structures except as provided in (e)(5) below. This does not apply to service animals.

·         All areas off NPS-approved roads, parking lots and trails.

(a)(3) Pets may be tied to a fixed object only under the following conditions:

·         While in the presence of the owner.

·         At employees’ residences.

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

·         All solid pet excrement deposited within 1/4 mile of a trailhead must be collected and deposited in a waste receptacle.

(e)(5)   Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:

·         As specified in the park's housing management plan.

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36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

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

·         Horses, burros, mules and llamas.

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

·         Only on trails posted as open to horse or pack animals.  

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

·         Cross-country travel or off-trail use of horses and pack animals is prohibited.

·         Horses and pack animals are not permitted in the following areas: picnic areas, campsites, and lawn areas, unless under the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the superintendent, or as part of park administration activities.

·         Owners/handlers of pack animals must scatter or remove all manure dropped at trailheads and developed areas when loading and unloading them.

·         Tying horses or pack animals to trees or other plants is prohibited.

·         Tying horses or pack animals in any developed areas, including but not limited to, contact stations, buildings in the Paramount Ranch Western Town, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other heavy visitor use areas is prohibited. (Exceptions may be made under the terms and conditions of a special park use permit issued by the superintendent or where horse ties are provided by NPS.)

·         The galloping of horses and pack animals within NPS boundaries, except by permit or by park service personnel in emergencies or training, is prohibited.

·         Grazing of animals is prohibited.

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36 CFR §2.17 – AIRCRAFT AND AIR DELIVERY

(c)(1)   The removal of a downed aircraft, components, or parts thereof is allowed, subject to written authorizations from the superintendent, under the following terms and conditions:

·         In compliance with state, local and federal law under supervision of qualified specialists.

·         At a timeframe, and by bye byesuch manner and means as established by the superintendent through a permit.

·         Costs for damages to park resource values under 16 USC, Chapter 1, Subchapter III-B, §19jj will be determined and will be recovered by the park, including monitoring the removal of such aircraft.

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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 administered by the NPS.
• The boardwalks of the Paramount Ranch Western Town.

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36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2)   The following describes areas where property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours, and the conditions under which property may be left:

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36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

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

·         The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the administrative headquarters and information center, administrative offices, and visitor contact stations except under the terms and conditions of a special park use permit issued by the Superintendent. 

Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established.

·         Consumption and/or possession of open alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Satwiwa Natural Area and Satwiwa Cultural Center.

Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purpose for which it is maintained or established.

·         The consumption and/or possession of open alcoholic beverages is prohibited at trailheads and parking areas, and where posted.

Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that the diligent application of the authorities in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 2, section 2.34, have not, over a reasonable time period, alleviated the problem.

·         The consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the Carlisle Canyon Overlook Picnic Area (commonly known as Party Rock) and the Decker School Road site.

Determining factors: The Superintendent has determined that incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that the diligent application of the authorities in 36 CFR section 2.34, have not, over a reasonable time period, alleviated the problem.

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36 CFR §2.60--LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE

(a) Absent a permit, the running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing, or grazing of livestock of any kind in a park area for agricultural purposes is prohibited. Addtionally, a permit may only be issued in the following circumstances:

(a)(1) As specifically authorized by Federal statutory law; or

(a)(2) As required under a reservation of use rights arising from acquisition of a tract of land; or

(a)(3) As designated, when conducted as a necessary and integral part of a recreational activity or required in order to maintain a historic scene.

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36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(a)       Authorization from the Director of the National Park Service is required to install a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area.

(b)       A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains in the following areas, and/or according to the following terms and conditions:

·         The scattering of human ashes from cremation is allowed pursuant to the terms and

conditions of a permit as outlined below:

§         The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.

§         The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.

§                     The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the ground.

§         No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.

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36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING

(a)(1)   The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:

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36 CFR §4.10 – TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES

(a)       Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated in the following publications:

·         Official roads are those that are shown on the most current park’s map and guide brochure and the park’s site bulletins.

(b)       The following routes and/or areas, designated pursuant to special regulations, are open for off-road vehicle travel under the terms and conditions noted:

·         Fire roads may be used for administrative use only by vehicles authorized by the Superintendent, or due to administrative easements.

(c)(1)    Track-laying motor vehicles, or other motor vehicles equipped with a similar traction device may be operated on the following routes under the terms and conditions noted:

·         For administrative use only with the permission of the Superintendent.

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36 CFR §4.11 – VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS

(a)       The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:

·         Vehicles that exceed 70 feet in length or 80,000 pounds are prohibited from any park

road.

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36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(b)       The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

·         Speed limits on all park roads are as posted. The speed limit when not posted is 15 miles per hour.