50 CFR Part 26 — Public Entry and Use

PART 26—PUBLIC ENTRY AND USE Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i; Pub. L. 96-315 (94 Stat. 958) and Pub. L. 98-146 (97 Stat. 955). Source: 41 FR 9167, Mar. 3, 1976, unless otherwise noted. Subpart A—Introduction § 26.11 Purpose of regulations. The regulations in this part govern the circumstances under which the public can enter and use a national wildlife refuge. Subpart B—Public Entry § 26.21 General trespass provision. (a) No person shall trespass, including but not limited to entering, occupying, using, or being upon, any national wildlife refuge, except as specifically authorized in this subchapter C or in other applicable Federal regulations. (b) No unconfined domestic animals, including but not limited to dogs, hogs, cats, horses, sheep and cattle, shall be permitted to enter upon any national wildlife refuge or to roam at large upon such an area, except as specifically authorized under the provisions of § 26.34, § 27.91 or § 29.2 of this subchapter C. § 26.22 General exception for entry. (a) Any person entering or using any national wildlife refuge will comply with the regulations in this subchapter C, the provisions of any special regulations and any other official notification as is appropriate under § 25.31. (b) A permit shall be required for any person entering a national wildlife refuge, unless otherwise provided under the provisions of subchapter C. The permittee will abide by all the terms and conditions set forth in the permit. § 26.23 Exception for entry to the headquarters office. The headquarters office of any national wildlife refuge is open to public access and admission during regularly established business hours. § 26.24 Exception for entry when accompanied by refuge personnel. A permit is not required for access to any part of a national wildlife refuge by a person when accompanied by refuge personnel. § 26.25 Exception for entry to persons with an economic use privilege. Access to and travel upon a national wildlife refuge by a person granted economic use privileges on that national wildlife refuge should be restricted to a specified area in accordance with the provisions of their agreement, lease, or permit. § 26.26 Exception for entry for use of emergency shelter. A permit is not required for access to any national wildlife area for temporary shelter or temporary protection in the event of emergency conditions. § 26.27 Exception for entry on designated routes of travel. A permit is not required to enter, travel on, and exit from any national wildlife refuge on public waters and roads, and such roads, trails, footpaths, walkways, or other routes and areas which are designated for public use under the provisions of this subchapter C. Subpart C—Public Use and Recreation § 26.31 General provisions. Public recreation will be permitted on national wildlife refuges as an appropriate incidental or secondary use, only after it has been determined that such recreational use is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary objectives for which each particular area was established or with other authorized Federal operations. § 26.32 Recreational uses. Recreational uses such as, but not limited to, sightseeing, nature observation and photography, interpretive centers and exhibits, hunting and fishing, bathing, boating, camping, ice skating, picnicking, swimming, water skiing, and other similar activities may be permitted on national wildlife refuges. When such uses are permitted the public will be notified under the provisions of this subchapter C. § 26.33 Special regulations. (a) Special regulations shall be issued for public use, access, and recreation within certain individual national wildlife refuges where there is a need to amend, modify, relax or make more stringent the regulations contained in this subchapter C. The issued special regulations will supplement the provisions in this part 26. (b) Special recreational use regulations may contain the following items: (1) Recreational uses authorized. (2) Seasons, period, or specific time of use. (3) Description of areas open to recreation. (4) Specific conditions or requirements. (5) Other provisions. (6) Special regulations for public use, access, and recreation are published in the daily issue of the Federal Register § 26.34 What are the special regulations concerning public access, use, and recreation for individual national wildlife refuges? The following refuge units, listed in alphabetical order by State and unit name, have refuge-specific regulations for public access, use, and recreation. (a) Alabama Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats, including airboats, aircraft, boats with secondary fans, and hovercraft. (iii) We prohibit the use of personal watercraft or air-cooled propulsion engines outside of marked navigation channels. (iv) We prohibit the mooring or storing of boats from 1 1/2 1/2 (3) Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit airboats and hovercraft on all waters within the refuge boundaries. (iii) We prohibit inboard waterthrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes on all waters of the refuge except that portion of the Tennessee River and Flint Creek from its mouth to mile marker 3. (b) Arizona Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We designate all refuge waters as wakeless speed zones (as governed by State law) as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys. (iii) The nonmotorized watercraft launch and Central Arizona Project (CAP) peninsula are day-use only areas and are open from 1/2 1/2 (iv) We prohibit the possession or consumption of open containers of alcohol or the possession of glass beverage containers in improved areas, including the nonmotorized watercraft launch and the CAP peninsula. (2) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) The following conditions apply only on Topock Marsh: (A) We close designated portions to all entry from October 1 through the last day of the waterfowl hunt season (including the State junior waterfowl hunt). (B) We close designated portions to all entry from April 1 through August 31. These areas are indicated in refuge brochures and identified by buoys and or signs. (C) We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as governed by State law). (iii) The following conditions apply to all waters of the Colorado River within the refuge from the south regulatory buoy line to the north regulatory buoy line at Interstate 40 (approximately 17 miles (27.2 kilometers)): (A) We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as governed by State law) as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys in all backwaters. (B) We prohibit water-skiing, tubing, wake boarding, or other recreational-towed devices. (iv) The following conditions apply to improved areas within the refuge; improved areas consist of the Mesquite Bay areas, Castle Rock, the Diving Cliffs, Catfish Paradise, Five Mile Landing, and North Dike: (A) We prohibit entry of all motorized watercraft in all three bays of the Mesquite Bay areas as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys. (B) Improved areas are day-use only and are open from 1/2 1/2 (C) We prohibit the possession of open containers of alcohol or the possession of glass beverage containers in improved areas. (c) Arkansas Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (3) Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (4) Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow refuge users to leave boats 16 feet (4.8 meters) or less in length unattended overnight from March 1 to October 31, as long as the owner clearly and prominently displays his or her boat registration number. (5) Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) Campers may stay no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive-day period in any campground and must occupy camps daily. (iii) We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m. (6) Overflow National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (7) Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) You must unload all hunting firearms and crossbows (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) within 100 yards (90 meters) of a campground. (iii) We prohibit camping on the refuge while hunting off the refuge. (iv) We prohibit consumption or possession of opened container(s) of alcoholic beverage(s) in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds. (v) We prohibit fires outside of campgrounds. (vi) We prohibit geocaching. (d) California Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays). (iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads. (2) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays). (iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads. (3) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) You may use only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on designated motorless units from the start of the hunting season through November 30. You may use motorized boats on designated motorless units from December 1 through the end of hunting season. (4) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays). (iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads. (5) Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We open the refuge for day-use access from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 1 1/2 (iii) On Packer Lake and Drumheller North, due to primitive access, we only allow boats up to 14 feet (4.2 meters) and canoes. Electric motors only. (6) San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow only nonmotorized crafts at the Cullinan Ranch Unit and Dickson Ranch Unit launch sites. (7) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking areas on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closed on Federal holidays). (iii) You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas and vehicle access roads. (e)-(f) [Reserved] (g) Delaware Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (h) Florida Arthur R. Marshal Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. e.g., (ii) There is a 35 miles per hour (mph) speed limit in all waters of the refuge. A 500-foot (150-meter) “idle speed zone” is at each of the refuge's three boat ramps. (iii) We require all boats operating outside of the main perimeter canals (the L-40 Canal, L-39 Canal, L-7 Canal, and L-101 Canal) in interior areas of the refuge and within the hunt area to fly a 12-inch by 12-inch (30-centimeters (cm) by 30-cm) orange flag 10 feet (3 meters) above the vessel's waterline. (2) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of airboats on vegetation. (3) J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, or floating in the posted “no-motor zone” of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wilderness Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “no-motor zone.” (iii) We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, floating, or electric motors in the posted “pole/troll zone” of the Wulfert Flats Management Area. All non-electric motors must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “pole/troll zone.” (iv) We allow launching of canoes and kayaks anywhere on the right (north) side of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit launching motorized vessels over 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length from Wildlife Drive. Motorized vessels less than 14 feet (4.2 meters) in length may only be launched from designated site #2. (v) We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and “Go-Devil”-style outboard motors. (vi) Vessels must not exceed slow speed/minimum wake in refuge waters. (4) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We close the refuge between legal sunset and legal sunrise. (iii) We prohibit the use of airboats on the refuge. (5) Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (6) St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow use of hand-launched boats on impoundments on the St. Marks Unit from March 15 through October 15 each year. We prohibit launching of boats from trailers in the impoundments in the St. Marks Unit. We prohibit all gasoline-powered motors in the impoundments in the St. Marks Unit. (iii) You may not launch commercially registered boats, air-thrust boats, or personal watercraft at the saltwater boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit. We also prohibit commercial guides from launching any type of watercraft at the saltwater boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit. (iv) You may not launch air-thrust boats or personal watercraft from Wakulla Beach. We also prohibit commercial guides from launching any type of watercraft from Wakulla Beach. (7) St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. (i) We restrict camping and fires (see § 27.95(a) of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods. (ii) We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles (except bicycles). (iii) Visitors must observe quiet time in the campground between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity. (iv) We allow boats with electric motors. You must remove all other motors from the boats and secure them to a designated motor rack with a lock and chain. (v) We allow boats in refuge lakes from May 15 through September 30. (8) Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. e.g., (ii) We limit vessels to a maximum of 25 horsepower outboard motor. (i) Georgia Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (iii) We allow boat launching at the Stone Creek Boat Launch. During periods of high water, we allow boats to be launched from refuge roads normally open to vehicle traffic. We allow gasoline motors only during periods of high water as defined as a reading of 18 feet (5.5 meters) or higher at the Macon Gauge on the Ocmulgee River. (iv) We prohibit bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. We restrict bicycles to roads designated open to vehicles. (3) Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We only allow the use of 10 horsepower motors or less on the refuge. (iii) We prohibit paddleboarding, air boats, swimming, and wading. (iv) We require all boats to be off the water by posted time. (4) Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit bicycles on foot travel roads or off road. We restrict bicycles to gravel roads designated open to vehicles. (iii) We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking except in the designated campgrounds at Pippins Lake during quota deer hunts with a valid permit (state-issued). (iv) We allow alcoholic beverages only in the designated campground. (j) [Reserved] (k) Idaho Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 1/2 (ii) [Reserved] (2) Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (3) Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow boats on designated areas of Lake Walcott from April 1 through October 31. (l) Illinois Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the public entering Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach Unit of the refuge from October 16 through January 31. (iii) We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (2) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of boat motors of more than 10 horsepower on Devils Kitchen and Little Grassy Lakes. (iii) We prohibit the use of gas-powered motors in the southeastern section of Devils Kitchen Lake (consult lake zoning map in the refuge fishing brochure). (3) Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight. (4) Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) Motorboats must not exceed “no-wake” speeds. (5) Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. (A) Louisa Division—September 15 until January 1; (B) Horseshoe Bend Division—September 15 until December 1; and (C) Keithsburg Division—September 15 until January 1. (ii) [Reserved] (6) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. (m) Indiana Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow the use of kayaks and nonmotorized canoes on Richart Lake. (3) Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area. (ii) Motorboats must not exceed “no wake” speeds. (iii) We prohibit the use of powered airboats on the refuge. (n) Iowa Desoto National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. (o) Kansas Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow motorless boats in the Solomon Arm of Kirwin Reservoir from August 1 through September 30. (2) Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (p) Kentucky Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (q) Louisiana Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow only outboard motors 25 horsepower or less in waterways inside the hurricane protection levee. (2) Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless stated otherwise. (iii) We open the Franklin Unit canals (birdfoot canals) for motorized boats between April 15 and August 31. This unit is open to nonmotorized boats all year. (3) Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We open the refuge to public entry from 1/2 1/2 (4) Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 1/2 (ii) You may only launch boats at the concrete ramp adjacent to the visitor center. We prohibit launching boats with motors greater than 50 horsepower. (iii) We prohibit leaving boats or other equipment on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter). (iv) We require a boat launch fee. You must pay the launch fee before launching boat. (v) We prohibit crossing the water hyacinth booms in a boat or traveling over idle speed within the booms. (5) Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (6) Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow only nonpowered boats in the Bank Fishing Road waterways. (iii) We allow operation of outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and lakes. We allow only trolling motors in the marsh. (7) Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge. (iii) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge. (8) Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge. (iii) We prohibit air-thrust boats on the refuge. (iv) We prohibit boat launching by trailer from all refuge roads and parking lots except at designated boat ramps. (9) D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge overnight. (10) Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge. (iii) We allow only electric-powered or nonmotorized boats. (11) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow boats of all motor types with 40 horsepower or less in Lacassine Pool. (iii) We prohibit boats in Lacassine Pool and Unit D from October 16 through March 14. We prohibit boats in Units A and C. (iv) We prohibit air-thrust boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and Jet Skis on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter). (v) We prohibit dragging or driving of boats over levees. (vi) You must only launch trailered boats at the cement ramps at the public boat launches in Lacassine Pool. (vii) We only allow boats powered by paddling or trolling motors in the Unit D impoundment within Lacassine Pool. (12) Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Doomes Lake, Lake Long, Possum Bayou (south of boat ramp), and Lake Ophelia. (iii) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge. (iv) We prohibit overnight parking on the refuge. (13) Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit air-thrust boats or marsh buggies on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, and ponds. (14) Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow hand launching of small boats along Vastar Road (no trailers allowed). We allow hand launching of nonmotorized boats into Units 1A and 1B from Blue Crab Recreation Area for recreational paddling year-round. (iii) We allow operation of outboard motors in designated refuge canals only. We allow trolling motors within the refuge marshes. (iv) We prohibit air-thrust boats, personal motorized watercraft ( e.g., (v) We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge. (vi) We prohibit swimming and/or wading in the refuge canals and waterways. (15) Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow use of nonmotorized bicycles on designated all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails. (16) Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit launching boats from a trailer or from a nondesignated boat ramp within the Mollicy levee. (r) Maine Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. (A) At Brave Boat Harbor division on Chauncey Creek at the intersection of Cutts Island Road and Sea Point Road. (B) At Little River division at the end of Granite Point Road into the Little River. (C) At Spurwink River division on the upstream side of Route 77 at the old road crossing. (ii) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (s) Maryland Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of airboats on refuge waters. (2) Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (t)-(u) [Reserved] (v) Minnesota Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, environmental education, and other general recreational uses. (A) In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary,” we prohibit entry as specified on signs or maps (see § 32.42 of this chapter for list of areas and locations). (B) In areas posted and shown on maps as “Area Closed,” “Area Closed—No Motors,” and “No Hunting Zone” (Goose Island), we ask that you practice voluntary avoidance of these areas by any means or for any purpose from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck hunting season. In areas marked “no motors,” we prohibit the use of motors on watercraft from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck hunting season (see § 32.42 of this chapter for list of areas and locations). (C) Commercial tours and filming (see § 27.71 of this chapter) require a permit (FWS Form 3-1383-C) issued by the refuge or district manager. (D) We allow the collecting of edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, or other plant parts for personal use (no sale or barter allowed). We limit the amount you may collect to 2 gallons by volume per person, per day. We also allow the collecting of shed deer antlers for personal use. (E) We prohibit the harvest of wild rice; plant and animal specimens; and other natural objects, such as rocks, stones, or minerals (see § 27.21 of this chapter). We only allow the collection of plants or their parts for ornamental use by permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued by the refuge or district manager. (F) We prohibit all vehicle use on or across refuge lands at any time except on designated routes of travel or on the ice over navigable waters accessed from boat landings. We prohibit parking beyond vehicle control barriers or on grass or other vegetation. We prohibit parking or operating vehicles in a manner that obstructs or impedes any road, trail, fire lane, boat ramp, access gate, or other facility, or in a manner that creates a safety hazard or endangers any person, property, or environmental feature. We may impound any vehicle left parked in violation at the owner's expense (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter). (G) We allow dogs and other domestic animals on the refuge subject to the following conditions: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 (H) We prohibit the use or possession of glass food and beverage containers on lands within the refuge. (ii) Watercraft. (A) In areas posted and shown on maps as “Electric Motor Area,” we prohibit motorized vehicles and watercraft year-round except watercraft powered by electric motors or nonmotorized means. We do not prohibit the possession of watercraft motors in these areas, only their use. These areas are: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 (B) In areas posted and shown on maps as “Slow No Wake Area,” we require watercraft to travel at slow, no-wake speed (as governed by applicable State law) from March 16 through October 31. We also prohibit the operation of airboats or hovercraft in these areas from March 16 through October 31. These areas are: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 ( 6 ( 7 ( 8 (C) In water access and travel routes posted and shown on maps as “Slow No Wake Zone,” we require watercraft to travel at slow, no-wake speed (as governed by applicable State law) at all times unless otherwise posted. (D) In portions of Spring Lake and Crooked Slough—Lost Mound, Pool 13, Illinois, posted as “Slow, 5 mph When Boats Present” and marked on maps as “Speed/Distance Regulation,” we require watercraft operators to reduce the speed of their watercraft to less than 5 miles per hour (mph) (8 kilometers per hour (kph)) when within 100 feet (30 meters) of another watercraft that is anchored or underway at 5 mph (8 kph) or less. (E) We prohibit the mooring, beaching, or storing of watercraft on the refuge not used at least once every 24 hours. We define “used” as a watercraft moved at least 100 feet (30 meters) on the water with the operator on board. We prohibit the mooring of watercraft within 200 feet (60 meters) of refuge boat landings or ramps. We may impound any watercraft moored in violation at the owner's expense (see § 27.32 of this chapter). (F) The conditions set forth in paragraphs (v)(2)(i)(A), (B), and (K) of this section apply. (iii) Camping. (A) We define “camping” as: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 (B) We prohibit camping at any one site for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period. After 14 days, you must move all persons, property, equipment, and boats to a new site located at least 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) from the previous site. (C) We prohibit camping within 200 feet (60 meters) of any refuge boat landing, access area, parking lot, structure, road, trail, or other recreation or management facility. (D) We prohibit camping during waterfowl hunting seasons within areas posted “No Entry—Sanctuary,” “Area Closed,” “Area Closed—No Motors,” and “No Hunting Zone” or on any sites not clearly visible from the main commercial navigation channel of the Mississippi River (see § 32.42 of this chapter). (E) You must occupy campsites daily. We prohibit the leaving of tents, camping equipment, or other property unattended at any site for over 24 hours, and we may impound any equipment left in violation at the owner's expense. We define “occupy” and “attended” as being present at a site for a minimum of 2 hours daily. (F) You must remove any tables, fireplaces, or other facilities erected upon vacating a camping or day-use site. (G) We allow campfires in conjunction with camping and day-use activities subject to the following conditions (see §§ 27.95 and 32.42 of this chapter): ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 ( 4 ( 5 (H) The conditions set forth in paragraphs (v)(2)(i)(D) through (K) of this section apply. (w) Mississippi Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Hillside National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 (ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails from September 15 through February 28. (3) Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 (ii) [Reserved] (4) Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 (ii) Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending the last day of duck season, we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m. (5) Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 (ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails from September 15 through February 28. (6) Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 (ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails from September 15 through February 28. (7) Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (8) St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) as governed by State waterfowl management area (WMA) regulations and size specifications on designated trails from scouting season until February 28. (iii) You must be age 16 or older to operate an ATV or UTV on the refuge. (iv) We prohibit overnight parking. (9) Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge. 1/2 (ii) [Reserved] (x) [Reserved] (y) Montana Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (3) Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (4) Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (5) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Boats. (ii) Camping. (B) We restrict camping to 16 consecutive days within any 30-day period. (C) We prohibit horses in the campgrounds. (D) From March 1 to December 1, all bear attractants, including, but not limited to, food, garbage, and carcasses or parts thereof, must be acceptably stored at night (unless in immediate use) and during the day if unattended. Acceptably stored means any of the following: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 (z) Nebraska Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (3) Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District. (ii) [Reserved] (aa) Nevada Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of boats, rubber rafts, or other flotation devices on the North Marsh. (2) Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) During the boating season, we allow boats only on the South Marsh. From June 15 through July 31, we allow only motorless boats or boats with battery-powered electric motors. Anglers must remove all gasoline-powered motors. From August 1 through December 31, we allow only motorless boats and boats propelled with motors with a total of 10 horsepower or less. (iii) We allow launching of boats only from designated landings. (3) Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (4) Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit boats on Swan Lake, the northeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the north end of Pintail Bay. We allow the use of nonmotorized carts, sleds, floating blinds, and other floating devices in these areas to transport hunting equipment and to conceal hunters, but not to transport hunters. (iii) We only allow outboard motor boats on Lead Lake, Tule Lake, Goose Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, the southeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and south end of Pintail Bay. (iv) We only allow air-thrust boats on Goose Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, the southeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the south end of Pintail Bay. (v) You may not operate air-thrust boats until 1 hour after the legal shooting time on opening day of waterfowl season. (vi) We require air-thrust boat owners to get a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager and to display a number on their airboats. (vii) We allow nonmotorized boats on all lakes and bays except Swan Lake, the northeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the north end of Pintail Bay. (viii) We allow camping only in designated areas. (bb)-(dd) [Reserved] (ee) New York Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (ff) North Carolina Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit airboats, sailboats, Jet Skis, and windboards. (2) Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) You must unload and load boats by hand on all waters except those having designated launch ramps. (iii) We prohibit swimming. (3) Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit leaving a boat anywhere on the refuge overnight. (gg) North Dakota J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (3) Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We restrict boats to the period from May 1 through September 30. (4) Silver Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit water activities not related to fishing ( e.g., (5) Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), motor vehicles, and fish houses on the ice as conditions allow. (6) Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of amphibious vehicles or personal watercraft on the refuge. (hh) Ohio Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on refuge lands. (2) Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow nonmotorized boats and flotation devices in designated areas. (iii) We prohibit the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles on refuge lands. (ii) Oklahoma Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit boating on the closed portion of Sally Jones Lake from September 1 to March 31. (iii) We prohibit alcoholic beverages. (2) Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit airboats, hovercrafts, and personal watercraft ( e.g., (iii) We prohibit swimming and water sports. (3) Washita National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (4) Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) Anglers may use electric trolling motors on boats 14 feet or less in length only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, and French Lakes. (jj) Oregon Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit parking on the refuge after the refuge is closed to public entry. (2) Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (iii) We allow use of only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors. (3) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (4) McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (5) Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (6) Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. 1/4 (ii) [Reserved] (kk)-(ll) [Reserved] (mm) South Carolina Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow boats to operate in salt water. We prohibit motorized equipment on the refuge islands or in refuge inholdings. (iii) We prohibit private boats in the refuge boat basins at Garris Landing and Bulls Island. We clearly mark these areas with Closed Area signs. (iv) We prohibit overnight parking at Garris Landing, except for archery hunters during the designated refuge archery white-tailed deer season and individuals obtaining a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager. (v) We close Marsh Island, White Banks, and Sandy Point to public entry from February 15 through September 15 to protect nesting birds. This closed area extends from the low mean water mark to the highest elevation on these islands. (2) Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit swimming and wading in any areas of the refuge. (3) Santee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (iii) We prohibit overnight mooring of boats. (iv) We prohibit swimming and wading. (v) We allow pets only in designated areas, and they must remain on a leash or within vehicles/vessels. (vi) We prohibit nighttime access to boat-launching areas. (vii) We prohibit mooring or attaching boats to any refuge boundary marker, post, or navigational post within refuge waters. (viii) We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, airboats, and personal watercraft ( e.g., (nn) South Dakota LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit the use of internal combustion motors in Pools 3, 4, 7, and 10. (2) Sand Lake Wetland Management District. (ii) [Reserved] (oo) Tennessee Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic. (2) Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit swimming in refuge impoundments and from boat ramps and boat docks. (3) Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic. (iii) We allow the use of nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors only; we prohibit the use of gas and diesel motors on refuge lakes except in the waterfowl hunting area. (4) Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic. (iii) We allow boats with only electric or outboard motors of 10 horsepower or less. (5) Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic. (iii) We allow the use of only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area. (6) Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We allow horses only on roads open to motorized traffic. (iii) We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, or personal watercraft ( e.g., (7) Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit swimming in refuge impoundments and from boat ramps and boat docks. (pp) Texas Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) You may launch motorized boats in East Bay at the East Bay Boat Ramp on Westline Road and at the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp (boat canal). We prohibit the launching of airboats or personal watercraft on the refuge. (iii) You may launch nonmotorized boats only along East Bay Bayou and along the shoreline of East Galveston Bay. (2) Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (3) Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (4) Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit campfires in all public hunting areas and parking lots. (iii) We allow only nonmotorized boat launching at designated areas. (5) Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit boats and other floating devices on all open waters of Lake Texoma, except Big Mineral Creek from October 1 through March 14 annually. (iii) At the point where Big Mineral Creek joins Lake Texoma, Big Mineral Creek becomes a year-round no wake zone to the end of upstream navigable waters. (iv) From October 1 through March 14, we allow only nonmotorized boats in Big Mineral Creek from the point where it joins Lake Texoma to the upstream end of navigable waters. You may not have any type of gas or electric motor onboard that is capable of use. You may launch boats from a boat ramp only from L Pad Road or by hand at the Big Mineral Day Use Area. (6) Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (7) Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (8) McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation. (9) San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit campfires in all public hunting areas and parking lots. (10) Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation or motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation. (11) Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (qq)-(rr) [Reserved] (ss) Virginia Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Access: Qualifications and specifications. (B) As provided for in Public Law 98-146, up to 15 additional permits shall be granted to those persons meeting any one of the following conditions: ( 1 ( 2 ( 3 2 (C) The burden of proving that the prospective permittee meets these criteria shall be on the applicant by presentation of adequate documentation to the refuge manager. Permittees may be required to submit additional documentation of their eligibility to the refuge manager in order to maintain access. Permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) will be issued only to those who legally qualify for them. (D) Only one permit will be issued per family. All permits issued will be terminated in the event that alternate access becomes available during the permit period. (E) Permits are issued for the purpose of providing entry and exit across the refuge beach to the permittee's residence. Personal access is limited to permittees, and their families, relatives, and guests while being transported in the permittee's vehicle. “Personal access” means private, non-commercial use. Permits are not transferable by sale or devise. (F) All vehicle occupants must provide positive identification upon the request of any refuge official. (ii) Access: Routes of travel. (iii) Access: Number of trips allowed. (iv) Access: Hours of travel. (v) Access: Medical emergencies. (B) The vehicle operator is required to provide the refuge manager with a doctor's statement confirming the emergency within 36 hours after the access has occurred. (vi) Access: Military, fire, or emergency vehicles. (B) Vehicles used by an employee/agent of the Federal, State or local government, in the course of official duty other than for emergency purposes, may be granted access upon advance request to the refuge manager. (C) Continuous or recurring use of the refuge beach for other than emergency purposes shall require the issuance of a permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) from the refuge manager. (vii) Access: Public utility vehicles. (viii) Access: Essential commercial service vehicles. (B) “Commercial service vehicle” means any vehicle owned or operated by or on behalf of an individual, partnership, or corporation that is properly licensed to engage entirely in the business of furnishing emergency repair services, including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical, and repairs to household appliances. (C) The refuge manager, upon reasonable notification, will be able to authorize essential service/emergency repair access, outside the prescribed time periods, for emergency situations should they arise. (ix) False Cape State Park employees. (x) Access: Commercial fishermen, businesses, and their employees. (B) Other businesses who have verified that their business operations on the Outer Banks of Currituck County, North Carolina, have been dependent since 1972 on entry and exit to or across the refuge will be granted permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) for access in accordance with the limitations outlined in paragraph (ss)(1)(x)(A) of this section. (C) Each commercial fisherman or other business may be granted a maximum of five designated employees to travel the refuge beach for commercial fishing or other business-related purposes only. Commercial fishing employees may carry only other commercial fishing employees as passengers. Other business employees may carry only other employees of that business. The hauling of trailers associated with the conduct of commercial fishing or other business activities is authorized. (D) Employees of commercial fishermen and/or other businesses who apply for access permits (FWS Form 3-1383-G) shall have the burden of proving, by the presentation of appropriate documentation to the refuge manager, that they are an “employee” for purposes of this section. “Appropriate documentation” is defined as the submission of standardized and verifiable employment forms including: Signed W-2 and W-4 forms, IRS form #1099, official earnings statements for specified periods, employee income tax withholding submissions to State and Federal tax offices ( e.g., (xi) Access: Suspension or waiver of rules in this paragraph (ss)(1). (B) The refuge manager may make exceptions to access restrictions, if they are compatible with refuge purposes, for qualified permittees who have demonstrated to the refuge manager a need for additional access relating to health or livelihood. (C) The refuge manager may grant one-time use authorization for vehicular access through the refuge to individuals, not otherwise qualified in paragraph (ss)(1)(xi)(B) of this section, who have demonstrated to the refuge manager that there is no feasible alternative to the access requested. Authorization for access under this paragraph (ss)(1)(xi)(C) will not be based on convenience to the applicant. (xii) Access: Violation of rules in this paragraph (ss)(1). (xiii) Other access rules in this paragraph (ss)(1). (B) Vehicles shall be operated on the refuge beach only by the permittee or other authorized drivers. Permit holders shall not tow, transport, or operate vehicles owned by non-permit holders through the refuge. Non-commercial permit holders may tow utility and boat trailers when being used for their personal use only. Any towed vehicle shall have advance approval from the refuge manager prior to being brought through the refuge. The access privilege in this paragraph (ss)(1)(xiii)(B) is not to be used for any commercial purpose. (C) The refuge manager may prescribe restrictions as to the types of vehicles to be permitted to ensure public safety and adherence to all applicable rules and regulations. (D) A magnetic card will be issued to each authorized driver only for his or her operation of the computer-controlled gate. No more than two cards will be issued per family. Only one vehicle will be permitted to pass for each gate opening. Unauthorized use of the magnetic card may result in suspension of the permit. A fee will be charged to replace lost or misplaced cards. Malfunctioning cards will be replaced at no charge. (E) Access is granted for the purpose of travel to and from the permittee's residence and/or place of business. Access is not authorized for the purpose of transporting individuals for hire, or for the transport of prospective real estate clients to or from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or for any other purpose not covered by this paragraph (ss)(1). (xiv) General rules in this paragraph (ss)(1) Entry on foot, bicycle, or motor vehicle. (B) Beach-oriented uses. (C) Parking. (D) Fires. (E) Pets. (F) Sand dunes. (G) Groups. (H) Motorized vehicles. (2) [Reserved] (tt) Washington Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) The maximum speed limit is 5 miles per hour for boats in all refuge waters. (2) Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (3) Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (4) Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (iii) We allow only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on the WB-10 Pond (Wahluke Lake) and with walk-in access only. (5) McNary National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (6) Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (7) Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) We prohibit overnight parking. (8) Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (uu) [Reserved] (vv) Wisconsin Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. (2) [Reserved] (ww) Wyoming Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. (ii) [Reserved] (2) [Reserved] (xx) Information collection requirements. et seq. [84 FR 47660, Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 91 FR 1720, Jan. 15, 2026] Editorial Note: For Federal Register www.govinfo.gov. § 26.35 Cabin sites. (a) There shall be no new private cabin site permits issued for national wildlife refuges. All appropriate provisions of 43 CFR part 21 apply to the phaseout of existing permits on national wildlife refuges. (b) No new government owned cabin site permits for private recreational purposes shall be issued nor shall existing permits be renewed. § 26.36 Public assemblies and meetings. (a) Public meetings, assemblies, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of view may be permitted within a national wildlife refuge open to public use, provided a permit therefore has been issued by the refuge manager. (b) Any application for such permit shall set forth the name of the applicant, the date, time, duration, nature and place of the proposed event, an estimate of the number of persons expected to attend, and a statement of equipment and facilities to be used in connection therewith. (c) The refuge manager may issue a permit on proper application unless: (1) A prior application for the same time and place has been made which has been or will be granted; or (2) The activity will present a clear and present danger to public health or safety, or undue disturbance to the other users or resources of the area; or (3) The activity is of such nature that it cannot be reasonably accommodated in the particular national wildlife refuge; or (4) The activity conflicts with the purposes of the national wildlife refuge. (d) The permit may contain such conditions as are reasonably consistent with protection and use of the national wildlife refuge for the purpose for which it is maintained. It may also contain reasonable limitations on the time and area within which the activity is permitted. § 26.41 What is the process for determining if a use of a national wildlife refuge is a compatible use? The Refuge Manager will not initiate or permit a new use of a national wildlife refuge or expand, renew, or extend an existing use of a national wildlife refuge, unless the Refuge Manager has determined that the use is a compatible use. This section provides guidelines for making compatibility determinations, and procedures for documenting compatibility determinations and for periodic review of compatibility determinations. We will usually complete compatibility determinations as part of the comprehensive conservation plan or step-down management plan process for individual uses, specific use programs, or groups of related uses described in the plan. We will make all compatibility determinations in writing. (a) What information do we include in a compatibility determination? (1) The proposed or existing use; (2) The name of the national wildlife refuge; (3) The authorities used to establish the national wildlife refuge; (4) The purpose(s) of the national wildlife refuge; (5) The National Wildlife Refuge System mission; (6) The nature and extent of the use including the following: (i) What is the use? Is the use a priority public use?; (ii) Where would the use be conducted?; (iii) When would the use be conducted?; (iv) How would the use be conducted?; and (v) Why is the use being proposed?. (7) An analysis of costs for administering and managing each use; (8) The anticipated impacts of the use on the national wildlife refuge's purposes and the National Wildlife Refuge System mission; (9) The amount of opportunity for public review and comment provided; (10) Whether the use is compatible or not compatible (does it or will it materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the National Wildlife Refuge System mission or the purpose(s) of the national wildlife refuge); (11) Stipulations necessary to ensure compatibility; (12) A logical explanation describing how the proposed use would, or would not, materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the National Wildlife Refuge System mission or the purpose(s) of the national wildlife refuge; (13) The Refuge Manager's signature and date signed; and (14) The Regional Chief's concurrence signature and date signed. (15) The mandatory 10- or 15-year re-evaluation date. (b) Making a use compatible through replacement of lost habitat values or other compensatory mitigation. (c) Existing right-of-ways. (d) Termination of uses that are not compatible. [65 FR 62482, Oct. 18, 2000]

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