Bureau of Reclamation: Rules of Conduct

Synopsis: These are the full set of rules adopted by the Bureau of Reclamation regarding camping and other recreational activities on lands they manage.

These rules are codified in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations under…

• CFR Title 43. Public Lands: Interior
  • Subtitle B. Regulations Relating to Public Lands
    • Chapter I. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

PART 423—PUBLIC CONDUCT ON BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FACILITIES, LANDS, AND WATERBODIES

Authority:43 U.S.C. 373a and 373b.

Source:73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Purpose, Definitions, and Applicability


§ 423.1 Purpose.

The purpose of this part is to maintain law and order and protect persons and property within Reclamation projects and on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 


§ 423.2 Definitions of terms used in this part.

Aircraft   means a device that is: 

(1) Used or intended to be used for flight in the air; 

(2) Capable of carrying a pilot, a payload, and/or passengers; 

(3) Controlled either by onboard crew or remotely; and/or 

(4) Identified by the Federal Aviation Administration as: general aviation aircraft, bush planes, seaplanes, float planes, ski planes, gliders, and helicopters, including those that are float/ski-equipped, variations of model aircraft, and unmanned or uncrewed aircraft systems. 

Archaeological resource   means any material remains of past human life or activities which are of archaeological interest, as determined under 43 CFR part 7, including, but not limited to, pottery, basketry, bottles, weapons, projectiles, tools, structures or portions of structures, pit houses, rock paintings, rock carvings, intaglios, graves, human remains, or any portion of any of the foregoing items. Archaeological resources are a component of cultural resources. 

Authorized official   means the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation and those Federal, State, local, and tribal officials, and agencies to which the Commissioner has delegated specific and limited authorities to enforce and implement this part 423. 

Camping   means erecting a tent or shelter; preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use; parking a motor vehicle, motor home, or trailer; or mooring a vessel for the intended or apparent purpose of overnight occupancy. 

Closed   means a prohibition to all public access. 

Cultural resource   means any man-made or associated prehistoric, historic, architectural, sacred, or traditional cultural property and associated objects and documents that are of interest to archaeology, anthropology, history, or other associated disciplines. Cultural resources include archaeological resources, historic properties, traditional cultural properties, sacred sites, and cultural landscapes that are associated with human activity or occupation. 

Explosive   means any device or substance that can be ignited or detonated to produce a violent burst of gas and/or other materials, including, but not limited to, blasting caps and detonatable fireworks and pyrotechnics. This definition does not include fuel and ammunition when properly transported and used. 

Firearm   means: 

(1) Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; 

(2) The frame or receiver of any such weapon; and 

(3) Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer. 

Fishing   means taking or attempting to take, by any means, any fish, mollusk, or crustacean found in fresh or salt water. 

Geophysical discovery device   means any mechanism, tool, or equipment including, but not limited to, metal detectors and radar devices, that can be used to detect or probe for objects beneath land or water surfaces. 

Historic property   means any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included on, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places, including artifacts, records, and material remains related to such a property or resource. 

Hunting   means taking or attempting to take wildlife by any means, except by trapping or fishing. 

Museum property   means personal property acquired according to some rational scheme and preserved, studied, or interpreted for public benefit, including, but not limited to, objects selected to represent archaeology, art, ethnography, history, documents, botany, paleontology, geology, and environmental samples. 

Natural resources   means assets or values related to the natural world, including, but not limited to, plants, animals, water, air, soils, minerals, geologic features and formations, fossils and other paleontological resources, scenic values, etc. Natural resources are those elements of the environment not created by humans. 

Off-road vehicle   means any motorized vehicle (including the standard automobile) designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or natural terrain. The term excludes all of the following: 

(1) Nonamphibious registered motorboats; 

(2) Military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement vehicles when used for emergency purpose; 

(3) Self-propelled lawnmowers, snowblowers, garden or lawn tractors, and golf carts while being used for their designed purpose; 

(4) Agricultural, timbering, construction, exploratory, and development equipment and vehicles while being used exclusively as authorized by permit, lease, license, agreement, or contract with Reclamation; 

(5) Any combat or combat support vehicle when used in times of national defense emergencies; 

(6) “Official use” vehicles; 

(7) Wheelchairs and carts designed and used for transporting persons with disabilities; and 

(8) Electric bikes  as defined and codified at 43 CFR part 420. 

Operator   means a person who operates, drives, controls, has charge of, or is in actual physical control of any mode of transportation or other equipment. 

Permit   means any written document issued by an authorized official pursuant to subpart D of this part 423 authorizing a particular activity with specified time limits, locations, and/or other conditions. 

Person   means an individual, entity, or organization. 

Pet   means a domesticated animal other than livestock. (“Livestock” is any hoofed animal used for agricultural, riding, pulling, or packing purposes.) 

Public use limit   means any limitation on public uses or activities established by law or regulation. 

Real property   means any legal interest in land and the water, oil, gas, and minerals in, on, and beneath the land surface, together with the improvements, structures, and fixtures located thereon. 

Reclamation   means the Bureau of Reclamation, United States Department of the Interior. 

Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies   means Reclamation facilities, Reclamation lands, and Reclamation waterbodies. 

Reclamation facility   means any facility constructed or acquired under Federal reclamation law that is situated on Reclamation lands and is used or occupied by Reclamation under a lease, easement, right-of-way, license, contract, or other arrangement. The term includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that are under the jurisdiction of or administered by Reclamation: dams, powerplants, buildings, switchyards, transmission lines, recreation facilities, fish and wildlife facilities, pumping plants, and warehouses. 

Reclamation lands   means any real property under the jurisdiction of or administered by Reclamation, and includes, but is not limited to, all acquired and withdrawn lands and lands in which Reclamation has a lease interest, easement, or right-of-way. 

Reclamation project   means any water supply, water delivery, flood control, or hydropower project, together with any associated facilities for fish, wildlife, recreation, or water treatment constructed or administered by Reclamation under the Federal reclamation laws (the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093; 43 U.S.C. 371 et seq.), and Acts supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof). 

Reclamation waterbody   means any body of water situated on Reclamation lands or under Reclamation jurisdiction. 

Refuse   means any human or pet waste, litter, trash, garbage, rubbish, debris, contaminant, pollutant, waste liquid, or other discarded materials. 

Sacred site   means any specific, discrete, or narrowly delineated location on Federal land that is identified by an Indian tribe, or Indian individual determined to be an appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion, as sacred by virtue of its established religious significance to, or ceremonial use by, an Indian religion; provided that the tribe or appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion has informed the land managing agency of the existence of such a site. 

Special use area   means an area at or within a Reclamation facility, or an area of Reclamation lands or waterbodies, in which special rules for public conduct apply that may differ from those established in subpart C of this part 423. A special use area must be established by an authorized official as provided in subpart E of this part 423. 

State and local laws   means the laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes, and court decisions of a State and of the counties, municipalities, or other governmental entities which are enabled by statute and vested with legislative authority. 

Traditional cultural property   means a discretely defined property that is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places because of its association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that: 

(1) Are rooted in that community's history; and 

(2) Are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community. 

Trapping   means taking, or attempting to take, wildlife with a snare, trap, mesh, wire, or other implement, object, or mechanical device designed to entrap, ensnare, or kill animals, including fish. 

Vehicle   means every device in, upon, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on land, whether moved by mechanical, animal, or human power, including, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, mini-bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles, trailers, campers, bicycles, and those used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks; except wheelchairs used by persons with disabilities. 

Vessel   means any craft that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on or under water or ice, including, but not limited to, powerboats, cruisers, houseboats, sailboats, airboats, hovercraft, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, ice yachts, or personal watercraft. Inner tubes, air mattresses, and other personal flotation devices are not considered vessels. A seaplane may be considered a vessel. 

Weapon   means a firearm or any other instrument or substance designed, used, or which can be used to cause or threaten to cause pain, injury, or death. 

Wildlife   means any non-domestic member of the animal kingdom and includes a part, product, egg, offspring, or dead body or part thereof, including, but not limited to, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, whether or not bred, hatched, or born in captivity. 

You   means a person or entity on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80991, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.3 When does this part apply?

(a) This part and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws apply to all persons on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, with the following exceptions: 

(1) Certain exceptions apply to Federal, State, local, and contract employees, as further addressed in paragraph (b) of this section. 

(2) Certain exceptions apply to non-Federal entities, as further addressed in paragraph (c) of this section; 

(3) Certain exceptions apply on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies administered by other Federal agencies, as further addressed in paragraph (d) of this section; and 

(4) Certain exceptions apply on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies subject to treaties and Federal laws concerning tribes and Indians, as further addressed in paragraph (e) of this section. 

(b) This part does not apply to: 

(1) Federal, State, and local law enforcement, fire, and rescue personnel in the performance of their official duties on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies; 

(2) An employee or agent of the Federal, State, or local government, or other political subdivision, when the employee or agent is carrying out official duties; or 

(3) An employee or agent of an entity that has entered into a contract or agreement with Reclamation to administer, operate, maintain, patrol, or provide security for Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, when the employee or agent is working within the scope of the defined activities described in the contract or agreement. 

(c) If a non-Federal entity has assumed responsibility for operating, maintaining, or managing Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies through a contract or other written agreement, public conduct in and on those Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies will be regulated by this part 423 as well as any regulations established by the entity, the terms of the entity's contract with Reclamation, and applicable Federal, State, and local law. 

(d) Public conduct on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies administered by other Federal agencies under statute or other authority will be governed by the regulations of those agencies rather than this part 423. However, Reclamation retains the authority to take necessary actions to safeguard the security and safety of the public and such Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 

(e) This part applies on all Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies that are subject to Treaties with, and Federal laws concerning the rights of, federally recognized tribes, and individual Indians who are members thereof, to the extent that this part is consistent with those Treaties and Federal laws. 

(f) This part 423 and other Federal laws will govern over any conflicting regulations of a non-Federal entity. 


Subpart B—Areas Open and Closed to Public Use


§ 423.10 What areas are open to public use?

All Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies are open to lawful use by the public unless they are closed to public use under this subpart B of this part 423, or as provided by 43 CFR part 420, Off-Road Vehicle Use. 


§ 423.11 What areas are closed to public use?

The following Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, or portions thereof, are closed to public use: 

(a) Those that were closed to public use as of April 17, 2006, as evidenced by fencing, gates, barriers, locked doors, road closures, signage, posting of notices, or other reasonably obvious means, as provided in § 423.14; 

(b) Those that are closed after April 17, 2006 under § 423.12; 

(c) Those that are closed periodically and regularly under § 423.13; and 

(d) Those that are closed to off-road vehicle use pursuant to 43 CFR part 420. 


§ 423.12 How will Reclamation notify the public of additional closed areas?

(a) Non-emergency situations.  In non-emergency situations, an authorized official must provide 30 days advance public notice before closing all or portions of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. The notice must include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the locale of the Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies to be closed. Non-emergency situations covered by this section include: 

(1) Protection and security of Reclamation facilities and of Reclamation's employees and agents; 

(2) Protection of public health and safety, cultural resources, natural resources, scenic values, or scientific research activities; 

(3) Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of Reclamation projects; 

(4) Reduction or avoidance of conflicts among visitor use activities; 

(5) National security; or 

(6) Other reasons in the public interest. 

(b) Emergency situations.  In emergency situations where delay would result in significant and immediate risks to public safety, security, or other public concerns, an authorized official may close all or portions of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies without advance public notice. 


§ 423.13 How will Reclamation establish periodic and regular closures?

Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies that are closed periodically and regularly, regardless of the date of the initial closure, must be noticed as provided in § 423.12(a) only once, and at any time the schedule of closure is changed. 


§ 423.14 How will Reclamation post and delineate closed areas at the site of the closure?

Before or at the time of closing all or portions of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies to public use, the responsible authorized official must indicate the closure by: 

(a) Locked doors, fencing, gates, or other barriers; 

(b) Posted signs and notices at conspicuous locations, such as at normal points of entry and at reasonable intervals along the boundary of the closed area; or 

(c) Other reasonably obvious means including, but not limited to, onsite personal contact with a uniformed official. 


§ 423.15 How will Reclamation document closures or reopenings?

(a) The authorized official must document the reason(s) for establishing any closure or reopening that occurs after April 17, 2006. The official must do this before the closure or reopening, except in the situations described in § 423.12(b). In such situations, the authorized official must complete the documentation as soon as practicable. 

(b) Documentation of a closure must cite one or more of the conditions for closure described in § 423.12 of this part. 

(c) Documentation of closures or reopenings will be available to the public upon request, except when the release of this documentation could result in a breach of national security or the security of Reclamation facilities. 


§ 423.16 Who can be exempted from closures?

(a) You may be exempted from a closure, subject to any terms and conditions established under paragraph (c) of this section, by written authorization from the authorized official who effected or who is responsible for the closure, if you are: 

(1) A person with a license or concession agreement that requires you to have access to the closed Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; 

(2) An owner or lessee of real property, resident, or business in the vicinity of closed Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies who cannot reasonably gain access to your property, residence, or place of business without entering and crossing such closed Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or 

(3) A holder of a permit granting you an exemption from the closure issued under subpart D of this part 423 by the authorized official who effected or who is responsible for the closure. 

(b) You may request exemption from a closure by writing to the authorized official who effected or who is responsible for the closure. You need not do so if you have such an exemption in effect on April 17, 2006. 

(c) An authorized official may establish terms and conditions on any exemption from a closure, or terminate such exemption, for any of the reasons listed in § 423.12. 


§ 423.17 How will Reclamation reopen closed areas?

An authorized official may reopen to public use any Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, or portions thereof. The authorized official may do this at any time with advance or subsequent public notice, except as required by other statute or regulation, and must document the reopening as provided in § 423.15. 


§ 423.18 Use of closures.

Closures are to be used only where all public access is to be prohibited. Special use areas are to be used to restrict specific activities as set forth in subpart E of this part 423. 


Subpart C—Rules of Conduct


§ 423.20 General rules.

(a) You must obey all applicable Federal, State, and local laws whenever you are at or on any Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. 

(b) You must comply with all provisions of this subpart C whenever you are at or on any Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, except as specifically provided by: 

(1) A permit issued by an authorized official under subpart D of this part 423; 

(2) A contract with Reclamation or agency managing Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies; 

(3) The rules established by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423; or 

(4) A right-of-use issued under 43 CFR part 429. 


§ 423.21 Responsibilities.

(a) You are responsible for finding, being aware of, and obeying all applicable laws and regulations, as well as notices and postings of closed and special use areas established by an authorized official under subpart B and subpart E of this part 423. 

(b) You are responsible for the use of any device, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft you own, lease, or operate on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. You may be issued a citation for a violation of regulations, including non-compliance with limitations, restrictions, closures, or special use areas applicable to the use of any device, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft as provided in this part as the owner, lessee, or operator. 

(c) You are responsible for the use and treatment of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, and the cultural resources, wildlife, and other natural resources located thereon, by you and those for whom you are legally responsible. This presumption is sufficient to issue a citation to you for violation of provisions of these regulations by you or by those for whom you are legally responsible. 

(d) The regulations governing permits, other use authorizations, and fees on Reclamation lands that are found in subpart D of this part 423 apply to your use of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 

(e) You must furnish identification information upon request by a law enforcement officer. 

(f) You must pay applicable fees established by Federal, State, or local government recreation management entities, or contracted vendors for activities on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies such as, but not limited to, camping, boating, parking, day-use, or visitor tours. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80991, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.22 Interference with agency functions and disorderly conduct.

(a) You must not assault, threaten, disturb, resist, intimidate, impede, or interfere with any employee or agent of Federal, State, or local government engaged in an official duty. 

(b) You must comply with any lawful order of an authorized government employee or agent for the purpose of maintaining order and controlling public access and movement during law enforcement actions and emergency or safety-related operations. 

(c) You must not knowingly give a false report or other false information to an authorized government employee or agent. 

(d) You must not interfere with, impede, or disrupt the authorized use of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies or impair the safety of any person. 

(e) The following acts constitute disorderly conduct and are prohibited: 

(1) Fighting, or threatening or violent behavior; 

(2) Language, utterance, gesture, display, or act that is obscene, physically threatening or menacing, or that is likely to inflict injury or incite an immediate breach of the peace; 

(3) Unreasonable noise, considering the nature and purpose of the person's conduct, location, time of day or night, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances; 

(4) Creating or maintaining a hazardous or physically offensive condition; or 

(5) Any other act or activity that may cause or create public alarm, nuisance, or bodily harm. 


§ 423.23 Abandonment and impoundment of personal property.

(a) You must not abandon personal property of any kind in or on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. 

(b) You must not store or leave unattended personal property of any kind. 

(1) Unattended personal property is presumed to be abandoned: 

(i) After a period of 24 hours; 

(ii) At any time after a posted closure takes effect under subpart B of this part 423; or 

(iii) At any time for reasons of security, public safety, or resource protection. 

(2) If personal property is presumed abandoned, an authorized official may impound it, store it, and assess a reasonable impoundment fee. 

(3) The impoundment fee must be paid before the authorized official will return the impounded property to you. 

(c) An authorized official may impound or destroy unattended personal property at any time if it: 

(1) Interferes with safety, operation, or management of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or 

(2) Presents a threat to persons or Reclamation project resources. 

(d) An authorized official may dispose of abandoned personal property in accordance with the procedures contained in title 41 CFR and applicable Reclamation and Department of the Interior policy. 


§ 423.24 Trespassing.

You must not trespass on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. Trespass includes any of the following acts: 

(a) Unauthorized possession or occupancy of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; 

(b) Personal entry, presence, or occupancy on or in any portion or area of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies that have been closed to public use pursuant to subpart B of this part 423; 

(c) Unauthorized extraction or disturbance of natural or cultural resources located on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; 

(d) Unauthorized conduct of commercial activities on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; 

(e) Holding unauthorized public gatherings on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or 

(f) Unauthorized dumping or abandonment of personal property on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. 


§ 423.25 Vandalism, tampering, and theft.

(a) You must not tamper or attempt to tamper with, move, manipulate, operate, adjust, or set in motion property not under your lawful control or possession including, but not limited to, vehicles, equipment, controls, recreational facilities, and devices. 

(b) You must not destroy, injure, deface, damage, or unlawfully remove property not under your lawful control or possession. 

(c) You must not drop, place, throw, or roll rocks or other items inside, into, down, or from, dams, spillways, dikes, or other structures and facilities. 


§ 423.26 Public events and gatherings.

You must not conduct public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other events without a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423. Public gatherings that involve the possession or occupancy of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies are governed by 43 CFR part 429. 


§ 423.27 Advertising and public solicitation.

(a) You must not engage in advertising or solicitation on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies except as allowed under valid contract with Reclamation, or as allowed by a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part. 

(b) It is prohibited to sell or rent private goods, including personal property, or represent others in the selling or renting of personal property, on Reclamation property unless specifically authorized under permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part. 

[88 FR 80991, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.28 Memorials and reburials.

(a) Memorials.  You must not bury, deposit, or scatter human remains (except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section), or place memorials, markers, vases, or plaques on or in Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. See § 423.35 for information on animal remains. 

(b) Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) reburials.  You must not rebury human remains on or in Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies unless permitted under subpart D of this part. An Indian Tribe official or the lineal descendants of federally recognized Tribes may apply for a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part to rebury NAGPRA (25 U.S.C. 3001–3013) human remains or cultural items (funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony) on or in Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. 

[88 FR 80991, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.29 Natural and cultural resources.

(a) You must not destroy, injure, deface, remove, search for, disturb, or alter natural resources or cultural resources, including abandoned buildings or structures, on or in Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies except in accordance with § 423.29(g) and other applicable Federal, State, and local laws. 

(b) You must not introduce wildlife, fish, or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into Reclamation lands and waterbodies. 

(c) You must not drop, place, throw, or roll rocks or other items inside, into, at, or down, caves, caverns, valleys, canyons, mountainsides, thermal features, or other natural formations. 

(d) You may bring firewood to or gather dead wood on Reclamation lands for fires as allowed under § 423.31. You must not damage or remove any live tree or part thereof except with proper authorization under 43 CFR part 429. 

(e) You must not walk on, climb, enter, ascend, descend, or traverse cultural resources on Reclamation lands, including monuments or statues, except as specifically allowed in special use areas designated by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423. 

(f) You must not possess a metal detector or other geophysical discovery device, or use a metal detector or other geophysical discovery techniques to locate or recover subsurface objects or features on Reclamation lands, except: 

(1) When transporting, but not using, a metal detector or other geophysical discovery device in a vehicle on a public road as allowed under applicable Federal, State, and local law; or 

(2) As allowed by a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423. 

(g) You may engage in renewable natural resource gathering activities such as picking berries and mushrooms, collecting antlers, and other similar activities as regulated by this part 423 and other applicable Federal, State, and local laws. 


§ 423.30 Weapons, firearms, explosives, and fireworks.

(a) You may possess firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other projectile firing devices on Reclamation lands and waterbodies, provided the firearm, ammunition, or other projectile firing device is stowed, transported, and/or carried in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local law, with the following exceptions: 

(1) You must not have a weapon in your possession when at or in a Reclamation facility. 

(2) You must comply with any prohibitions or regulations applicable to weapons in a special use area established by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423. 

(b) You must not discharge or shoot a weapon unless you are: 

(1) Using a firearm or other projectile firing device lawfully for hunting or fishing as allowed under § 423.32, or at an authorized shooting or archery range; and 

(2) In compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local law. 

(c) You must not use or possess explosives, or fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type, except as allowed by a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423, or in special use areas so designated by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423. 

(d) In recreation facilities or areas operated through contracts or other agreements by a managing recreation partner agency from another Federal, State, local, or Tribal governmental entity, such as a State park, the laws, ordinances, and regulations of those partner agencies pertaining to possession and use of firearms shall be enforced by those partner agencies. However, Reclamation retains the authority to take necessary actions to safeguard the security and safety of the public and such Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80991, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.31 Fires and flammable material.

(a) You must not leave a fire unattended, and it must be completely extinguished before your departure. 

(b) You must not improperly dispose of lighted smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, matches, or other burning material. 

(c) You must not burn materials that produce toxic fumes, including, but not limited to, tires, plastic, flotation materials, or treated wood products. 

(d) You must not transport gasoline and other fuels in containers not designed for that purpose. 

(e) You must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local fire orders, restrictions, or permit requirements. 


§ 423.32 Hunting, fishing, and trapping.

(a) You may hunt, fish, and trap in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and subject to the restrictions of § 423.30, in areas where both of the following conditions are met: 

(1) The area is not closed to public use under subpart B of this part 423; and 

(2) The area has not been otherwise designated by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423. 

(b) You must comply with any additional restrictions pertaining to hunting, fishing, and trapping established by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423. 


§ 423.33 Camping.

(a) You may camp on Reclamation lands, except that you must comply with any restrictions, conditions, limitations, or prohibitions on camping established by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423. 

(b) Camping stay limits are as follows: 

(1) You must not camp on Reclamation lands at any single Reclamation recreation facility such as a campground for more than 14 days during any period of 30 consecutive days, except as allowed by permit issued under subpart D of this part. 

(2) You must not camp in a single location on Reclamation lands, including undeveloped project lands or open range for more than 14 days during any period of 30 consecutive days, and must move at least 10 miles after each 14-day period is reached, except as allowed by permit issued under subpart D of this part. 

(c) You must not attempt to reserve a campsite for future use by placing equipment or other items on the campsite, or by personal appearance, without camping on and paying the required fees for that campsite daily. 

(d) You must not camp on or place any equipment at a campsite that is posted or otherwise marked as “reserved” or “closed” by an authorized official without a valid reservation for that campsite, except as allowed by a permit issued under subpart D of this part 423. 

(e) You must not dig in or level any ground, or erect any structure other than a tent, in a designated campground. 

(f) Where recreation facilities or other areas of Reclamation lands and waterbodies are operated through a contract or other agreement by a managing recreation partner of another Federal, State, local, or Tribal governmental entity, such as a State park, the laws, ordinances, and regulations of those partner agencies pertaining to camping shall be enforced by those partner agencies. However, Reclamation retains the authority to take necessary actions to safeguard the security and safety of the public and such Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80991, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.34 Sanitation.

(a) You must not bring or improperly dispose of refuse on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. Both the owner and the person bringing or disposing refuse may be issued a citation for violating this provision. 

(b) Campers, picnickers, and all other persons using Reclamation lands must keep their sites free of trash and litter during the period of occupancy and must remove all personal equipment and clean their sites before departure. 

(c) You must not place or construct a toilet or latrine such that its lowest point is lower than the high water mark of any Reclamation waterbody, or within 150 feet horizontally of the high water mark of any Reclamation waterbody. 


§ 423.35 Animals.

(a) You must not bring pets or other animals into public buildings, public transportation vehicles, or sanitary facilities. This provision does not apply to properly trained animals assisting persons with disabilities, such as seeing-eye dogs. 

(b) You must not abandon any animal on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, or harass, endanger, or attempt to collect any animal except game you are attempting to take in the course of authorized hunting, fishing, or trapping. 

(c) Any unauthorized, unclaimed, or unattended animal on Reclamation lands may be: 

(1) Removed in accordance with Federal law, and applicable State and local laws; and 

(2) Confined at a location designated by an authorized official, who may assess a reasonable impoundment fee that must be paid before the impounded animal is released to its owner. 

(d) The following animals are prohibited and are subject to removal in accordance with Federal law, and applicable State and local laws: 

(1) Captive wild or exotic animals (including, but not limited to, cougars, lions, bears, bobcats, wolves, and snakes), except as allowed by a permit issued under subpart D of this part 423; and 

(2) Any pets or animals displaying vicious or aggressive behavior or posing a threat to public safety or deemed a public nuisance. 

(e) You must not bury, deposit, or scatter animal remains, or place memorials, markers, vases, or plaques on or in Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. This section does not apply to the burial of parts of fish or wildlife taken in legal hunting, fishing, or trapping. 

(f) Where recreation facilities or other areas of Reclamation lands and waterbodies are operated through a contract or other agreement by a managing recreation partner of another Federal, State, local, or Tribal governmental entity, such as a State park, the laws, ordinances, and regulations of those partner agencies pertaining to animals and pets shall be enforced by those partner agencies. However, Reclamation retains the authority to take necessary actions to safeguard the security and safety of the public and such Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.36 Swimming.

(a) You may swim, wade, snorkel, scuba dive, raft, or tube at your own risk in Reclamation waters, except: 

(1) You may not swim past signs, fences, buoys, or barriers marking public access limits to, or within, 100 yards of Reclamation structures including, but not limited to, dams, powerplants, pumping plants, spillways, water conveyance gates, intake structures, stilling basins, and outlet works; 

(2) In canals, laterals, siphons, tunnels, and drainage works; 

(3) At public docks, launching sites, and designated mooring areas; or 

(4) As otherwise delineated by signs or other markers. 

(b) You must display an international diver down, or inland diving flag in accordance with State and U.S. Coast Guard guidelines when engaging in any underwater activities. 

(c) You must not dive, jump, or swing from dams, spillways, bridges, cables, towers, or other structures. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.37 Activities on iced waterbodies.

(a) You must not tow persons on skis, sleds, or other sliding devices with a motor vehicle or snowmobile, except that you may tow sleds designed to be towed behind snowmobiles if joined to the towing snowmobile with a rigid hitching mechanism, and you may tow disabled snowmobiles by any appropriate means. 

(b) On iced-over Reclamation waterbodies, you must not ice skate, ice fish, ice sail, walk, ride, drive a vehicle, or otherwise move past buoys or barriers marking public access limits to, or come within 100 yards of, Reclamation structures including, but not limited to, dams, powerplants, pumping plants, spillways, water conveyance gates, intake structures, stilling basins, and outlet works. 

(c) You must comply with all other posted restrictions. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.38 Operating vessels on Reclamation waters.

(a) You must comply with Federal, State, and local laws applicable to the operation of a vessel, other watercraft, or seaplane on Reclamation waters, and with any restrictions established by an authorized official. 

(b) You must not operate a vessel, other watercraft, or seaplane in an area closed to the public. 

(c) You must observe restrictions established by signs, buoys, and other regulatory markers. 

(d) You must not operate a vessel, or knowingly allow another person to operate a vessel, in a reckless or negligent manner, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger a person, property, natural resource, or cultural resource. 

(e) You must not operate a vessel when impaired or intoxicated under the standards established by applicable State and local law. 

(f) You must not occupy a vessel overnight, except where otherwise designated under applicable Federal, State, or local law, or where otherwise designated by an authorized official in a special use area. 

(g) You must not use a vessel as a place of habitation or residence. 

(h) You must remove your vessels from Reclamation lands and waters when not in actual use for a period of more than 24 hours, unless they are securely moored or stored at special use areas so designated by an authorized official. 

(i) You must not attach or anchor a vessel to structures such as locks, dams, regulatory or navigational buoys, or other structures not designed for such purpose. 

(j) You must display an international diver down, or inland diving flag in accordance with State and U.S. Coast Guard guidelines when operating a vessel involved in any underwater activities. 

(k) You may engage in towing activities, including, but not limited to, waterskiing and tubing, only during daylight hours and subject to any applicable Federal, State, and local law. 


§ 423.39 Standards for vessels.

(a) All vessels on Reclamation waters must: 

(1) Be constructed and maintained in compliance with the standards and requirements established by, or promulgated under, Title 46 United States Code, and any applicable State and local laws and regulations; 

(2) Have safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, on board in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard boating safety requirements and in compliance with applicable State and local boating safety laws and regulations; and 

(3) If motorized, have and utilize a proper and effective exhaust muffler as defined by applicable State and local laws. Actions or devices which render exhaust mufflers ineffective are prohibited. 

(b) Owners or operators of vessels not in compliance with this § 423.39 may be required to remove the vessel immediately from Reclamation waterbodies until items of non-compliance are corrected. 


§ 423.40 Vehicles.

(a) When operating a vehicle on Reclamation lands and Reclamation projects, you must comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and with posted restrictions and regulations. Operating any vehicle through, around, or beyond a restrictive sign, recognizable barricade, fence, or traffic control barricade, is prohibited. 

(b) You must not park a vehicle in violation of posted restrictions and regulations, or in a manner that would obstruct or impede normal or emergency traffic movement or the parking of other vehicles, create a safety hazard, or endanger any person, property, or natural feature. Vehicles so parked are subject to removal and impoundment at the owner's expense. 

(c) You must not operate any vehicle, or allow another person to operate a vehicle in your control, in a careless, negligent or reckless manner that would endanger any person, property, natural resource, or cultural resource. 

(d) In addition to the regulations in this part, the regulations governing off-road-vehicle use in 43 CFR part 420 apply. 


§ 423.41 Aircraft.

(a) You must comply with any applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and with any additional requirements or restrictions established by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423, with respect to aircraft landings, takeoffs, and operation on or in the proximity of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. Pilots are responsible for awareness of all applicable laws, regulations, requirements, and restrictions. This paragraph does not apply to pilots engaged in emergency rescue or in the official business of Federal, State, or local governments or law enforcement agencies, or who are forced to land due to circumstances beyond the pilot's control. 

(b) Aircraft flight altitudes are as follows: 

(1) You must not operate any aircraft within 400 feet near or over dams, powerplants, electrical switchyards, pumping plants, spillways, stilling basins, gates, intake structures, outlet works, warehouses, offices, maintenance facilities, campgrounds, gate houses, control houses, or other occupied recreation or operations facilities without prior approval by an authorized official. 

(2) You must not operate any aircraft on or above Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies in a careless, negligent, or reckless manner so as to endanger or harass persons or wildlife or pose a risk to infrastructure or natural or cultural resources. 

(c) Temporary flight restrictions are as follows: 

(1) You must not operate an aircraft on or above Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies in violation of a temporary flight restriction established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) without prior approval by an authorized officer. 

(2) This section does not provide authority to deviate from Federal or State regulations, or prescribed standards, including, but not limited to, regulations and standards concerning pilot certifications or ratings and airspace requirements. 

(d) Except in extreme emergencies threatening human life or serious property loss, you must not use non-standard boarding and loading procedures to deliver or retrieve people, material, or equipment by parachute, balloon, helicopter, or other aircraft. 

(e) You must comply with all applicable FAA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations (14 CFR parts 1, 61, and 91 and 33 CFR part 104, respectively) when operating a float/ski-equipped aircraft, including seaplanes, on Reclamation waterbodies. 

(f) You must securely moor any float/ski-equipped aircraft, including seaplanes, remaining on Reclamation waterbodies in excess of 24 hours at mooring facilities and locations designated by an authorized official. Float/ski-equipped aircraft, including seaplanes, may be moored for periods of less than 24 hours on Reclamation waterbodies, except in special use areas otherwise designated by an authorized official, provided: 

(1) The mooring is safe, secure, and accomplished so as not to damage the rights of the Government or the safety of persons; and 

(2) The operator remains in the vicinity of the float/ski-equipped aircraft, including seaplanes, and is reasonably available to relocate the aircraft if necessary. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.42 Gambling.

Commercial gambling in any form, or the operation of gambling devices, is prohibited on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies unless authorized by applicable treaties or Federal, State, and local laws or regulations. 


§ 423.43 Alcoholic beverages.

You must not possess or consume alcoholic beverages in violation of Federal, State, or local law, or the rules of a special use area established by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423. 


§ 423.44 Controlled substances.

You must not possess, consume, deliver, or be under the influence of, controlled substances included in schedules I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812) on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, unless the controlled substance was legally obtained through a valid prescription or order. 


Subpart D—Authorization of Otherwise Prohibited Activities


§ 423.50 How can I obtain permission for prohibited or restricted uses and activities?

(a) Authorized officials may issue permits to authorize activities on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies otherwise prohibited or restricted by §§ 423.16(a)(3), 423.26, 423.27, 423.28(b), 423.29(f), 423.30(c), 423.33(d), 423.35(d)(1), and 423.41, and may terminate or revoke such permits for non-use; noncompliance with the terms of the permit; violation of any applicable law; or to protect the health, safety, or security of persons, Reclamation assets, or natural or cultural resources. 

(b) You may apply for permission to engage in activities otherwise prohibited or restricted by the sections listed in paragraph (a) of this section. You may apply to the authorized official responsible for the area in which your activity is to take place, and this authorized official may grant, deny, or establish conditions or limitations on this permission. 

(c) You must pay all required fees and properly display applicable permits, passes, or receipts. 

(d) You must not violate the terms and conditions of a permit issued by an authorized official. Any such violation is prohibited and may result in suspension or revocation of the permit, or other penalties as provided in subpart F of this part 423, or both. 

(e) You must, upon request by a law enforcement officer, security guard, or other government employee or agent acting within the scope of their official duties, display any permit authorizing your presence or activity on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


Subpart E—Special Use Areas


§ 423.60 How special use areas are designated.

(a) After making a determination under paragraph (b) of this section, an authorized official may: 

(1) Establish special use areas within Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies for application of reasonable schedules of visiting hours; public use limits; and other conditions, restrictions, allowances, or prohibitions on particular uses or activities that vary from the provisions of subpart C of this part, except § 423.28(a); and 

(2) From time to time revise the boundaries of a previously designated special use area and revise or terminate previously imposed schedules of visiting hours; public use limits; and other conditions, restrictions, allowances, or prohibitions on a use or activity. 

(b) Before taking action under paragraph (a) of this section, an authorized official must make a determination that action is necessary for: 

(1) The protection of public health and safety; 

(2) The protection and preservation of cultural and natural resources; 

(3) The protection of environmental and scenic values, scientific research, the security of Reclamation facilities, the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities; or 

(4) Other reasons in the public interest. 

(c) An authorized official establishing a special use area must document in writing the determination described in paragraph (b) of this section. Such documentation must occur before the action, except in emergencies or situations of immediate need as described in § 423.61(c), in which case the documentation is required within 30 days after the date of the action. Reclamation will make documents produced under this section available to the public upon request except where such disclosure could compromise national or facility security, or human safety. 

[73 FR 75349, Dec. 11, 2008, as amended at 88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


§ 423.61 Notifying the public of special use areas.

When establishing, revising, or terminating a special use area, Reclamation must notify the public as required by this section. 

(a) What notices must contain.  The notice must specify: 

(1) The location of the special use area; and 

(2) The public use limits, conditions, restrictions, allowances, or prohibitions on uses and activities that are to be applied to the area or that are to be revised or terminated. 

(b) How notice must be made.  Reclamation must notify the public at least 15 days before the action takes place by one or more of the following methods: 

(1) Signs posted at conspicuous locations, such as normal points of entry and reasonable intervals along the boundary of the special use area; 

(2) Maps available in the local Reclamation office and other places convenient to the public; 

(3) Publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected area; or 

(4) Other appropriate methods, such as the use of electronic media, brochures, and handouts. 

(c) When notice may be delayed. 

(1) Notice under this section may be delayed in an emergency or situation of immediate need where delaying designation, revision, or termination of a special use area would result in significant risk to: 

(i) National security; 

(ii) The safety or security of a Reclamation facility, Reclamation employees, or the public; or 

(iii) The natural or cultural environment. 

(2) If the exception in paragraph (c)(1) of this section applies, Reclamation must comply with paragraph (b) of this section within 30 days after the effective date of the designation. 

(3) Failure to meet the notice deadlines in paragraphs (b) or (c)(2) of this section will not invalidate an action, so long as Reclamation meets the remaining notification requirements of this section. 

(d) When advance notice is not required.  Advance notice as described in paragraph (b) of this section is not required if all the following conditions are met: 

(1) The action will not result in a significant change in the public use of the area; 

(2) The action will not adversely affect the area's natural, esthetic, scenic, or cultural values; 

(3) The action will not require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the area; and 

(4) The action is not highly controversial. 


§ 423.62 Reservations for public use limits.

To implement a public use limit, an authorized official may establish a registration or reservation system. 


§ 423.63 Existing special use areas.

Areas where rules were in effect on April 17, 2006, that differ from the rules set forth in subpart C of this part are considered existing special use areas, and such differing rules remain in effect to the extent allowed by subpart A of this part, and to the extent they are consistent with § 423.28(a). For those existing special use areas, compliance with §§ 423.60 through 423.62 is not required until the rules applicable in those special use areas are modified or terminated. 

[88 FR 80992, Nov. 21, 2023]


Subpart F—Violations and Sanctions


§ 423.70 Violations.

(a) When at, in, or on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, you must obey and comply with: 

(1) Any closure orders established under subpart B of this part 423; 

(2) The regulations in subpart C of this part 423; 

(3) The conditions established by any permit issued under subpart D of this part 423; and 

(4) The regulations established by an authorized official in special use areas under subpart E of this part 423. 

(b) Violating any use or activity prohibition, restriction, condition, schedule of visiting hours, or public use limit established by or under this part 423 is prohibited. 

(c) Any continuous or ongoing violation of these regulations constitutes a separate violation for each calendar day in which it occurs. 


§ 423.71 Sanctions.

Under section (1)(a) of Public Law 107–69, you are subject to a fine under chapter 227, subchapter C of title 18 United States Code (18 U.S.C. 3571), or can be imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both, if you violate: 

(a) The provisions of this part 423; or 

(b) Any condition, limitation, closure, prohibition on uses or activities, or public use limits, imposed under this part 423.