50 CFR Part 25

e-CFR data is current as of September 1, 2020
Title 50 → Chapter I → Subchapter C → Part 25
Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries
PART 25—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Contents
Subpart A—Introduction
§25.11 Purpose of regulations.
§25.12 What do these terms mean?
§25.13 Other applicable laws.
Subpart B—Administrative Provisions
§25.21 When and how do we open and close areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System
to public access and use or continue a use?
§25.22 Lost and found articles.
§25.23 What are the general regulations and information collection requirements?
Subpart C—Public Notice
§25.31 General provisions.
Subpart D—Permits
§25.41
§25.42
§25.43
§25.44
§25.45

Who issues refuge permits?
Permits required to be exhibited on request.
Who may terminate or revoke a permit and why?
How do we grant permits for easement area uses?
Appeals procedure.

Subpart E—Fees and Charges
§25.51
§25.52
§25.53
§25.54
§25.55
§25.56
§25.57

General provisions.
Designation.
Establishment of single visit entrance fees.
Posting and public notification.
Refuge admission permits.
Enforcement.
Exceptions and exemptions.

Subpart F—Concessions
§25.61 General provisions.

Subpart G—Safety Regulations
§25.71 Public safety.
§25.72 Reporting of accidents.
A
Stat. 1961.

S

: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, and 715i, 3901 et seq.; and Pub. L. 102-402, 106

: 41 FR 9166, Mar. 3, 1976, unless otherwise noted.

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Subpart A—Introduction
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§25.11 Purpose of regulations.
(a) The regulations in this subchapter govern general administration of units of the
National Wildlife Refuge System, public notice of changes in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
policy regarding Refuge System units, issuance of permits required on Refuge System units
and other administrative aspects involving the management of various units of the National
Wildlife Refuge System. The regulations in this subchapter apply to areas of land and water
held by the United States in fee title and to property interests in such land and water in less
than fee, including but not limited to easements. For areas held in less than fee, the
regulations in this subchapter apply only to the extent that the property interest held by the
United States may be affected. The regulations in this subchapter also apply to and govern
those areas of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal over which management responsibility has been
transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Act of
1992 (Pub. L. 102-402, 106 Stat. 1961), before their establishment as a refuge and inclusion
in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(b) All national wildlife refuges are maintained for the primary purpose of developing a
national program of wildlife and ecological conservation and rehabilitation. These refuges are
established for the restoration, preservation, development and management of wildlife and
wildlands habitat; for the protection and preservation of endangered or threatened species and
their habitat; and for the management of wildlife and wildlands to obtain the maximum benefits
from these resources.
[41 FR 9166, Mar. 3, 1976, as amended at 51 FR 7574, Mar. 5, 1986; 62 FR 47375, Sept. 9, 1997]

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§25.12 What do these terms mean?
(a) As used in the rules and regulations in this subchapter:
Authorized official means any Federal, State or local official empowered to enforce
provisions of this subchapter C.

Big game means large game animals, including moose, elk, caribou, reindeer, musk ox,
deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pronghorn, bear, and peccary, or such species as the
separate States may so classify within their boundaries.
Compatibility determination means a written determination signed and dated by the
Refuge Manager and Regional Chief, signifying that a proposed or existing use of a national
wildlife refuge is a compatible use or is not a compatible use. The Director makes this
delegation through the Regional Director.
Compatible use means a proposed or existing wildlife-dependent recreational use or any
other use of a national wildlife refuge that, based on sound professional judgment, will 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.
Comprehensive conservation plan means a document that describes the desired future
conditions of a refuge or planning unit and provides long-range guidance and management
direction to achieve the purposes of the refuge; helps fulfill the mission of the Refuge System;
maintains and, where appropriate, restores the ecological integrity of each refuge and the
Refuge System; helps achieve the goals of the National Wilderness Preservation System; and
meets other mandates.
Conservation, and Management mean to sustain and, where appropriate, restore and
enhance, healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants utilizing, in accordance with
applicable Federal and State laws, methods and procedures associated with modern scientific
resource programs. Such methods and procedures include, consistent with the provisions of
the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee),
protection, research, census, law enforcement, habitat management, propagation, live
trapping and transplantation, and regulated taking.
Coordination area means a wildlife management area made available to a State by
cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a State agency having
control over wildlife resources pursuant to section 4 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(16 U.S.C. 664 or by long-term leases or agreements pursuant to title III of the BankheadJones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1010 et seq.). The States manage coordination areas but
they are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The compatibility standard does not
apply to coordination areas.
Director means the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the authorized
representative of such official.
Easement means a less than fee interest in land or water acquired and administered by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of maintaining fish and wildlife habitat.
Fish, Wildlife, and Fish and wildlife mean any member of the animal kingdom in a wild,
unconfined state, whether alive or dead, including a part, product, egg, or offspring of the
member.

Migratory bird means and refers to those species of birds listed under §10.13 of this
chapter.
National wildlife refuge, and Refuge mean a designated area of land, water, or an interest
in land or water located within the National Wildlife Refuge System but does not include
coordination areas.
National Wildlife Refuge System, and System mean all lands, waters, and interests
therein administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as wildlife refuges, wildlife ranges,
wildlife management areas, waterfowl production areas, coordination areas, and other areas
for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife including those that are threatened with
extinction as determined in writing by the Director or so directed by Presidential or Secretarial
order. The determination by the Director may not be delegated.
National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and System mission mean to administer a
national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where
appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the
United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Nontoxic shot means steel shot or other shot approved pursuant to 50 CFR 20.134.
Plant means any member of the plant kingdom in a wild, unconfined state, including any
plant community, seed, root, or other part of a plant.
Purpose(s) of the refuge means the purposes specified in or derived from the law,
proclamation, executive order, agreement, public land order, donation document, or
administrative memorandum establishing, authorizing, or expanding a national wildlife refuge,
national wildlife refuge unit, or national wildlife refuge subunit. For refuges that encompass
Congressionally designated wilderness, the purposes of the Wilderness Act are additional
purposes of the wilderness portion of the refuge.
Refuge management activity means an activity conducted by the Service or a Serviceauthorized agent to fulfill one or more purposes of the national wildlife refuge, or the National
Wildlife Refuge System mission. Service-authorized agents include contractors, cooperating
agencies, cooperating associations, refuge support groups, and volunteers.
Refuge management economic activity means a refuge management activity on a
national wildlife refuge which results in generation of a commodity which is or can be sold for
income or revenue or traded for goods or services. Examples include: Farming, grazing,
haying, timber harvesting, and trapping.
Regional Chief means the official in charge of the National Wildlife Refuge System within
a Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the authorized representative of such official.
Refuge Manager means the official directly in charge of a national wildlife refuge or the
authorized representative of such official. In the case of a national wildlife refuge complex, this
refers to the official directly in charge of the complex.

Refuge use, and Use of a refuge mean a recreational use (including refuge actions
associated with a recreational use or other general public use), refuge management economic
activity, or other use of a national wildlife refuge by the public or other non-National Wildlife
Refuge System entity.
Regional Director means the official in charge of a Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service or the authorized representative of such official.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior or the authorized representative of such
official.
Service, We, and Us mean the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.
Sound professional judgment means a finding, determination, or decision that is
consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, available
science and resources, and adherence to the requirements of the National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), and other applicable laws.
Included in this finding, determination, or decision is a refuge manager's field experience and
knowledge of the particular refuge's resources.
State, and United States mean one or more of the States of the United States, Puerto
Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the territories and possessions of the
United States.
Waterfowl production area means any wetland or pothole area acquired pursuant to
section 4(c) of the amended Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act (72 Stat. 487; 16 U.S.C.
718d(c)), owned or controlled by the United States and administered by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Wildlife-dependent recreational use, and Wildlife-dependent recreation mean a use of a
national wildlife refuge involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or
environmental education and interpretation. The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), specifies that these are the six priority
general public uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Wildlife management area means a general term used in describing a variety of areas
that are managed for wildlife purposes which may be included in the National Wildlife Refuge
System.
You means the public.
(b) Unless otherwise stated the definitions found in 50 CFR 10.12 also apply to all of
subchapter C of this title 50.
[41 FR 9166, Mar. 3, 1976, as amended at 51 FR 7574, Mar. 5, 1986; 60 FR 62040, Dec. 4, 1995; 64
FR 14150, Mar. 24, 1999; 65 FR 62480, Oct. 18, 2000]

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§25.13 Other applicable laws.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to relieve a person from any other
applicable requirements imposed by a local ordinance or by a statute or regulation of any
State or of the United States.
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Subpart B—Administrative Provisions
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§25.21 When and how do we open and close areas of the National Wildlife Refuge
System to public access and use or continue a use?
(a) Except as provided below, all areas included in the National Wildlife Refuge System
are closed to public access until and unless we open the area for a use or uses in accordance
with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee),
the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) and this subchapter C. See 50
CFR 36 for details on use and access restrictions, and the public participation and closure
process established for Alaska national wildlife refuges. We may open an area by regulation,
individual permit, or public notice, in accordance with §25.31 of this subchapter.
(b) We may open a national wildlife refuge for any refuge use, or expand, renew, or
extend an existing refuge use only after the Refuge Manager determines that it is a compatible
use and not inconsistent with any applicable law. Lands subject to the patent restrictions
imposed by Section 22(g) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act are subject to the
compatibility requirements of Parts 25 and 26 of 50 CFR except as otherwise provided in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(1) We will complete compatibility determinations for uses of Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act 22(g) lands in compliance with the following requirements:
(i) Refuge managers will work with 22(g) landowners in implementation of these
regulations. The landowners should contact the Refuge Manager in advance of initiating a use
and request a compatibility determination. After a compatibility determination is requested,
refuge managers have no longer than ninety (90) days to complete the compatibility
determination and notify the landowner of the finding by providing a copy of the compatibility
determination or to inform the landowner of the specific reasons for delay. If a refuge manager
believes that a finding of not compatible is likely, the Refuge Manager will notify the landowner
prior to rendering a decision to encourage dialog on how the proposed use might be modified
to be compatible.
(ii) Refuge managers will allow all uses proposed by 22(g) landowners when the Refuge
Manager determines the use to be compatible with refuge purposes.
(iii) Compatibility determinations will include only evaluations of how the proposed use
would affect the ability of the refuge to meet its mandated purposes. The National Wildlife

Refuge System mission will not be considered in the evaluation. Refuge purposes will include
both pre-ANILCA purposes and those established by ANILCA, so long as they do not conflict.
If conflicts arise, ANILCA purposes will take precedence.
(iv) A determination that a use is not compatible may be appealed by the landowner to the
Regional Director. The appeal must be submitted in writing within forty-five (45) days of receipt
of the determination. The appeals process provided for in 50 CFR 36.41(i) (3) through (5) will
apply.
(v) Compatibility determinations for proposed uses of 22(g) lands will only evaluate the
effects of the use on the adjacent refuge lands, and the ability of that refuge to achieve its
purposes, not on the effects of the proposed use to the 22(g) lands.
(vi) Compatibility determinations for 22(g) lands that a use is compatible are not subject to
re-evaluation unless the use changes significantly, significant new information is made
available that could affect the compatibility determination, or if requested by the landowner.
(vii) Refuge comprehensive conservation plans will not include 22(g) lands, and
compatibility determinations affecting such lands will not to be automatically re-evaluated
when the plans are routinely updated.
(viii) Refuge special use permits will not be required for compatible uses of 22(g) lands.
Special conditions necessary to ensure a proposed use is compatible may be included in the
compatibility determination and must be complied with for the use to be considered
compatible.
(c) The Refuge Manager may temporarily allow or initiate any refuge use without making
a compatibility determination if necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or any
fish or wildlife population.
(d) When we add lands to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Refuge Manager will
identify, prior to acquisition, withdrawal, transfer, reclassification, or donation of those lands,
existing wildlife-dependent recreational public uses (if any) determined to be compatible that
we will permit to continue on an interim basis, pending completion of the comprehensive
conservation plan for the national wildlife refuge. We will make these compatibility
determinations in accordance with procedures in §26.41 of this subchapter.
(e) In the event of a threat or emergency endangering the health and safety of the public
or property or to protect the resources of the area, the Refuge Manager may close or curtail
refuge uses of all or any part of an opened area to public access and use in accordance with
the provisions in §25.31, without advance notice. See 50 CFR 36.42 for procedures on closing
Alaska national wildlife refuges.
(f) We will re-evaluate compatibility determinations for existing wildlife-dependent
recreational uses when conditions under which the use is permitted change significantly, or if
there is significant new information regarding the effects of the use, or concurrently with the
preparation or revision of a comprehensive conservation plan, or at least every 15 years,

whichever is earlier. In addition, a refuge manager always may re-evaluate the compatibility of
a use at any time.
(g) Except for uses specifically authorized for a period longer than 10 years (such as
right-of-ways), we will re-evaluate compatibility determinations for all existing uses other than
wildlife-dependent recreational uses when conditions under which the use is permitted change
significantly, or if there is significant new information regarding the effects of the use, or at
least every 10 years, whichever is earlier. In addition, a refuge manager always may reevaluate the compatibility of a use at any time.
(h) For uses in existence on November 17, 2000 that were specifically authorized for a
period longer than 10 years (such as right-of-ways), our compatibility re-evaluation will
examine compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization, not the authorization
itself. We will frequently monitor and review the activity to ensure that the permittee carries out
all permit terms and conditions. However, the Service will request modifications to the terms
and conditions of these permits from the permittee if the Service determines that such
changes are necessary to ensure that the use remains compatible. After November 17, 2000
no uses will be permitted or re-authorized, for a period longer than 10 years, unless the terms
and conditions for such long-term permits specifically allows for modifications to the terms and
conditions, if necessary to ensure compatibility. We will make a new compatibility
determination prior to extending or renewing such long-term uses at the expiration of the
authorization. When we prepare a compatibility determination for re-authorization of an
existing right-of-way, we will base our analysis on the existing conditions with the use in place,
not from a pre-use perspective.
(i) When we re-evaluate a use for compatibility, we will take a fresh look at the use and
prepare a new compatibility determination following the procedure outlined in 50 CFR 26.41.
[65 FR 62481, Oct. 18, 2000]

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§25.22 Lost and found articles.
Lost articles or money found on a national wildlife refuge are to be immediately turned in
to the nearest refuge office.
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§25.23 What are the general regulations and information collection requirements?
The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information collection
requirements contained in subchapter C, parts 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 36 under 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and assigned the following control numbers: 1018-0102 for National
Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit Applications and Reports; 1018-0140 for Hunting and
Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges; and 1018-0153
for National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Check-In Permit and Use Report. We collect information to
assist us in administering our programs in accordance with statutory authorities that require

that recreational or other uses be compatible with the primary purposes for which the areas
were established. Send comments on any aspect of these forms or the information collection
requirements to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
1849 C Street NW., MS 2042-PDM, Washington, DC 20240.
[79 FR 14822, Mar. 17, 2014]

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Subpart C—Public Notice
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§25.31 General provisions.
Whenever a particular public access, use or recreational activity of any type whatsoever,
not otherwise expressly permitted under this subchapter, is permitted on a national wildlife
refuge or where public access, use, or recreational or other activities previously permitted are
curtailed, the public may be notified by any of the following methods, all of which supplement
this subchapter C:
(a) Official signs posted conspicuously at appropriate intervals and locations;
(b) Special regulations issued under the provisions of §26.33 of this subchapter C.
(c) Maps available in the office of the refuge manager, regional director, or area director,
or
(d) Other appropriate methods which will give the public actual or constructive notice of
the permitted or curtailed public access, use, or recreational activity.
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Subpart D—Permits
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§25.41 Who issues refuge permits?
We authorize the refuge manager of the facility where an activity is to take place to issue
permits required by this subchapter C unless the regulations in this subchapter C require the
applicant to obtain the applicable permit from the Director or Secretary. In those situations, the
refuge manager will so inform the applicant, giving the applicant all necessary information as
to how and where to apply.
[67 FR 58942, Sept. 18, 2002]

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§25.42 Permits required to be exhibited on request.

Any person on a national wildlife refuge shall upon request by any authorized official
exhibit the required Federal or State permit or license authorizing their presence and activity
on the area and shall furnish such other information for identification purposes as may be
requested.
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§25.43 Who may terminate or revoke a permit and why?
The refuge manager may terminate or revoke a permit at any time for noncompliance with
the terms of the permit or of the regulations in this subchapter C; for nonuse; for violation of
any law, regulation, or order applicable to the refuge; or to protect public health or safety or the
resources of a national wildlife refuge.
[67 FR 58943, Sept. 18, 2002]

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§25.44 How do we grant permits for easement area uses?
(a) The provisions of this subsection shall govern the regulation of activities that affect
easement interests acquired by the United States. All other provisions of subchapter C shall
apply to activities within such easement areas, but only to the extent that those provisions are
directly or indirectly related to the protection of those easement interests expressly acquired
by the United States which are specified in the easement agreement itself, and are not
inconsistent with the provisions of this subsection.
(b) We require permits for use of easement areas administered by us where proposed
activities may affect the property interest acquired by the United States. Applications for
permits will be submitted in writing to the Regional Director or a designee. We may grant
special use permits to owners of servient estates, or to third parties with the owner's
agreement, by the Regional Director or a designee, upon written determination that such
permitted use is compatible. If we ultimately determine that the requested use will not affect
the United States' interest, the Regional Director will issue a letter of non-objection.
(c) In instances where the third applicant is a governmental entity which has acquired a
partial interest in the servient estate by subsequent condemnation, a special use permit may
be granted to the governmental entity without the servient estate owner's agreement if the
regional director or his or her designee determines:
(1) The permitted use is compatible; and
(2) The permitted use is consistent with the partial property interests obtained through
condemnation.
(d) Regulations pertaining to rights-of-way in easement areas are contained in 50 CFR
part 29.21.
[51 FR 7575, Mar. 5, 1986, as amended at 65 FR 62482, Oct. 18, 2000]

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§25.45 Appeals procedure.
(a) Who may appeal. Any person who is adversely affected by a refuge manager's
decision or order relating to the person's permit granted by the Service, or application for
permit, within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This section does not apply to permits or
applications for rights-of-way. See §29.22 for the hearing and appeals procedure on rights-ofway.
(b) Preliminary procedure. Prior to making any adverse decision or order on a permit or
application for permit, the refuge manager shall notify the permittee or applicant orally or in
writing of the proposed action and its effective date. The permittee or applicant shall have
twenty (20) days after notification in which to present to the refuge manager, orally or in
writing, a statement in opposition to the proposed action or date. The permittee or applicant
shall be notified in writing within twenty (20) days after receipt of the statement in opposition,
of the refuge manager's final decision or order.
(c) Appeals, how taken. If the refuge manager still intends to proceed with the proposed
action, the permittee or applicant shall have thirty (30) days from the postmarked date of the
refuge manager's final decision or order in which to file a written appeal to the appropriate
area manager. The appellant (permittee or applicant) shall be notified in writing within thirty
(30) days from the postmarked date of the appeal of the area manager's decision. The
appellant shall have (30) days from the postmarked date of the area manager's decision to
further appeal in writing to the appropriate regional director.
(d) Decision of regional director. The regional director's decision shall be final and issued
in writing to the appellant within thirty (30) days from the postmarked date of the appeal.
(e) Oral presentation. The appellant shall be provided an opportunity for oral presentation
before the area manager or the regional director within the respective thirty (30) day appeal
periods.
(f) Addresses. The addresses of the appropriate officials to whom appeals may be taken
shall be furnished in each decision or order.
(g) Suspension pending appeal. Compliance with any decision or order of a refuge
manager shall not be suspended by reason of an appeal having been taken unless such
suspension is authorized in writing by the area manager or regional director (depending upon
the official before whom the appeal is pending), and then only upon a determination by these
officials that such suspension will not be detrimental to the interests of the United States or
upon submission and acceptance of a bond deemed adequate to indemnify the United States
from loss or damage.
[42 FR 64120, Dec. 22, 1977. Redesignated at 51 FR 7575, Mar. 5, 1986]

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Subpart E—Fees and Charges
S

: 52 FR 29860, Aug. 12, 1987, unless otherwise noted.

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§25.51 General provisions.
Reasonable charges and fees may be established for public recreational use of and,
except in Alaska, entrance onto national wildlife refuges. Regulations regarding recreational
use fees are contained in 36 CFR part 71. Regulations regarding entrance fees are contained
in this subpart E.
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§25.52 Designation.
To be designated as an “Entrance Fee Area”, a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge
System must be found to demonstrate that:
(a) The level of visitation for recreational purposes is high enough to justify the collection
of fees for admission permits for economic reasons;
(b) There is a practical mechanism in existence for implementing and operating a system
of collecting fees for admission permits; and
(c) Imposition of a fee for admission permits is not likely to result in undue economic
hardship for a significant number of visitors to the unit.
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§25.53 Establishment of single visit entrance fees.
Entrance fees established for single visit permits at a designated Entrance Fee Area shall
consider the following criteria with regard to the local area within which the refuge is located:
(a) The direct and indirect cost to the Government.
(b) The benefits to the permit holder.
(c) The public policy or interest served.
(d) The comparable fees charged by non-Federal public agencies.
(e) The economic and administrative feasibility of fee collection.
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§25.54 Posting and public notification.

The public shall be notified that an entrance fee is charged through refuge publications
and posted designation signs in accordance with §25.31 of this part.
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§25.55 Refuge admission permits.
(a) Unless otherwise provided, persons entering an Entrance Fee Area shall obtain and
be in possession of a valid admission permit.
(b) The following five types of permits allowing entrance onto an Entrance Fee Area will
be available for issue or purchase at such area and, except for refuge-specific permits, at Fish
and Wildlife Service Regional and Washington, DC Offices, and at other locations as may be
designated.
(1) Single visit permit with a charge not to exceed $3 per person or $7.50 per
noncommercial vehicle (single visit can be defined as 1-15 days, dependent upon a
determination of the period of time reasonably and ordinarily necessary for such a visit at a
particular refuge unit).
(2) Golden Eagle Passport.
(3) Golden Age Passport.
(4) Golden Access Passport.
(5) Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation (Duck) Stamp. To be valid, the Duck
Stamp must be current and bear the signature of the holder on the front.
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§25.56 Enforcement.
Permits issued or used for entrance onto Entrance Fee Areas are nontransferable. Failure
to pay the entrance fee, to display upon request of an authorized official a valid permit, or to
comply with other entrance fee provisions, rules or regulations, will be subject to the penalties
prescribed in 50 CFR 28.31.
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§25.57 Exceptions and exemptions.
At Entrance Fee Areas:
(a) Special admission permits for uses, such as group activities, may be issued.
(b) No entrance fee shall be charged for persons under 16 years of age.

(c) No entrance fee shall be charged for travel by private noncommercial vehicle over any
road or highway established as part of the National Federal Aid System (defined in 23 U.S.C.
101), which is commonly used by the public as a means of travel between two places which
are outside the Entrance Fee Area.
(d) No entrance fee shall be charged for travel by private noncommercial vehicle over any
road or highway to any land in which such person has a property interest if such land is within
any Entrance Fee Area.
(e) Persons accompanying the holder of a valid single visit permit, Federal Duck Stamp or
Golden Eagle, Age, or Access Passport in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle shall be
entitled to general entrance.
(f) Where entry is by any means other than single, private, noncommercial vehicle, the
spouse, children, or parents accompanying the holder of a valid single visit permit, Federal
Duck Stamp or Golden Eagle, Age, or Access Passport shall be entitled to general entrance.
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Subpart F—Concessions
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§25.61 General provisions.
Public use facilities may be operated by concessionaires or cooperators under
appropriate contact or legal agreement on national wildlife refuges where there is a
demonstrated justified need for services or facilities including, but not limited to, boat rentals,
swimming facilities, conducted tours of special natural attractions, shelters, tables, trailer lots,
food, lodging, and related service.
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Subpart G—Safety Regulations
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§25.71 Public safety.
Persons using national wildlife refuges shall comply with the safety requirements which
are established under the provisions of this subchapter C for each individual refuge and with
any safety provisions which may be included in leases, agreements, or use permits.
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§25.72 Reporting of accidents.
Accidents involving damage to property, injury to the public or injury to wildlife that occur
within the boundaries of any national wildlife refuge are to be reported as soon as possible,

but in no event later than 24 hours after the accident, by the persons involved, to the refuge
manager or other personnel on duty at the national wildlife refuge headquarters. This report
does not relieve persons from the responsibility of making any other accident reports which
may be required.