National Arboretum

500.1

General.

500.2

Recording presence.

500.3

Preservation of property.

500.4

Conformity with signs and emergency directions.

500.5

Nuisances.

500.6

Gambling.

500.7

Intoxicating beverages and narcotics.

500.8

Soliciting, vending, debt collection, and distribution of handbills.

500.9

Photographs for news, advertising, or commercial purposes.

500.10

Pets.

500.11

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

500.12

Weapons and explosives.

500.13

Nondiscrimination.

500.14

Exceptions.

500.15

Penalties and other law.

The rules and regulations in this part apply to the buildings and grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA), Washington, DC, and to all persons entering in or on such property. The Administrator, General Services Administration, has delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture, with authority to further delegate, the authority to make all the needful rules and regulations for the protection of the buildings and grounds of the USNA (34 FR 6406). The Secretary of Agriculture has in turn delegated such authority to the Administrator, Agricultural Research Service (34 FR 7389). The rules and regulations in this part are issued pursuant to such delegations.

Admission to the USNA during periods when it is closed to the public will be limited to authorized individuals who may be required to sign the register or display identification documents when requested by the Security Staff, or other authorized individuals.

(a) While at the USNA, it is unlawful to:

(1) Willfully destroy, damage, or remove USNA property or any part thereof;

(2) Set or maintain any open fire on the property of the USNA; or

(3) Apply any type of insecticide or herbicide on the grounds of the USNA, except for USNA employees in the course of their official duties or other persons authorized by the Director.

(b) Persons not employed by USNA are not permitted to bring biological agents of any kind, including but not limited to disease and pest agents of plants, onto the property without written permission of the Director, USNA.

Persons in and on property of the USNA shall comply with official signs of prohibitory or directive nature and with the directions of authorized individuals.

(a) The use of loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language, unwarranted loitering, sleeping, or assembly, the creation of any hazard to persons or things, improper disposal of rubbish, spitting, prurient prying, the commission of any obscene or indecent act, or any other unseemly or disorderly conduct, throwing articles of any kind from a building, and climbing upon any part of a building is prohibited.

(b) Playing of music or creation of other noises of a decibel level high enough to be heard outside of the USNA is prohibited.

Participating in games for money or other personal property, or the operation of gambling devices, the conduct of a lottery or pool, or the selling or purchasing of numbers tickets, in or on USNA property, is prohibited.

(a) Entering USNA property or the operation of a motor vehicle thereon, by a person under the influence of intoxicating beverages or a narcotic drug, is prohibited.

(b) Except as provided in subpart B, possession of or consumption of intoxicating beverages on USNA property is prohibited.

(c) The sale of alcoholic beverages on the grounds of the USNA is prohibited.

(d) The possession of or use of narcotic drugs on the grounds of the USNA is prohibited.

(a) The following activities are prohibited on USNA grounds:

(1) Soliciting of alms or contributions;

(2) Display or distribution of commercial advertising;

(3) Collecting private debts;

(4) Campaigning for election to any office;

(5) Soliciting and vending for commercial purposes (including, but not limited to, the vending of newspapers, and other publications);

(6) Soliciting signatures on petitions, polls, or surveys (except as authorized by the USNA); and

(7) Impeding ingress to or egress from the USNA are prohibited.

(b) Distribution of material such as pamphlets, handbills, and flyers is prohibited without prior approval of the Director, USNA.

(c) The prohibitions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to:

(1) Commercial or nonprofit activities performed under contract or concession with the USNA or pursuant to the provisions of the Randolph Sheppard Act;

(2) The solicitation of USNA personnel for contributions for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC);

(3) National or local drives for funds for welfare, health, and other purposes sponsored or approved by the Agricultural Research Service; or

(4) Personal notices posted by employees on authorized bulletin boards.

Photographs for news purposes may be taken at the USNA without prior permission. Photographs for advertising and commercial purposes may be taken, but only with the prior approval of the Director, USNA and fees may be charged pursuant to § 500.23.

Pets brought upon USNA property must have proper vaccinations and, except assistance trained animals, must be kept on leash at all times. The release or abandonment of fish, plants, and animals of any kind on USNA grounds is prohibited.

(a) Drivers of all vehicles in or on USNA property shall drive only on established roads, shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times, and shall comply with the signals and directions of the Security Staff and all posted traffic signs.

(b) The blocking of entrances, driveways, walks, loading platforms, or fire hydrants, and parking in designated no parking areas in or on USNA property is prohibited.

(c) Except in emergencies, parking in or on USNA property in other than designated areas is not allowed without a permit. Parking without authority, parking in unauthorized locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or contrary to the direction of posted signs, is prohibited.

(d) USNA approval is required for all vehicles needed for access setup and breakdown activities relating to special events, ceremonies, or related activities. Off-road routes will be determined by the USNA.

(e) In addition to the penalties provided in § 500.15, vehicles parked in violation of this section are subject to being towed and the cost of such towing being assessed to the owner of such vehicle.

(f) This section may be supplemented from time to time, by the issuance and posting of specific traffic directives as may be required, and when so issued and posted such directives shall have the same force and effect as if incorporated in this subpart.

(a) No person while in or on USNA property shall carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, except for authorized official purposes.

(b) No person while in or on the USNA shall ignite fireworks or other pyrotechnical devices.

The USNA is subject to the policy of nondiscrimination in programs or activities conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture as set forth in 7 CFR part 15d.

The Administrator, Agricultural Research Service, may in individual cases make prior, written exceptions to the rules and regulations in this part if it is determined to be not adverse to the public interest.

Whoever shall be found guilty of violating the rules and regulations in this subpart is subject to fine under title 18, United States Code, or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both (see 40 U.S.C. 1315(c)). Nothing contained in the rules and regulations in this part shall be construed as abrogating or authorizing the abrogation of any other regulations or any Federal law or any laws and regulations of the District of Columbia that may be applicable.

500.20

Scope.

500.21

Fee schedule for tram and tours.

500.22

Fees and conditions for use of facilities and grounds.

500.23

Fees for photography and cinematography on grounds.

500.24

Fee schedule.

500.25

Payment of fees.

This subpart sets forth schedules of fees for temporary use by individuals or groups of United States National Arboretum (USNA) facilities and grounds. This subpart also sets forth schedules of fees for the use of the USNA for commercial photography and cinematography. Fees generated will be used to offset costs of services or for the purposes of promoting the mission of the USNA. All rules and regulations noted in 7 CFR 500, subpart A—Conduct on the U.S. National Arboretum Property, will apply to individuals or groups granted approval to use the facilities and grounds for the purposes specified in this subpart.

The USNA provides tours of the USNA grounds in a 48-passenger tram (accommodating 2 wheelchairs). The fee is as follows: $4.00 per adult, $3.00 per senior citizen or Friend of the National Arboretum, and $2.00 per child ages 4 through 16. Children under 4 sharing a seat with an adult will not be charged. Pre-scheduled tram tours for groups may be arranged for a set fee of $125.00. Additionally, a tour guide may be pre-arranged to provide a non-tram tour for the fee of $50 per hour. Promotional programs offering discounted fees for these programs may be instituted at the discretion of the USNA. Payment for use of the tram is due at the time of ticket purchase. Payment for pre-scheduled tram tours must be made at least two weeks in advance. Payment for pre-scheduled, non-tram guided tours must be made at least two weeks in advance of the tour date.

(a) Fee requirement. (1) The USNA will charge a fee for temporary use by individuals or groups of USNA facilities and grounds. Fees for specific sites are listed in § 500.24.

(2) Non-profit scientific or educational organizations whose purposes and interests are complementary to the mission of the USNA and which substantially support the mission and purpose of the USNA (e.g., Friends of the National Arboretum) may be exempted from the fee for use of USNA facility or grounds requirement of this subpart by the Director, but still must reimburse the USNA for its costs, including setup, clean-up, security, and other costs as applicable.

(3) A Half Day usage is defined as 4 hours or less; a Whole Day is defined as more than 4 hours in a day. In all cases, usage includes all time during which a venue is committed, including time used to set up before and clean up after an event. For after-hours usage of sites or facilities, an additional $40/hour will be added for supervision/security, with higher amounts required for sites or facilities that are more sensitive.

(b) Reservations. (1) The USNA will be available only on a limited basis at the discretion of the Director of the USNA, and not during public access hours, during the peak visitation weekends in April, May, and October.

(2) Facilities and grounds are available by reservation at the discretion of the USNA and may be available to individuals or groups for uses that are consistent with the mission of the USNA. Agency initiatives may be granted first priority. Offices and hallways beyond secured doors will not be available for use.

(3) Reservations to use USNA facilities and grounds may be made directly with the USNA. To ensure consideration, reservation requests should be made as far in advance of the need as possible with a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the date of use required for all reservations.

(4) The USNA will respond to reservation requests within 10 working days with information as to whether the requested site is available for use. The USNA will also give notice to the prospective user of any planned activities (construction, maintenance, pesticide applications, and any similar activities) that might affect the planned use or event.

(5) A 50% non-refundable deposit will be due at the time of a booking in order to reserve a specific date and location. The remaining 50% is due five working days prior to the event.

(c) Terms and conditions of use. (1) The USNA provides space, water, and electrical hookup when available, and restrooms where available. Users must provide all tents, tables, chairs, trash receptacles, or other property required for the scheduled event. Users must remove all trash from the property at the conclusion of the event. Users must remove all tents, tables and chairs and other property no later than 5:00 p.m. of the day following the event. The USNA will charge a facility use and break down fee of $500.00 per day for each day following the deadline to remove temporary facilities and equipment. The USNA will not store temporary facilities or equipment for users.

(2) Users must abide by USNA vehicle regulations in § 500.11 including the requirement to obtain USNA approval whenever off road access is required for setup.

(3) The USNA will not assume any responsibility for last minute changes due to failure of current mechanical systems, severe storms and other weather events, emergencies relating to security and safety.

(4) Some events that involve bringing animals and certain plants onto the USNA property may not be compatible with the plant research, display, and education mission of the USNA. Such events will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and exceptions may be made by the Director of the USNA.

(5) Music and bands will be permitted but the decibel level of music should not be loud enough to be heard outside the boundaries of the USNA.

(6) In the event of building, property or grounds damage or excessive cleaning requirements, charges will be billed and will be due within 30 days of billing. Damages to plants, grounds, facilities or equipment will be assessed on a value based on replacement cost, including labor, plus a 10% administrative fee.

(7) Upon prior request, the Director may approve the consumption of beer and wine during uses of USNA pursuant to this section. Such permission will not be granted during times when USNA is open to the public. Director approval shall be conditioned upon compliance by users and by any of their agents or contractors, with all applicable provisions of the District of Columbia Code governing sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, including the rules of the District of Columbia Department of Consumer Affairs, Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration.

(8) All users of the USNA pursuant to this subpart, as well as all those contracting with such users of the USNA, shall comply with all Federal and local laws.

(9) The USNA is a Federal property under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture. All activities are subject to Federal rules and regulations governing the use of public buildings and grounds.

(10) The USNA will not be responsible for any damage or loss suffered by an individual, group, or their contractor during a permitted event at the USNA.

(11) The Director may impose additional incidental terms and conditions concerning the use of the USNA facilities consistent with this part.

The USNA will charge a fee for the use of the facility or grounds for purposes of commercial photography or cinematography as specified in § 500.24. Facilities and grounds are available for use for commercial photography or cinematography at the discretion of the USNA Director. Requests for use should be made a minimum of two weeks in advance of the required date. The USNA will charge for supervision costs at the rate of $40.00 per hour, in addition to the fees listed below. The USNA Director may waive fees for photography or cinematography conducted for the purpose of disseminating information to the public regarding the USNA and its mission or for the purpose of other noncommercial, First Amendment activity. The USNA will charge a non-refundable application fee of $30 for commercial photography or cinematography. If the application is approved and fees will be incurred, the application fee will be applied to the total fee due. No other credits will be given for the application fee. Fee payments for use of facilities or grounds or for photography and cinematography must be made in advance of services being rendered. These payments are to be made in the form of a check or money order.

(a) Unless provided otherwise, all payments due under this subpart must be made by cash, check, or money order (in U.S. funds). Checks and money orders for payment of any fees imposed under this part are to be made payable, in U.S. funds, to the “U.S. National Arboretum.” The USNA may provide receipts to requesters for their records or billing purposes. If the USNA enters into an agreement to allow USNA visitors and users to make payment in the form of a credit card, USNA visitors and users who are assessed user fees may pay those fees with a credit card subject to the terms and conditions of such agreement.

(b) Any fees that become past due shall be collected in accordance with 7 CFR part 3.

Done at Washington, DC, this 17th day of November, 2004.

Edward B. Knipling,

Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.

[FR Doc. 04-27394 Filed 12-17-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-03-P