# COMAR Title 08 — Department of Natural Resources

## Subtitle 07 — Forests and Parks

### Chapter 06 — Use of State Parks

**Authority:** Natural Resources Article, §5-209, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective dates:

**Administrative History:** Regulations
              .01—
              .23 amended effective July 9, 1975 (2:15 Md. R. 1069)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01F-1 amended effective August 1, 1983 (10:15 Md. R. 134)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02B—H amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02C and I amended, and .02J adopted effective August 1, 1983 (10:15 Md. R. 134)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02D amended effective July 16, 1984 (11:14 Md. R. 1249); October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02E amended effective January 14, 1985 (12:1 Md. R. 15); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02H amended effective July 16, 1984 (11:14 Md. R. 1249); July 6, 1992 (19:13 Md. R. 1201)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02I amended effective June 15, 1987 (14:12 Md. R. 1349)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 adopted effective September 1, 1974 (1:1 Md. R. 69)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective July 16, 1984 (11:14 Md. R. 1249); October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810); September 23, 1985 (12:19 Md. R. 1847)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03A amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B amended effective August 4, 1976 (3:16 Md. R. 852); February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072); October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467); September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2098); August 17, 1992 (19:16 Md. R. 1473)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B, C amended as an emergency provision effective December 17, 1992 (20:1 Md. R. 25); amended permanently effective March 29, 1993 (20:6 Md. R. 580)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03C, D adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03C amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127); October 19, 1987 (14:21 Md. R. 2222); October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467); February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296); January 7, 1991 (17:26 Md. R. 2974); September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2098); August 17, 1992 (19:16 Md. R. 1473)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03D adopted effective February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .04, .06, and .07B amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended effective February 27, 1984 (11:4 Md. R. 314)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .06, .08—.09 amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09B amended as an emergency provision effective September 15, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2466)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09B amended as an emergency provision effective July 3, 1989 (16:14 Md. R. 1563); emergency status expired October 20, 1989; amended permanently effective February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09B, E amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .09C repealed and new Regulation .09C—F adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .12 amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .14 amended effective April 8, 1985 (12:7 Md. R. 699)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .16C adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .16D adopted effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2467)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .16D amended effective August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .18 amended effective August 4, 1976 (3:16 Md. R. 852); October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397); February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .18D adopted effective May 4, 1987 (14:9 Md. R. 1079)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .19B amended as emergency provision effective May 18, 1976 (3:12 Md. R. 641); adopted permanently at 3:16 Md. R. 852

**Administrative History:** Regulation .19B amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397); February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .20C adopted effective October 1, 1975 (2:22 Md. R. 1370)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .20D amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072); October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810); August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .20 and .23 amended effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .21B, C amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .23A amended effective February 2, 1981 (7:22 Md. R. 2072)

**Administrative History:** Regulations
              .24—
              .26 adopted effective July 9, 1975 (2:15 Md. R. 1069)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .25H amended effective October 22, 1984 (11:21 Md. R. 1810)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .27 adopted effective October 1, 1977 (4:18 Md. R. 1397)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .28 adopted effective August 3, 1992 (19:15 Md. R. 1388)

**Administrative History:** Chapter recodified from
              08.08.01 to
              08.07.06 pursuant to Executive Order
              01.01.1982.10

**Administrative History:** Regulations
              .01—
              .28 repealed and new Regulations
              .01—
              .27 adopted effective October 11, 1993 (20:20 Md. R. 1568)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective March 23, 2009 (36:6 Md. R. 490); November 23, 2015 (42:23 Md. R. 1433)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective October 5, 1998 (25:20 Md. R. 1528); March 23, 2009 (36:6 Md. R. 490); November 23, 2015 (42:23 Md. R. 1433)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02E, F amended effective January 13, 2020 (47:1 Md. R. 12)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02I amended effective November 15, 2010 (37:17 Md. R. 1185)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03A amended effective August 1, 1994 (21:15 Md. R. 1303); February 13, 2006 (33:3 Md. R. 240)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .19D adopted effective September 21, 2009 (36:19 Md. R. 1435)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .25 amended effective May 25, 2026 (53:10 Md. R. 454)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .27B amended effective March 31, 2003 (30:6 Md. R. 419)

#### Regulation .01 Definitions.

*COMAR 08.07.06.01*

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

  (1) “Commissioned officer” means a Forest and Park Warden or Forest and Park Ranger having the meaning stated in Natural Resources Article, §5-206, Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (2) “Developed areas” means those areas within a State park that have permanent facilities and those areas surrounding the facilities.

  (3) “Park officer” means a commissioned officer, and may include the manager, rangers, or other personnel employed by the State to manage and regulate the use of State parks.

  (4) “Service” means the Maryland Park Service, a unit of the Department of Natural Resources.

  (5) “State park” means a unit of the State park system.

  (6) “State park road” means a road on or adjacent to a State park which is maintained or constructed and maintained by the Service.

  (7) “Superintendent” means the Superintendent of the Maryland Park Service, which is a unit of the Department of Natural Resources.

  (8) “Undeveloped area” means those areas within a State park not having permanent facilities.

  (9) Vehicle.

    (a) “Vehicle” means a mode of transportation by which an individual or property may be transported on a waterway or highway.

    (b) “Vehicle” includes:

      (i) Vessels;

      (ii) Trailers;

      (iii) Automobiles;

      (iv) Trucks;

      (v) Buses;

      (vi) Mopeds;

      (vii) Animals;

      (viii) Animal-drawn vehicles; and

      (ix) Bicycles.

  (10) Vessel.

    (a) “Vessel” means a type of watercraft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice.

    (b) “Vessel” includes:

      (i) The vessel's motor, spars, sails, and accessories; and

      (ii) Ice boats.

#### Regulation .02 State Park System.

*COMAR 08.07.06.02*

A. The State park system is administered under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Park Service to preserve and protect the best of Maryland’s natural and historic places for the enjoyment and appreciation of its citizens. State parks are managed to provide a multitude of public benefits, including:

  (1) Natural resource conservation;

  (2) Cultural and historic preservation;

  (3) Watershed protection;

  (4) Education and interpretation; and

  (5) Nature-based outdoor recreation, including:

    (a) Trails;

    (b) Picnicking;

    (c) Boating;

    (d) Camping;

    (e) Cabins;

    (f) Hunting;

    (g) Fishing; and

    (h) Swimming.

B. The State park system includes four sub-designations that have specific management objectives:

  (1) Natural Resources Management Areas. Natural resources management areas are generally State parks that feature an undeveloped, agrarian landscape of woodlands, fields and agriculture. Natural resources management areas are managed for the primary benefit of wildlife habitat, sustainable farming and passive, nature-based recreation, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and boat access. Historic site preservation and non-motorized trail use, including hiking, equestrian uses and mountain biking are also common in some natural resources management areas.

  (2) Natural Environment Areas. Natural environment areas are generally State parks with significant or unique geological or ecological resources, including rare, threatened and endangered flora and fauna. Natural environment areas are often managed in cooperation with the Wildlife and Heritage Service, to preserve and restore the park’s unique natural resources and biological diversity. Recreation development is secondary to preservation objectives with a primary focus on interpretation and environmental education.

  (3) State Battlefields. State battlefields are State parks that feature the preservation of an historic battlefield of State or national significance associated with the site of a documented battle fought by the armed forces or militia of the United States. Development is limited to providing public access and interpretation, while preserving the integrity of the battlefield grounds and historic features.

  (4) Rail Trails. Rail trails are State parks that feature the conversion of a former railroad right-of-way to a recreational trail open to hiking, biking and equestrian uses. Rail trails include adjacent lands preserved along the Rail trail as a greenway corridor, which provides natural scenery, wildlife habitat and natural and historical resource conservation. Historic features are preserved and interpreted along Rail Trails, including the history of the former railroad and its remnants.

C. The Superintendent may regulate activities and uses of each State park in accordance with the designations and sub-designations provided in this regulation.

D. The State park system consists of the following areas in §§E—I of this regulation, as delineated on maps filed in the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources.

E. State Parks.

  (1) Assateague ———————— Worcester

  (2) Big Run ————————— Garrett

  (3) Bill Burton Fishing Pier ——— Talbot, Dorchester

  (4) Calvert Cliffs —————— Calvert

  (5) Casselman River Bridge —————— Garrett

  (6) Chapel Point —————— Charles

  (7) Chapman —————— Charles

  (8) Cunningham Falls —————— Frederick

  (9) Dans Mountain —————— Allegany

  (10) Deep Creek Lake —————— Garrett

  (11) Elk Neck —————— Cecil

  (12) Fort Frederick —————— Washington

  (13) Fort Tonoloway —————— Washington

  (14) Franklin Point —————— Anne Arundel

  (15) Gambrill —————— Frederick

  (16) Gathland —————— Frederick, Washington

  (17) Greenbrier —————— Washington

  (18) Greenwell —————— St. Mary’s

  (19) Gunpowder Falls —————— Baltimore, Harford

  (20) Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad —————— Dorchester

  (21) Hart-Miller Island —————— Baltimore

  (22) Herrington Manor —————— Garrett

  (23) Janes Island —————— Somerset

  (24) Jonas Green —————— Anne Arundel

  (25) Love Point —————— Queen Anne’s

  (26) Martinak —————— Caroline

  (27) Matapeake —————— Queen Anne’s

  (28) Matthew Henson —————— Montgomery

  (29) New Germany —————— Garrett

  (30) Newtowne Neck —————— St. Mary’s

  (31) North Point —————— Baltimore

  (32) Palmer —————— Harford

  (33) Patapsco Valley —————— Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard

  (34) Patuxent River —————— Howard, Montgomery

  (35) Pocomoke River —————— Worcester

    (a) Milburn Landing Area —————— Worcester

    (b) Shad Landing Area —————— Worcester

  (36) Point Lookout —————— St. Mary’s

  (37) Rocks —————— Harford

  (38) Rocky Gap —————— Allegany

  (39) Rosaryville —————— Prince George’s

  (40) Sandy Point —————— Anne Arundel

  (41) Sang Run —————— Garrett

  (42) Seneca Creek —————— Montgomery

  (43) Smallwood —————— Charles

  (44) South Mountain —————— Frederick, Washington

  (45) St. Clements Island —————— St. Mary’s

  (46) St. Mary’s River —————— St. Mary’s

  (47) Susquehanna —————— Harford, Cecil

  (48) Swallow Falls —————— Garrett

  (49) Tuckahoe —————— Caroline, Queen Anne’s

  (50) Washington Monument —————— Washington

  (51) Wills Mountain —————— Allegany

  (52) Wolf Den Run —————— Garrett

  (53) Wye Oak —————— Talbot

F. Natural Resources Management Areas.

  (1) Black Walnut Point —————— Talbot

  (2) Bohemia River —————— Cecil

  (3) Bush Declaration —————— Harford

  (4) Cypress Branch —————— Kent

  (5) Deep Creek Lake —————— Garrett

  (6) Fair Hill —————— Cecil

  (7) Merkle —————— Calvert, Prince George’s

  (8) Monocacy —————— Frederick, Montgomery

  (9) Patuxent River —————— Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s

    (a) Billingsley —————— Prince George’s

    (b) Croom —————— Prince George’s

    (c) Full Mill Branch —————— Prince George’s

    (d) Hall Creek —————— Calvert

    (e) House Creek —————— Anne Arundel

    (f) Indian Creek —————— Charles

    (g) Kings Landing —————— Calvert

    (h) Maxwell Hall —————— Prince George’s

    (i) Milltown Landing —————— Prince George’s

    (j) Spice Creek —————— Prince George’s

  (10) Upper Patuxent —————— Prince George’s

    (a) Chaney —————— Prince George’s

    (b) Honey Branch —————— Prince George’s

    (c) Pride Finance —————— Prince George’s

    (d) Uhler —————— Prince George’s

  (11) Sassafras —————— Kent

  (12) Woodmont —————— Washington

  (13) Wye Island —————— Queen Anne’s

G. Natural Environment Areas.

  (1) Belt Woods —————— Prince George’s

  (2) Mattawoman —————— Charles, Prince George’s

  (3) Morgan Run —————— Carroll

  (4) Severn Run —————— Anne Arundel

  (5) Soldiers Delight —————— Baltimore

  (6) Youghiogheny Wild River —————— Garrett

  (7) Zekiah Swamp —————— Prince George’s

H. State Battlefields.

  (1) North Point —————— Baltimore

  (2) South Mountain —————— Washington

I. Rail Trails

  (1) Torrey C. Brown —————— Baltimore

  (2) Western Maryland —————— Washington

  (3) Weverton-Roxbury —————— Washington

#### Regulation .03 Hunting.

*COMAR 08.07.06.03*

A. General.

  (1) The Superintendent may establish designated hunting areas, species to be hunted, methods of harvest, seasons, and weapons to be used within the State park system.

  (2) The designated areas shall be published annually in the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland, available from the Department. The areas open to hunting shall be posted.

  (3) The Superintendent shall establish areas for training and running of hunting dogs.

  (4) The hunting season in all designated areas shall be in accordance with State and federal laws and regulations.

  (5) An individual may not construct permanent game shooting stands, or use stationary blinds for hunting in State parks. The Service reserves the right to construct these facilities and regulate their use.

  (6) Except by written permit, an individual may not trap or attempt to trap game in a State park. The permit shall be issued by the Superintendent.

  (7) An individual may not hunt in violation of provisions of a permit issued for the purpose of hunting in a State park.

B. Baiting or Feeding.

  (1) Except by written permit issued by the Service, on any State-owned or State-controlled properties open to public hunting, an individual may not place or cause to be placed or scatter or distribute:

    (a) Shucked or unshucked corn, wheat, or other grain;

    (b) Salt; or

    (c) Other feed.

  (2) An individual may not hunt, shoot, or kill, or attempt to hunt, shoot, or kill a game bird or a mammal by the aid of bait, on or over a baited area.

#### Regulation .04 Weapons.

*COMAR 08.07.06.04*

A. Definition. In this regulation, “weapon” means:

  (1) A device capable of propelling a projectile at high velocity by mechanical means, by explosion, or by expanding gas, including, but not limited to a firearm, crossbow, or longbow;

  (2) A dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade, sand club, metal knuckles, razor, or nunchaku; and

  (3) A device capable of:

    (a) Inflicting death or bodily harm to an individual;

    (b) Maiming or destroying wildlife; or

    (c) Destroying property.

B. Except as provided in Regulation .03 of this chapter and in §§C and D of this regulation, an individual other than a law enforcement officer may not possess a weapon in a State park. The Service may approve an exception for an archery range, firearms range, or an exhibition.

C. During hunting season, a licensed hunter may carry firearms and bows and arrows across State parks in order to get to hunting areas or to other State or private property which is open to hunting. The firearms shall be carried unloaded and cased, or carried unloaded with breech open or broken. Arrows shall be carried in a quiver or case.

D. Target shooting is permitted at designated shooting ranges. The regulations governing the use of these ranges shall be posted and strictly observed.

#### Regulation .05 Fishing.

*COMAR 08.07.06.05*

A. Except in a posted area, an individual may fish in the waters of a State park for finfish, if the individual complies with State fishing laws.

B. Permit.

  (1) Fishing for other than finfish is by permit only.

  (2) A permit shall be issued by the Superintendent.

#### Regulation .06 Closing Against Entry.

*COMAR 08.07.06.06*

A. This regulation does not apply to employees of the Department on official business.

B. The Superintendent may, by notice, close areas of State parks to public entry and travel.

C. An individual, vehicle, or vessel may not enter or remain on lands or waters owned or managed by the Service after posted hours of closing to public use.

D. A vehicle remaining on lands or waters after the posted hours of closing to public use, or on areas closed to public entry, may be removed and placed in storage at the owner's expense.

#### Regulation .07 Swimming.

*COMAR 08.07.06.07*

Unless posted as prohibited, an individual may wade or swim in State park waters.

#### Regulation .08 Camping.

*COMAR 08.07.06.08*

A. An individual may establish a camp or occupy a cabin in a State park, if a permit is obtained from the Service. The use of the camp or cabin is limited to the:

  (1) Area;

  (2) Number of individuals specified; and

  (3) Period specified in the permit.

B. A permit may be revoked by a park official.

#### Regulation .09 Commercial Enterprise.

*COMAR 08.07.06.09*

A. An individual may not use the property or resources of a State park for commercial gain without obtaining a permit from the Superintendent.

B. Unless a permit is obtained from the Service, an individual may not sell, hire, or lease an object of merchandise, or a vessel or vehicle designed or used for the transportation of passengers or property.

#### Regulation .10 Fires.

*COMAR 08.07.06.10*

A. An individual shall obtain a permit from the Service before kindling, building, maintaining, or using a fire in an area of a State park not designated for fires. The Service may revoke the permit for violation of this condition.

B. A fire permit may be revoked at any time by a park officer.

C. A fire shall be continuously under the surveillance of a competent individual 16 years old or older. A fire shall be extinguished before the responsibility of the permittee ends.

D. An individual may not discard a burning object within a State park.

#### Regulation .11 Advertising.

*COMAR 08.07.06.11*

Unless a permit is obtained from the Service, an individual may not erect or post a sign, notice, or literature in a State park.

#### Regulation .12 Refuse, Rubbish, and Glass Containers.

*COMAR 08.07.06.12*

A. Except in containers provided by the Service, an individual may not deposit garbage, sewage, waste, foodstuffs, paper, or other litter in a State park.

B. An individual may not possess a glass container or other hazardous object in a swimming area, beach, or other area of a State park where this is prohibited.

C. An individual may not deposit in Service-provided containers any garbage, sewage, foodstuffs, paper, or other litter originating from a private residence, commercial business, or other source outside of State park boundaries.

#### Regulation .13 Plants, Rocks, Minerals, and Animals.

*COMAR 08.07.06.13*

A. This regulation does not apply to park personnel in the performance of their duties.

B. In a State park an individual may not:

  (1) Remove, disturb, damage, or destroy a plant, rock, mineral, or animal;

  (2) Cut down, remove, or destroy a tree; or

  (3) Feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife.

C. The Service may issue permits for the removal of any item listed in this regulation.

D. The collection or possession of animals shall be in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-902, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 08.03.08.

#### Regulation .14 Traffic and Parking.

*COMAR 08.07.06.14*

A. The Service shall regulate the use of State park roads. Roads may be closed to traffic if the Service determines this action is necessary. Instruction from a park officer to reduce the speed of a vehicle, to bring it to a stop, to alter its direction, or remove it from a restricted area shall be obeyed immediately.

B. Docking. An individual may not dock a vessel in an area posted against docking.

C. Traffic on State park roads is subject to motor vehicle laws.

D. The following acts are prohibited on State park roads not under the jurisdiction of the State Highway Administration or a county:

  (1) Driving or parking a vehicle within or on a safety zone, walk, trail, or other area not designated and customarily used for vehicular traffic;

  (2) Except for the time required to receive or discharge passengers, permitting a vehicle to stand outside a designated parking space;

  (3) Permitting a vehicle to obstruct traffic by unnecessary stopping;

  (4) Driving a vehicle over a State park road at a speed greater than that posted by the Service;

  (5) Riding an animal, or driving or parking an animal-drawn vehicle in a developed area without permission of the Service;

  (6) Driving a vehicle over a State park road in violation of traffic control devices placed by the Service;

  (7) Permitting a vehicle to stand, park, or remain in a State park area after posted closing hours; and

  (8) Permitting a vehicle to be parked or remain in a parking space exceeding the posted time without paying the parking fees.

E. Parking Violations.

  (1) Fines or penalties for parking violations shall be paid directly to the Service.

  (2) An individual issued a citation for a parking violation may elect to stand trial by notifying the Service.

  (3) An illegally parked vehicle may be removed and placed in storage at the owner's expense.

#### Regulation .15 Fees and Charges.

*COMAR 08.07.06.15*

A. An individual may not make use of, or gain admittance to, a facility or activity in a State park for which there is a fee, unless the fee is paid.

B. An individual 62 years old or older shall be admitted to day-use areas free of an admittance charge, if the individual submits proof of age and registers with the Service.

C. An individual who has a disability that is permanent and substantially limits one or more major life activities shall be admitted to day-use areas free of an admittance charge, if the individual registers with the Service.

#### Regulation .16 Grazing.

*COMAR 08.07.06.16*

Except under special permit, or lease from the Service, grazing of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, or domestic animals is not allowed in a State park.

#### Regulation .17 Pets.

*COMAR 08.07.06.17*

A. Developed Areas.

  (1) Except for guide service dogs, pets of any kind are not allowed on a picnic area, cabin area, camping area, or other restricted area of a State park.

  (2) The Service reserves the right to designate pet areas in a State park. In these areas pets shall be on a leash with a maximum length of 6 feet.

B. Undeveloped Areas. Pets are permitted on a leash with a maximum length of 10 feet.

#### Regulation .18 Relics, Treasures, and Metal Detectors.

*COMAR 08.07.06.18*

A. The policy of the Service is to safeguard the archeological resources under its care. The guidelines in §§B and C of this regulation shall be followed.

B. Without a permit from the Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department, an individual may not dig in search of buried relics or treasures, remove prehistoric or historic artifacts, or use metal detectors, except as provided in §D of this regulation, within the boundaries of lands, beaches, or under waters controlled by the Service.

C. Permits are issued to archeologists and other qualified individuals who present a plan for scientific investigation to be carried out under provisions of the Maryland Archeological Historic Properties Act, Article 83B, §§5-623—5-628, Annotated Code of Maryland. Copies of the law and application for permit can be obtained from the Chief, Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032.

D. Metal Detector Exception.

  (1) An exception to the permit requirements of this regulation is for the use of a metal detector in the search for modern coins, jewelry, and other items on designated swimming beaches operated by the Service, with the exceptions of Point Lookout and Calvert Cliffs.

  (2) An individual shall obtain permission to use a metal detector as set forth in this regulation from the Service.

  (3) A metal detector may be used during normal park hours with the following exceptions:

    (a) 9 a.m. through dusk from May 30 through Labor Day; and

    (b) Other times at the discretion of the park manager.

#### Regulation .19 Intoxicants.

*COMAR 08.07.06.19*

A. An individual younger than 21 years old may not transport or possess an intoxicating beverage within a State park.

B. An individual may not consume or possess an open container of an intoxicating beverage on a parking lot, roadway, trail, or other designated area within a State park.

C. The Superintendent may prohibit intoxicating beverages in an area of a State park.

D. Permit.

  (1) Intoxicating beverages are permitted in designated picnic shelters or other designated areas of a State park if the person who reserves the designated shelter or the designated area purchases an alcohol permit for $35.

  (2) An alcohol permit may be revoked for cause by the Service, a Natural Resources police officer, or any law enforcement officer.

#### Regulation .20 Disorderly Conduct.

*COMAR 08.07.06.20*

An individual may not act in a disorderly manner in a State park by:

A. Making loud and unseemly noises or profanely cursing, swearing, or using obscene language;

B. Indecently exposing their person or performing an indecent act;

C. Throwing missiles, to the annoyance of the public;

D. Interfering with, encumbering, obstructing, or rendering dangerous any public place;

E. Engaging in, instigating, or encouraging a confrontation or fight;

F. Operating a generator or electronic audio equipment, or playing a musical instrument at a sound level annoying to other park users, with the use of these prohibited after posted hours of permissible operation; or

G. Causing a disturbance of the public peace.

#### Regulation .21 Lawful Order of Park Officer.

*COMAR 08.07.06.21*

An individual shall obey a lawful or reasonable order of a park warden or law enforcement officer in connection with the enforcement of Natural Resources laws, regulations, or other State laws.

#### Regulation .22 Fireworks.

*COMAR 08.07.06.22*

Without a permit, an individual may not possess or use fireworks or other explosive or combustible devices intended for the creation of a display of noise, light, or smoke in a State park.

#### Regulation .23 Shooting Ranges.

*COMAR 08.07.06.23*

A. Bow and Arrow Ranges.

  (1) The following restrictions apply on field archery courses, as established by or with the permission of the Service:

    (a) Only field tip or blunt arrows shall be used;

    (b) An individual may shoot only at established targets; and

    (c) An individual may not use the range outside the posted hours of operation.

  (2) The Superintendent may establish regulations for the use of the range.

B. Firearms Range. The following restrictions apply on firearms ranges established by or with the permission of the Service:

  (1) The number of shooters using a range may not exceed the posted range capacity;

  (2) Shooting is permitted at paper targets only;

  (3) Targets may not be placed on a portion of a baffle, and shall be located 3 to 4 feet from ground level;

  (4) Fully automatic weapons are prohibited;

  (5) An individual may not use the range outside the posted hours of operation; and

  (6) An individual younger than 18 years old shall be accompanied by an adult when shooting.

#### Regulation .24 Encroachment.

*COMAR 08.07.06.24*

A. Private encroachments are prohibited on State park land. Encroachments include, but are not limited to:

  (1) Fences;

  (2) Walls;

  (3) Dog runs;

  (4) Dog houses;

  (5) Storage structures;

  (6) Driveways;

  (7) Compost piles;

  (8) Swimming pools;

  (9) Tree houses;

  (10) Play houses;

  (11) Woodpiles;

  (12) Gardens;

  (13) Play equipment;

  (14) Television or radio reception devices; and

  (15) Other devices, structures, refuse, or material.

B. Private mowing, clearing, application of chemicals, and other maintenance activities are prohibited on State park lands.

C. Exceptions to this regulation may be issued by the Superintendent to lessees of the State and to private concerns when an activity would be in the best interest of the State.

#### Regulation .25 Use of Trails.

*COMAR 08.07.06.25*

The Service may restrict the use of bicycles and electric bicycles, subject to
              COMAR 08.01.10, and animals on certain trails in a State park.

#### Regulation .26 Amplifiers.

*COMAR 08.07.06.26*

Unless a permit is obtained from the Service an individual may not use an amplifier, loudspeaker, or other similar equipment in a State park. The permit may specify conditions for use, and the Service may revoke the permit for violation of conditions of the permit.

#### Regulation .27 Private Vessels.

*COMAR 08.07.06.27*

A. An individual may launch a vessel only in designated areas.

B. Gasoline Engines. Except by park personnel in the performance of their duties, a vessel with a gasoline engine may not be operated on a lake, pond, or other impoundment of water in a State park. The Service may waive this prohibition for programs and events sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources.

C. Restricted Areas. Vessels are prohibited in swimming areas and other designated areas.

D. Limited Capacity of Lake. The number of private vessels permitted on a lake at a given time may not exceed the posted limit.

E. Swimming from Vessels. An individual may not swim or dive from a vessel in a lake or impoundment operated by the Service.

F. Harbor of Refuge. Except in designated areas or when used as a harbor of refuge, the overnight storage of private vessels in a State park is prohibited.