Facility Rules and Policies

All local, State, and Federal regulations apply on the refuge.

Specific refuge regulations are addressed in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.



The following regulations apply to those Vieques NWR areas that are open to the public:

  • Keep your pet on a leash.
  • Maintain an orderly conduct.
  • Obey traffic laws and comply with established speed limits.
  • Persons possessing, transporting or carrying firearms on the Refuge must comply with state and local laws and refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and 50 CFR Part 32).
  • Commercial filming, photography or any other commercial activity within the Refuge requires a Special Use Permit from the Refuge Manager.

It is Prohibited:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance.
  • Destroying or removing any public or private property.
  • Open fires and/or camping
  • Removing or searching for objects of antiquity
  • Constructing, installing or occupying a private structure structure
    Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

    Learn more about structure     .
  • Driving off road
  • Flying drones
  • Littering and/or dumping garbage
  • Removing any plants and/or animals, and harassing wildlife or Endangered Species.
  • Tampering with any private or public vehicles or equipment

Note:  The areas not open to the public shall not be visited by land or sea at any time.