Federal lands such as national parks, national forests, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management areas are subject to federal controlled-substance laws and are overseen on a day-to-day basis by federal law enforcement agencies.
November 14, 2025
high
administrative
Jurisdiction and enforcement framework for controlled-substance laws on federal lands.
Closures of national parks and shuttered federal agencies during government shutdowns have historically created public and media pressure that can incentivize legislators to negotiate to reopen the government.
October 17, 2025
high
causal
Public-service disruptions during shutdowns can function as political pressure points.
Violators of BASE jumping in national parks face penalties under federal regulations, including fines of up to $5,000 or potential jail time.
high
legal
Typical enforcement penalties for prohibited activities like BASE jumping in national parks.
BASE jumping has been banned in U.S. national parks since the 1980s.
high
regulatory
Longstanding federal policy prohibiting BASE jumping within national park boundaries.
Violating federal prohibitions on BASE jumping in national parks can result in penalties including fines of up to $5,000, potential imprisonment, confiscation of equipment, and bans from park lands.
high
legal
Typical enforcement consequences for illegal BASE jumping under federal law.
Oversight and management of national parks is a primary responsibility of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
high
descriptive
Core responsibilities of the Department of the Interior related to public lands.