The rules and regulations in this part apply to the buildings and grounds of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Beltsville, MD, and to any persons entering in or on such property. The Administrator, General Services Administration, has delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture, with authority to redelegate, the authority to make all the needful rules and regulations for the protection of the buildings, grounds, equipment, and experimental plants and animals of BARC (36 FR 18440). The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated this authority to the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (60 FR 56392) who in turn has delegated such authority to the Administrator, Agricultural Research Service (60 FR 56392). The rules and regulations in this part are issued pursuant to such delegations.

Admission to BARC during “off duty” hours shall be restricted to the main arteries and any deviation therefrom by individuals shall be limited to authorized individuals who may be required to sign a register and display identification documents when requested by BARC Security or other authorized individual. “Off duty” hours will be posted at BARC. Admission during “duty” hours when BARC is closed to the public in emergency situations will be limited to authorized individuals who may be required to sign a register and display identification documents when requested by BARC Security or other authorized individual.

It is unlawful to willfully destroy, damage, or remove property or any part thereof.

Persons in and on property of BARC shall comply with official signs of a prohibitory or directory nature, and with the directions of authorized individuals.

The use of loud, abusive or otherwise improper language, unwarranted loitering, sleeping, or assembly, the creating 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, or climbing upon any part of a building is prohibited. Further, conduct which obstructs the usual use of entrances, foyers, corridors, office elevators, stairways and parking lots, or which otherwise tends to impede or disturb BARC employees in the performance of their duties or which otherwise impedes the general public from obtaining the administrative services provided by BARC is prohibited.

The use of BARC grounds for any form of hunting, fishing, camping, or horseback riding is prohibited. Further, the use of these grounds for unauthorized picnicking is also 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 BARC property, is prohibited.

Entering BARC property or the operation of a motor vehicle thereon, by a person under the influence of intoxicating beverages or narcotic drug, hallucinogen, marihuana, barbiturate, or amphetamine (unless prescribed by a physician) or the consumption of such beverages, or the use of any such drug or substance in or on BARC property, is prohibited.

The soliciting of alms and contributions, commercial soliciting and vending of all kinds or the display or distribution of commercial advertising, or the collecting of private debts, in or on BARC property, is prohibited. This section does not apply to national or local drives for funds for welfare, health, and other purposes sponsored or approved by the Agricultural Research Service, concessions, or personal notices posted by employees on authorized bulletin boards. Distribution of material such as pamphlets, handbills, and flyers or the posting of materials on bulletin boards or elsewhere is prohibited without prior approval of the Director, Beltsville Area.

Photographs may be taken by visitors or for news purposes without prior permission. Photographs for advertising and commercial purposes may be taken at BARC only with the prior written approval of the Director, Beltsville Area.

Pets, except assistance trained animals, brought upon BARC property must be kept on a leash and have proper vaccinations. Pets that are the property of employees residing on BARC must be up to date on their vaccinations, in accordance with State or local laws, and be kept on a leash or similarly restrained. The abandonment of unwanted animals on BARC grounds is prohibited.

(a) Drivers of all vehicles whether or not motorized in or on BARC property 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 in or on BARC property is prohibited;

(c) Except in emergencies, parking in or on BARC 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. 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 made a part hereof.

(d) The operation of unlicensed gasoline powered vehicles is prohibited.

No person while in or on BARC property shall carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, except as officially authorized for official purposes.

There shall be no discrimination by segregation or otherwise against any person or persons because of race, religion, color, sex, age, disability or national origin, in furnishing, or by refusing to furnish to such person or persons the use of any facility of a public nature, including all services, privileges, accommodations, and activities provided thereby on BARC property.

The Administrator, Agricultural Research Service, may in individual cases, make prior, written exceptions to the rules and regulations in this part, if a determination is made that the exception is not adverse to the public interest.

Whoever shall be found guilty of violating the rules and regulations in this part is subject to fine of not more than $50 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both (see 40 U.S.C. 318c). 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 State of Maryland.