published Mar 2022
by Larry Knutson with Penn Trails LLC
How can trail groups, local governments, and land trusts responsibly plan, develop, and operate trails that are accessible by all people, including those with limited mobility? What are best management practices? What is legally required? When is universal accessibility not appropriate?
published Dec 2019
Specific skills used in Interpreting regulations and legislation; applying federal laws on environmental, historic issues; providing accessible routes under the Americans with Disabilities Act; developing and enforcing trail regulations; responding to legal and liability issues.
published Nov 2019
Ramps, typically used for building access, are often provided on trails.
published Jan 2019
Low water crossings are designed to allow normal flow under the trail, and to be over-topped during seasonal floods.
published Jan 2018
by R. Brian Kermeen with USDA Forest Service
Like most areas managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the central Sierra Nevada has steep and mountainous terrain. Most of our facilities evolved over time or were designed 30 years ago with no consideration for the needs of persons with disabilities.
published Oct 2017
by Federal Highway Administration
This document reviews notable practices and considerations for accommodating pedestrians with vision disabilities on shared streets. It focuses on streets where pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles are intended to mix in the same space.
published May 2017
The Fort River Birding and Nature Trail is a universally accessible trail. It was presented with the 2014 Paul Winske Access Award by the Stavros Center for Independent Living.
published Jun 2015
While notable advancements have been made, much is needed to break down the barriers and embrace greater inclusivity. Parks, programs, and leaders across the service need more education, guidance, support, and resources to create more welcoming experiences for a broad spectrum of audiences.
published Jan 2015
by California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
The Accessibility Guidelines are intended as a reference manual and department policy on accessible design and shall be utilized in planning and implementing regular maintenance activities, construction projects, publications, exhibits, new programs, and special events. The guidelines are not a comprehensive set of requirements for all situations, but rather a summary of information from many sources which provide guidance for common uses in the State Park System. This document is an update to the 2009 edition.
published Sep 2013
On September 26, 2013 the U.S. Access Board issued new accessibility guidelines for outdoor areas on federal lands. The guidelines provide detailed specifications for accessible trails, picnic, and camping areas, viewing areas, beach access routes, and other components of outdoor developed areas when newly built or altered.
published Aug 2013
The FSTAG and the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) are the legally enforceable standards for use in outdoor recreation areas on the National Forest System for the facilities, routes, and features addressed in these guidelines.
published Feb 2012
Public comment period closed February 2, 2012 on the new "Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way"
