Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails

The Purpose of FSORAG and FSTAG

FSORAG and FSTAG provide guidance for maximizing accessibility while recognizing and protecting natural settings, which can be challenging. Some basic assumptions:

• Accessibility is to be considered up front, not as an afterthought.

• The Forest Service policy of universal design is integrated into FSORAG and FSTAG.

• All new construction and alterations for Forest Service outdoor recreation facilities and trails must meet the requirements of FSORAG and FSTAG.

• FSORAG and FSTAG incorporate ABAAS sections that are applicable to outdoor developed areas.

• Compliance with FSORAG and FSTAG does not mean that all recreation areas and trails will be accessible to all persons with disabilities; in some locations, the natural environment will prevent full compliance with some of the technical requirements.

FSORAG and FSTAG have sections explaining when, where, and how much of the recreation area or trail is included (scoping); what has to comply with the guidelines; definitions of terms; and technical requirements defining the physical characteristics of accessible features, such as width, height, slope, length, surface conditions, and so forth. The building blocks for accessible design are based mostly on wheelchair dimensions, clear space, maneuvering room, and reach ranges found in ABAAS because the dimensions, multiple moving surface contact points, and wheels of a wheelchair are the most difficult to accommodate. If someone in a wheelchair can use an area, most other people can too.

Each section of FSORAG is explained in practical terms, followed by a similar explanation of FSTAG.