USDA Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outfitters & Guides Operating on Public Lands

The purpose of this guidebook is to provide support for outfitters/guides authorized, under a special-use permit from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, to provide recreation opportunities on public lands. By working together, the agency and the outfitter/guide can ensure equal opportunity for all people, including people with disabilities. This can be accomplished while ensuring the participants safety and preserving the recreation experience provided by the outfitter/ guide.

Outfitters/guides operating under special-use authorization from USDA Forest Service are required to comply with both the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). The ADA applies because the outfitters/guides operate as “public accommodation,” that is they are open to the public. Section 504 applies because outfitters/guides operate under special-use permits authorized by a Federal agency—the USDA Forest Service. Implementation guidelines for Section 504, which apply to recreation special-use permit holders, are located in USDA 7 CFR 15b. By signing the special-use authorization, the outfitter/guide agrees to abide by these and all other laws, regulations, and policies of the Federal Government.