Accessible Beach Access Routes at US Forest Service Facilities
Information reproduced from the USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails.
Accessible beach access routes at US Forest Service (USFS) facilities must meet the requirements in the Forest Service Outdoor Recreational Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The photo on the right is representative of a disabled individual at an accessible beach access route.
Beach access routes allow pedestrians to get across the beach so they can play, swim, or participate in other beach related activities. A beach access route is a continuous unobstructed path that crosses the surface of the beach and provides pedestrian access to the water. Section 6 of FSORAG explains the requirements for beach access routes. Because beach access routes and outdoor recreation access routes (ORAR) perform similar functions, the requirements are similar.
Beach access routes are required at the following USFS facilities:
When dune crossings, stairways, or ramps leading from boardwalks to the beach are constructed or altered.
When parking facilities, pedestrian routes, toilet facilities or bathing facilities that serve the beach are constructed or altered.
When a beach nourishment project is undertaken. Note that beach access routes associated with beach nourishment projects are only required up to an expenditure of 20 percent of the costs of the beach nourishment project.