Accessible beach access routes at USFS facilities must meet the requirements in the FSORAG for slope, width, resting areas, surface conditions, openings, and edge protection in some circumstances. A beach access route is a continuous unobstructed path that crosses the surface of the beach and provides pedestrian access to the water.
Read MoreToilet buildings at USFS facilities must comply with the 2015 Architectural Barriers Act. Differences will apply if there is one toilet riser versus multiple toilet risers. Do not confuse a toilet pit with a toilet building.
Read MoreAccessible pit toilets at USFS facilities must meet the requirements in the FSORAG. These requirements depend on whether or not the installation has walls, thin/lightweight walls, or sturdy walls. The design of pit toilets varies widely depending on the setting, the amount of expected use, and the system used to manage the waste. If an accessible pit toilet has walls, a floor, a door, or a roof, these components must comply with the appropriate provisions of ABAAS.
Read MoreOutdoor rinsing showers at USFS facilities must meet the requirements in the FSORAG. These requirements include shower head height above the ground or floor, hand-held shower head hose length, clear space, surface slope and conditions, and ORAR connection.
Read MoreCamp shelters are small structures typically enclosed on three sides with a roof or overhang that are often located on trails. Camp shelters at US Forest Services facilities must comply with the FSORAG, except in two circumstances. FSORAG requirements include access to other structures, minimum number of accessible camp shelters, clear spaces, slope, and surface conditions.
Read MoreUtilities at USFS recreation sites, such as electricity hookups, drinking water faucets, outdoor rinsing showers, utility sinks, sewer hookups, and other utilities, must meet the installation requirements of FSORAG. Requirements include controls, clear space, surface conditions, and openings in the surface.
Read MoreTelescopes and periscopes at USFS facilities must meet the requirements in the FSORAG. Whenever a telescope or periscope is provided, ensure that a separate telescope or periscope is available for use from a standing position and from a seated position at each distinct viewing location. A level 36X48 inch clear space should be located at the accessible telescopes and periscopes.
Read MoreAll benches provided along USFS trails or beach access routes or at Forest Service recreation sites (other than those inside a building or in an amphitheater) must meet requirements in the FSORAG. These requirements include back support, seat height, armrests, weight capacity, shoulder alignment, and a clear space. At least 20 percent of benches at a USFS recreation area should be connected to the area’s other major features by an ORAR.
Read MoreWater hydrants at US Forest Service facilities must be installed in compliance with the FSORAG. Standard handpumps are exempt from the requirements for reach ranges and operability in ABA. An accessible handpump for shallow wells is now available for purchase.
Read MoreTent pads and tent platforms at single camping units in a recreation area managed by the US Forest Service must meet the requirements in FSORAG and should be connected to the area’s other major constructed features by an outdoor recreation access route (ORAR). The decision to construct tent pads or tent platforms is a local decision that should be based on what is appropriate for the setting. The surface slope of these installations depends on the type of surface used.
Read MoreFire rings, grills, fireplaces, and wood stoves at US Forest Service facilities must be accessible to all people. An outdoor recreation access route (ORAR) must connect fire rings, grills, fireplaces or wood stoves that are provided in recreation sites to the other major constructed features at the recreation site.
Read MoreAll new picnic table installations at US Forest Service facilities must comply with requirements for accessible seating spaces, table clearance, slope, and surface in FSORAG. The number of wheelchair seating spaces that must be provided at each table is based on the length of the picnic table measured at the perimeter. Installing picnic table with tops approximately 33-34 inches and benches with seating surfaces approximately 18-19 inches above the ground or walking surface will provide reasonable accommodations for compliance with barrier removal and accessibility.
Read MoreAll site furnishings and constructed features that are provided in a picnic unit must meet the applicable FSORAG. Use an ORAR route to connect all features within each picnic unit. The minimum size of a picnic unit is determined by the required clear space around each feature and the type and number of provided constructed features.
Read MoreAll US Forest Service camping units and the site furnishings and constructed features in them must meet the applicable FSORAG requirements. There must also be an ORAR connecting each camping unit with the common use features that are provided at the campground, such as toilets, showers, water hydrants, garbage receptacles, parking spaces, and beach access.
Read MoreEach viewing area at a US Forest Service facility overlook and all the site furnishings, constructed features, and buildings in it, should comply with applicable FSORAG and ABA provisions. Each accessible viewing location at a scenic overlook should have a level clear space for a forward approach. Each scenic overlook and viewing area should have an accessible turning space.
Read MoreGuardrails, handrails, and grab bars are important installations at US Forest Services facilities to help prevent injuries from falls. Installation guidelines in the ABA and IBC should be followed to ensure maximize protection.
Read MoreParking spurs at US Forest Service individual picnic or camping units or at parking spaces for RV dump stations must comply with the requirements in section 3.1 of the FSORAG. The length, width, and slopes of parking spurs are critical to accessibility requirements.
Read MoreUSFS campgrounds have minimum parking space requirements for large RVs and trailers covered in section 3.1 of FSORAG. The minimum width of parking spaces is covered in FSORAG, but not the length. Areas where many recreationists use larger RVs and trailers may require providing more camping units with a 20-foot (6-meter) -wide vehicle parking area.
Read MoreOutdoor recreation access routes should be designed to meet technical requirements for running and cross slopes, surface conditions, resting intervals, clear tread width, passing spaces, tread obstacles, surface openings, and protruding objects.
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