Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines and Integration of Direction on Accessibility Into Forest Service Manual 2330

The Forest Service is proposing to issue an interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the draft Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The interim directive would ensure that new or reconstructed developed outdoor recreation areas on National Forest System lands are developed to maximize accessibility, while recognizing and protecting the unique characteristics of the natural setting. The interim directive, to be issued to Forest Service Manual 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities, would direct that new or reconstructed outdoor developed recreation areas, including campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access routes, and outdoor recreation access routes, comply with these agency guidelines and applicable Federal accessibility laws, regulations, and guidelines. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is preparing to publish for public comment proposed accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas that would apply to Federal agencies subject to the Architectural Barriers Act. The Forest Service will finalize the direction in this interim directive regarding compliance with the FSORAG when the Access Board finalizes its accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The final FSORAG would contain the Access Board’s final accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas managed by Federal agencies, as supplemented by the Forest Service to ensure the agency’s continued application of universal design, as well as agency terminology and processes. The America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass established by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act replaced the Golden Access Passport authorized by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. The proposed interim directive would enumerate eligibility requirements for the new pass for people with permanent disabilities. In addition, the proposed interim directive would clarify existing internal agency procedures and policies related to the accessibility of outdoor developed recreation areas. Comments received in response to this notice will be considered in development of the final interim directive. In a related notice published elsewhere in this part of today’s Federal Register, the Forest Service is requesting comment on a proposed interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG).