SIGN GUIDELINES

for Planning, Design, Fabrication, Procurement,

Installation, and Maintenance of Signs

for Outdoor Public Use Areas

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation

March 2002
MISSION STATEMENTS

The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our

Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to tribes.

 

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water

and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the

interest of the American public.
i

PREFACE

Effective communication with the public requires the clear, concise delivery of an

understandable message through a certain medium. One of the best ways to convey

information to the public is through the medium of signs. A comprehensive sign

program should foster safety, facilitate management of an area, provide a learning

opportunity for visitors, and offer a positive image and identity for all entities

involved in the management of the area (i.e., Bureau of Reclamation, water districts,

State parks, etc).

There has been a lack of conformity or continuity in signing of projects administered

by Reclamation. Establishing uniform sign guidelines will aid in maintaining a

positive Reclamation identity. The intent of this document is to provide needed

direction that will facilitate uniform application of the signing guidelines on a

Reclamation-wide basis. The guidelines contained herein are discretionary and may

be used by Reclamation and others. However, if signs are to be installed on

Reclamation lands, they must comply with certain accessibility laws and regulations. 

In addition, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices must be followed when

placing these types of signs on Reclamation lands.

iii

ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS

ADAAG Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines

Guidelines Sign Guidelines

HDO High Density Overlay

Interior United States Department of the Interior

MDF Medium Density Fiberboard

MDO Medium Density Overlay

mph miles per hour

MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

NPS National Park Service

ORV off-road vehicle

PMS Pantone Matching System

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

USFS United States Forest Service

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Chapter I - Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

A. Purpose of Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

B. Signing Guideline Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

C. Sign Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3. Responsibility ......................................... 3

D. Sign Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. Sign Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Sign Plan Formulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Sign Plan Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

E. Sign Funding, Review, and Maintenance ........................... 5

1. Funding ............................................. 5

2. Sign Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3. Sign Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

F. Sign Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

G. Procurement Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

H. Data Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter II - Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter III - Sign Classification .........................................9

A. Identification Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

1. Administrative Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2. Feature Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3. Area Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

B. Information Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1. Bulletin Board Sign Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Instructional Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3. Interpretive Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4. Accessibility Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

C. Directional Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

D. Regulatory/Warning/Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1. Vehicular Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2. Pedestrian Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

E. Miscellaneous Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1. Temporary Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2. Concessionaire Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3. Boating Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. Snowmobile Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5. Special Event Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
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6. Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7. Hiking and/or Horse Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8. Waterway Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter IV - Interpretive Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

A. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

B. Definitions and Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

C. Interpretive Signs in Relation to Other Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

1. Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2. Disadvantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

D. Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

1. Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2. Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3. Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4. Visitor Profile and Marketing Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

5. Visitor Use Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

6. Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

7. Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

8. Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

9. Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

10. Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

11. Organization Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

12. Sign Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

E. Construction Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

1. Anodized Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2. Gator Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3. High Impact Styrene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4. Embedded Fiberglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5. Masonite Silk Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6. Photometal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

7. Plexiglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

8. Polycarbonate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

9. Polyethylene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

10. Porcelain Enamel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

11. Rigid Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

12. Screened Sign Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

F. Location and Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

1. Consider the following when selecting sign sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2. Probable locations may be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3. Consider the following when determining proper sign placement . . . . . . . . 28
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G. Special Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

1. Visitors with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

2. Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3. Bilingual Signing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

H. Evaluating/Monitoring Effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

1. Intrigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

2. Imagination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

3. Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4. Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5. Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6. Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Chapter V - General Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

A. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

B. Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

C. Sign Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

D. Sign Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

E. Standard, General Purpose Reclamation Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

1. Traffic Control Sign Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

2. Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

F. Agency Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

G. Vendor ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

H. Reflectorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

I. Message Formulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

1. When composing a message, consider the following Guidelines . . . . . . . . . 36

2. Individual or Group Sign Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

J. Message Determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

1. First Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

2. Second Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

3. Third Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

4. First Partial Result . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

5. Fourth Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

6. Fifth Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

7. End Result . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

K. Sign Size Determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

L. Symbols/Seals/Emblems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

1. Seals/Emblems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

2. Agency Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

M. Letter Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

1. Typeface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

2. Upper and Lowercase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

N. Signposts and Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

1. Placement and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
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O. Determination of Letter Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

1. Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

2. Pedestrian and Trail Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

P. Rules for Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Q. Spacing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

1. Arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

2. Minimum Vertical Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

3. Minimum Horizontal Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

R. Sign Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

1. High-Density Overlay (HDO) Plywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

2. Medium-Density Overlay (MDO) Plywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

3. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

4. Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

5. Carsonite© . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

6. Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

7. Tyvek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

8. Cardboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

9. Porcelain Enamel on Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

10. Fiberglass Embedment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

11. Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

12. Redwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

13. High-Density Foam Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

S. Manufactured Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

A. Design Type A1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

1. Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

2. Sign Board Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

3. Sign Board Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

4. Sign Board Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

5. Sign Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

6. Sign Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

7. Method of Anchoring Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

8. Lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

B. Design Type A2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

C. Design Type A3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

D. Design Type B1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

1. Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

2. Sign Board Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

3. Sign Board Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

4. Sign Board Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
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5. Sign Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

6. Sign Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

7. Method of Anchoring Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

8. Lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

E. Design Type B2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

F. Design Type C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

1. Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

2. Sign Board Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

3. Sign Board Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

4. Sign Board Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

5. Sign Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

6. Sign Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

7. Method of Anchoring Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

8. Lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

G. Design Type D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

1. Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

2. Sign Board Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

3. Sign Board Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

4. Sign Board Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

5. Sign Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

6. Sign Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

7. Method of Anchoring Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

8. Lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

H. Design Type E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

1. Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

2. Sign Board Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

3. Sign Board Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

4. Sign Board Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

5. Sign Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

6. Sign Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

7. Method of Anchoring Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

8. Lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

I. Design Type F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

1. Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

2. Sign Board Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

3. Sign Board Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

4. Sign Board Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

5. Sign Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

6. Sign Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

7. Method of Anchoring Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

8. Lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

J. Design Type G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Chapter VII - Procurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Sign Guidelines

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Chapter VIII - Sign Funding and Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

A. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

B. Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

C. Sign Inventory and Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

1. Adequacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

2. Wording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

3. Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

D. Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

1. Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

2. Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

3. Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

4. Substrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

5. Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

6. Installation Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

7. Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

8. Last Maintenance Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

9. Cost of Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

10. Current Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

11. Date Condition Determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

12. Projected Next Maintenance Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

E. Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

F. Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

G. Planning Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

H. Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Chapter IX - Sign Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

A. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

1. Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

2. Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

3. Legibility and Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

4. Maintenance Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

5. Condition Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

6. Maintenance Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

7. Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Sign Guidelines

TABLE OF CONTENTS - CONTINUED

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TABLES

Table Page

 1 Major and Minor Identification Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

 2 Design Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

 3 Pantone, CMYK, and Old Pratt and Lambert Comparison Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – Accessibility Data Management Checklists 

Appendix 2 – Interpretive Services

Appendix 3 – Interpretive Project Planning Guide

Appendix 4 – Table of Letter Widths and Spacing Guide

Appendix 5 – International Symbols

Appendix 6 – Examples of Sign Inventory Worksheets

1

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is responsible for the stewardship of lands under its

jurisdiction and should therefore adhere to uniform standards for signing public recreation use

areas under its jurisdiction and management. In addition, Reclamation should provide adequate 

oversight of signs for public use areas managed by other entities, whether private or public. 

Signs are intended to guide, inform, and protect visitors to Reclamation projects.

When used, the sign guidelines (Guidelines) will bring an end to diverse signing practices and

assist Reclamation in effectively managing its land and recreation programs. Where

appropriate, these Guidelines incorporate information/material from the Upper Colorado

Regional Sign Guide, Mid-Pacific Recreation Sign Handbook, Accessibility Guidelines for

Recreation Facilities and Outdoor Developed Areas, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Sign

Standards Manual, Draft Bureau of Land Management Sign Handbook, and other appropriate

sign design documents.

A. Purpose of Guidelines: The purpose of these Guidelines is to set forth guidance for

planning, developing, and managing signs for outdoor public use areas at Reclamation

projects.

These Guidelines will:

• Provide for the establishment of a sign program planning process.

• Describe the different types of signs and the locations where they are used.

• Provide general design standards.

• Provide specific design standards that apply to certain types of signs, including

material and specification requirements.

• Identify procurement procedures.

• Provide inventory and maintenance guidance.

• Provide needed reference material.

These Guidelines provide the necessary information to plan, design, procure, install, and

maintain signs at Reclamation projects. Except for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control

Devices (MUTCD) standards and accessibility guidelines detailed in this document, the

guidance provided is discretionary. However, compliance with these Guidelines will result

in a consistent, effective, and economic signing program that meets Reclamation's
Sign Guidelines

2

objectives and conveys to the public a favorable image of Reclamation. The sign 

principles used in formulating these Guidelines should be followed to successfully 

administer a comprehensive sign program.

B. Signing Guideline Principles: The following principles were used in formulating the 

Guidelines and should be used in administering a sign program:

1. Signs should deliver understandable messages to visitors.

2. The established Reclamation emblem shall be used, where appropriate.

3. Signs should convey either Reclamation’s or a managing partner’s primary mission,

general information, or project data to the public.

4. Interpretive signs should educate and inform the public about the variety of natural

and cultural resources managed by Reclamation or in cooperation with other entities.

5. Signs shall comply with accessibility standards (Americans with Disabilities Act

Accessibility Guidelines, [ADAAG] 4.30) and, where appropriate, accommodate

individuals with bilingual needs.

6. Accessible interpretive signs should follow the Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible

Exhibition Design.

7. Signs provided by a managing partner may follow their own guidelines, if such

guidelines exist, or these Guidelines at the option of the managing partner.

8. Guidelines should use international symbols and established signing industry

standards for design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance.

9. Guidelines should complement Reclamation’s Crime Witness Protection Program 

and should assist in informing the public of prohibitions for entry into 

Reclamation facilities and areas. 

10. Guidelines must comply with pertinent Federal, State, and local laws in administering

signs at outdoor public use areas, as appropriate.

11. Consistent application of sign guidelines will help make areas safer for visitors at 

Reclamation projects, while reducing liabilities.
Chapter I - Introduction

3

C. Sign Administration: 

1. Purpose.—The purpose of signs is to:

a. Help protect the health and safety of visitors to Reclamation lands and facilities. 

b. Provide direction and guidance for the use of project lands and facilities.

c. Inform and educate the public about the natural and cultural resources of the

project.

2. Scope.—When used, these Guidelines should apply only to signs located on lands and

at recreation facilities or structures located on Reclamation lands that are normally

open for public recreation use on a regular basis (e.g., campgrounds, day use areas,

trails, and boat launch areas). Signage at Reclamation facilities such as canals,

powerplants, dams, construction sites, and office buildings is not covered under these

guidelines. Where facilities are operated by other entities, other guide-lines may

apply pursuant to prior arrangements and language in the management agreement. 

These Guidelines should be complied with at the time of renovation or replacement. 

Sign standards of managing partners may be used, if appropriate.

3. Responsibility.—Responsibility for the administration of signs resides with the area

or field office having administration over Reclamation’s real property for the areas

under their jurisdiction.

a. Each area or field office should designate an office sign coordinator, which can

be a collateral duty assignment. This individual should have the necessary skills

and abilities to coordinate all the signing needs with the public affairs officer,

accessibility coordinator, security officer, occupational health and safety officer,

design engineer, landscape architect, and other office personnel, as appropriate. 

The sign coordinator may also be one of the above-mentioned individuals.

b. Each regional office should designate a regional sign coordinator to provide

technical support and assistance to the area or field offices. This should also be

a collateral duty assignment.

c. So that these Guidelines are interpreted consistently, Reclamation’s Denver

Office of Policy and Technical Service Center can provide guidance upon

request of the regional and field offices.

D. Sign Planning: 

1. Sign Plan.—A sign plan for all new and existing recreation use areas should be

completed by Reclamation and/or in cooperation with its managing partner(s). 

Reclamation’s Accessibility Data Management System provides an excellent checklist

that could be used as a planning tool to ensure that signage on Reclamation lands is in
Sign Guidelines

4

compliance with accessibility laws and regulations (see appendix 1). If sign plans and

individual signs are developed, they should be considered as official drawings and

subject to internal review and approval. During the preparation of a sign plan, the

following questions should be addressed:

a. Does the sign meet the public’s or Reclamation’s need, or would some other

medium (e.g., brochure, factsheet, or map) be more effective?

b. Does the sign convey a positive message?

c. What type of message is needed (e.g., identification, information, direction,

interpretation, or regulatory/warning message)?

d. What should the message be, and is it brief enough to adapt to a sign?

e. Where should the sign be located for optimal effect?

f. Is the message needed for individuals:

(1) Traveling in automobiles or boats?

(2) Traveling on snowmobiles?

(3) Hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, or watching wildlife? 

(4) With a disability?

g. Have the funding sources for fabrication, installation, and future maintenance

been identified?

h. How many signs of each type should be purchased, taking into consideration

replacement needs?

i. Has proper coordination been accomplished with managing partners, including

coordination of name recognition and symbol/seal/emblem placement?

2. Sign Plan Formulation.—Elements to consider in formulating a sign plan include:

a. An overall area design theme and individual recreation area logo that considers

the environment of the area, including dominant landscape, colors, forms and

textures, cultural aspects, existing or planned architectural elements, and the

diversity of the area visitors. In addition to an area logo, the sign base and

mounting technique should accommodate the theme.

b. The selection of sign substrate, color for background, message letter style,

methods of fabrication, post style selection, and mounting and installation

specifications to complete the chosen theme.
Chapter I - Introduction

5

3. Sign Plan Format.—The sign plan should use the following format and include the

indicated information:

a. Justification: Describes why signs are needed.

b. Sign Locations: Identifies, on a map, the area and location of proposed signs.

c. General Signing Concepts: Discusses the “design theme” proposed for the

area.

d. Sign Types: Describes each type of sign needed.

e. Sign Design Fabrication: Specifies how signs are to be designed, including

color, substrate, letter size and style, construction details, and mounting base

fabrication.

f. Sign Installation: Specifies exactly how signs are to be installed, including base

setting and installation hardware.

g. Sign Program Administration: Identifies who is responsible for implementing

these Guidelines.

h. Sign Catalog: Establishes a numbering system for each sign on a location map

(except for standard traffic signs) to facilitate easier replacement of signs.

i Sign Order Forms: Includes appropriate design and specification information to

facilitate the fabrication of needed signs.

E. Sign Funding, Review, and Maintenance: Each operating office should prepare a sign

inventory, conduct periodic reviews, prepare maintenance schedules, and prepare annual

work plans requesting funds to repair or replace damaged signs or install new signs. It

may not be the responsibility of Reclamation to fund the administration of signs; however,

in most instances, it is Reclamation’s stewardship responsibility to ensure that proper signs

are installed and maintained. The office sign coordinator should be responsible for

coordinating the funding, review, and maintenance of all signs.

1. Funding.—Reclamation will have different levels of funding obligations for the 

planning, design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of signs at its projects. 

Funding requirements and level of involvement depend on the management entity and

arrangements negotiated between Reclamation and its managing partner(s). 

a. Reclamation-Managed Area: All funding needs for conducting inventories and

reviews and preparing maintenance schedules, as well as for the cost of

planning, design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance, are the

responsibility of the designated area or field office.
Sign Guidelines

6

b. Areas Managed by Other Federal or Non-Federal Entities: All funding needs

for administering signs for outdoor public use areas (e.g., lands, reservoirs, and

facilities) on Reclamation lands that are managed by another entity are the

responsibility of the managing partner, unless otherwise agreed to in a

management agreement.

c. Jointly Managed Area: All funding needs for public recreation use areas

managed by Reclamation, in cooperation with another entity, should be

determined through negotiation and a subsequent management agreement. Joint

occupancy may be with either a Federal or non-Federal entity.

2. Sign Review.—A periodic review should be performed by Reclamation’s area or field

office, or in cooperation with its managing partner, to address adequacy, wording,

and design standards.

3. Sign Maintenance.—A maintenance schedule should be prepared, reviewed, and

updated annually to address damage, visibility, legibility, and appearance.

F. Sign Approval: A sign plan should be approved by the area office manager or a

designated official prior to fabrication and installation.

G. Procurement Process: The procurement of fabricated signs and standardized signs, such

as warning, traffic, snowmobile, boating, and General Service Administration signs, may

be obtained by normal field or area office procedures.

H. Data Base: Reclamation’s regional offices, in cooperation with its area and field offices,

are encouraged to develop a sign data base, which would facilitate consistent application of

these Guidelines.
7

Chapter II

SCOPE

The primary scope of these Guidelines is for outdoor public visitor signing on both land and

water areas. These Guidelines do not include guidance on interior signage for office buildings

and dams, and other Reclamation employee workplaces. If signs relate directly to the public’s

use and enjoyment of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waters, these Guidelines should be used

in the planning, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and replacement of such signs. Signing

situations not covered in these Guidelines should follow the specifications set forth in the

MUTCD, published by the Federal Highway Administration, and other pertinent laws, rules,

and regulations. These Guidelines are intended to supplement, and not supercede or conflict

with, existing guidance provided by Reclamation’s Public Health and Safety Office, Public

Affairs Office, and Security Office. These Guidelines shall comply with all accessibility laws,

rules, regulations, and guidelines.

These Guidelines apply to the signage of lands and facilities under the jurisdiction and

management of Reclamation and those managed by other entities. Three distinct management

situations occur with regard to such facilities and lands, each requiring different guidance and

direction. These include: (1) management by Reclamation; (2) management by a non-Federal

entity, such as a water users’ organization, city, county, State, or another Federal entity, such

as the United States Forest Service (USFS) or the National Park Service (NPS); and (3) joint

occupancy or management of a facility or lands with either a non-Federal or another Federal

entity or entities. These are described in greater detail below:

• Management by Reclamation means that Reclamation has sole jurisdiction over the

lands and, therefore, complete management responsibility for all recreation-related

facilities, programs, and services. Signing for Reclamation-managed facilities and

lands should follow the Guidelines described herein. In this management situation,

Reclamation has sole responsibility for the funding, planning, design, fabrication,

maintenance, and replacement of all signs.

• Lands managed by a non-Federal entity will usually be signed according to that

entity’s sign standards, if they exist. However, a written reference to Reclamation

should always be part of the main entry sign to an area or facility (see Design

Type A2, chapter VI). Such signs shall also display Reclamation’s emblem alongside

the managing partners. This should not be an add-on sign board below or to the side

of the entry sign, but will be part of the main body of the sign. A description of

Reclamation’s ownership and involvement should also be displayed at other

convenient places, such as visitor overlooks, visitor contact stations, visitor centers,

orientation areas, interpretative areas/facilities, and administrative areas.

Lands and facilities managed by other Federal entities are either: (1) those areas

leased for management purposes, or (2) those areas where the lands and facilities

have been jurisdictionally transferred by legislation to another Federal agency. Two

examples that fall under the latter description would be Reclamation lands and
Sign Guidelines

8

associated recreation facilities that have been transferred to the USFS under Public

Law 89-72, as amended, or lands and facilities that are within National Recreation

Areas that have been jurisdictionally transferred to the NPS or, in some instances, the

USFS. The lands and facilities will be managed under USFS or NPS rules and

regulations; however, Reclamation continues to manage the Federal water project that

was originally authorized by Congress (see Design Type A2, chapter VI).

When there is a temporary managing entity or where a change in management is

pending, temporary sign boards may be appropriate.

In cases where the participating Federal or non-Federal entity has no established sign

guidelines, that entity should be encouraged to adopt Reclamation’s Guidelines. The

funding, design, installation, maintenance, and replacement of such signs shall

ultimately be the responsibility of the managing entity unless otherwise agreed to in a

management agreement. Some managing partners already have quality sign

standards. In these instances, existing standards may be used, when appropriate.

Sign needs within areas that have been reserved for Reclamation’s administration and

use (i.e., areas immediately adjacent to dams and along canals which are closed to

public use) will be the responsibility of Reclamation. Reclamation should follow its

own sign guidelines within these restricted areas.

• Joint management means those related lands and facilities that are jointly managed

pursuant to existing laws and subsequent management agreements. Reclamation may

or may not hold title to all lands and facilities described in the management

agreement. Each entity’s responsibilities concerning funding, planning, fabrication,

placement, and operation and maintenance of signs for areas under joint management

or occupancy will be resolved by negotiations with the entity or entities involved. If

Reclamation has the dominant role, its Guidelines should be used. In situations

where Reclamation has minor involvement in the funding, fabrication, and installation

of such signs, it may be prudent to follow the lead entity’s design guidelines. If the

lead entity lacks adequate guidelines, Reclamation’s Guidelines should apply.
9

Chapter III

SIGN CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this section is to group and define all the types of signs used on Reclamation

lands. These groups are represented in the following categories: identification signs;

informational signs; directional signs; regulatory, warning, and security signs; and a

miscellaneous group that includes temporary, boating, snowmobile, concessionaire, and special

event signs.

A. Identification Signs: These signs help to orient the visitor and identify important areas

and facilities. They are grouped into three subcategories: 

1. Administrative Signs.—These signs are used to identify office buildings,

construction offices, laboratories, field stations, housing compounds, visitor centers,

etc. When an administrative structure is in an urban setting, signing may require

deviation from the instructions set forth in these Guidelines. When such needs occur,

the respective office sign coordinator should be responsible for developing a sign plan

for that structure.

2. Feature Signs.—These signs are used to identify structures built or areas managed by

Reclamation, such as dams, outlet works, canals, tunnels, and powerplants. These

types of signs would also be located at or near reservoirs or wildlife management

areas to identify such features.

3. Area Signs.—These signs designate a land area, facility, or group of facilities not

covered in the above subcategories. Area signs should be located along primary

access routes serving each area. Typical areas that should be signed are reservoir

recreation areas, entrances to recreation complexes, recreation components,

associated campgrounds, and day-use areas.

Within each identification sign subcategory, a major and minor distinction is made,

depending on the public exposure a facility or area will receive (see table 1). This

distinction can assist personnel in prioritizing the fabrication, installation,

maintenance, and replacement of such signs. The operating office, in conjunction

with the regional office, must have the flexibility to apply evaluation criteria, in

addition to the criteria listed in table 1, to determine the significance of an

identification sign and to determine if it is to be considered an administrative, feature,

or area sign.
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10

Table 1.—Major and Minor Identification Signs

Subcategory

Major

(Design Type A)

Minor

(Design Type B and C)

Administrative signs Project offices, construction offices,

visitor centers, field division offices,

etc.

Field stations, field laboratories,

housing compounds, etc.

Feature signs Dams, reservoirs, and wildlife

areas with moderate to heavy

public visitation.1

Small dams, reservoirs, and

wildlife areas with little or no public

visitation.1

Canals, tunnels, powerplants,

treatment plants, pumping plants,

etc.

Area signs Associated recreation development: reservoir recreation area,

recreation complex.

Unassociated recreation

development: campgrounds

(greater than 10 units), day-use

(greater than 50-vehicle capacity).

Associated recreation development: recreation component.

Unassociated recreation

development: campgrounds

(10 units or less), day-use

(50-vehicle or less capacity).

1

 The operating office, in cooperation with the regional sign coordinator and the public affairs 

officer, will evaluate public visitation and make major/minor determination.

See table 2 for types of signs used for each area.

B. Information Signs: These are signs located in key areas throughout the site that provide

important information for the visitor. The message should be conveyed in a brief, clear

manner and be located to provide information to the visitor as it is needed. Information

signs consist of the following subcategories:

1. Bulletin Board Sign Medium.—This sign should be large enough to post rules,

regulations, and other information pertinent to a particular site, and it will allow

space for the posting of messages by users. It is also important to provide the public

with adequate direction to the nearest emergency medical facility.

2. Instructional Signs.—These signs should provide instructions for the use or operation

of specific facilities such as trailer dump stations, boat ramps, and fish cleaning

stations. They should also be used, in association with other signs, facilities, or other

media, to provide supplemental information as required (e.g., seasonal information,

office hours, restrooms, showers, and campground unit number posts).

3. Interpretive Signs.—These are signs or exhibits that are placed in specific locations

around the project to provide interpretation of the site. They may take on many

forms including textual messages, plaques, markers, panels, and demonstrations.
Chapter III - Sign Classification

11

4. Accessibility Signs.—These are signs that depict access to persons with disabilities. 

The signs could designate certain sites for persons with disabilities or notify

individuals or groups that certain programs and facilities are accessible to persons

with disabilities (e.g., restrooms, trails, campgrounds).

The design of these signs should reflect characteristics of the site or object they are

interpreting, while maintaining harmony with the overall design of the project area.

Because signs need to relate directly to the interpretive needs of a site, no specific

guidelines have been established for their format. However, interpretive signs should be

concise and should be an integral part of an overall area sign plan. Because of their

unique characteristics and the fact that there are so many design variables, interpretive

signs are discussed in greater detail in chapter IV, Interpretive Signs. 

C. Directional Signs: These are signs that show the location of specific project features or

facilities. International symbols should be used, when possible, to provide the necessary

information in a simple, concise manner. The international symbol for accessibility should

be used, whenever possible, to direct visitors to accessible facilities and programs. 

Directional signs should be located to provide the visitor adequate time to make a decision.

D. Regulatory/Warning/Security: These signs should be used when necessary for the

protection of visitors and the environment. These types of signs are also needed to address

the security needs of Reclamation facilities and facilities managed by other entities. The

Crime Witness Protection Program types of signs are an integral part of this classification

of signs. Signs should be concise and straightforward and should use international

symbols wherever possible to facilitate understanding at a glance and to aid in maintaining

design continuity throughout the project. They should be plainly displayed and legible

from any approach to a facility or feature, whether the visitor is on foot, in a wheelchair,

or in a vehicle. When appropriate, signs should not only be erected to control existing

authorized uses but also to deter unauthorized entry and use, and to preclude accidental

entry. The size and coloring of such signs, lettering, and the interval of posting must be

appropriate for each situation. Regulatory/warning signs consist of the following

subcategories:

1. Vehicular Signs.—Vehicular signs will be of the standard metal highway type in

conformance with all MUTCD standards to facilitate safety. Vehicular signs will be

placed at entrances and exits to project areas and features, and along the travel routes

within a project, to regulate motor vehicle traffic.

Signs designating a prohibited area, and the conditions of entry to a facility or area,

should be plainly posted at all principal entrances and should be legible at a distance

not less than 50 feet from the point of entry. Such signs should inform the entrant of 
Sign Guidelines

12

the necessity of a search of the person, vehicle, packages, etc., or prohibitions against

such items as cameras or backpacks or against entry for reasons other than official

business, etc., as may be prescribed by the facility manager.

2. Pedestrian Signs.—Pedestrian signs regulate foot traffic within the recreation and

wildlife areas and adjacent to areas where the public is restricted. Care should be

taken to ensure that the signs are placed in the best location to be seen by the public. 

Signs should be erected according to the degree of security desired. The message

should be effectively conveyed to the visitor. The signs should not only set forth the

designation of the prohibited area, but challenge visitors by warning intruders that an

area is restricted and that trespassing is prohibited. Warning signs should be installed 

along the area’s physical barriers, such as fences, and at each entry point, so they can

be readily seen and understood by anyone approaching the perimeter. Signs should

be posted on or outside the physical perimeter barriers and must be at intervals of no

more than 100 feet. Signs should not be mounted on fences equipped with electronic

security sensors because nuisance alarms could be caused by incidental movement of

the signs. Examples of pedestrian Regulatory/Warning/Security signs are shown

below. Color specifications of the seven signs are shown in Chapter VI - Specific

Design Guidelines. 
Chapter III - Sign Classification

13

E. Miscellaneous Signs: 

1. Temporary Signs.—Temporary signs are necessary at construction sites and at other

areas and/or sites. They can be divided into two groups. First, vehicular

Regulatory/Warning/Security signs will follow MUTCD standards and have black

letters on an orange background. Second, all other signs will follow the rules for

directional signs as outlined in these Guidelines, except the lettering will be black on

white background. Where practical, Reclamation’s graphic identity and emblem may

be included.

2. Concessionaire Signs.—As is practical, outdoor signs within a concessionaire’s area

will follow the same design format as signs throughout the reservoir area. These

types of signs should not display the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Interior) seal

or Reclamation’s emblem. All concessionaire signs must be reviewed and approved

by the responsible office sign coordinator.
Sign Guidelines

14

The sign coordinator has the flexibility to grant deviations from established guidelines

when local conditions, such as topography and vegetation, dictate otherwise. Neon or

flashing signs are not recommended outdoors. However, backlighting or indirect

lighting is permissible. Signs that exceed the height of concession buildings should

not be permitted under normal circumstances.

Permanent outdoor signs that advertise products by brand name, or by use of

emblems or symbols in the colors or designs used by manufacturers, should be

prohibited. The local office sign coordinator may allow temporary use of company

banners and signage when such a company is sponsoring a special public event that

has received the prior approval of Reclamation. Concessionaire’s gasoline pumps

may be painted in the recognizable standard colors normally used by the oil company

who supplies the gasoline and may include the oil company’s name or emblem, which

shall not extend beyond the normal pump dimensions.

3. Boating Signs.—All signs must conform to the Uniform Waterways Marker System

unless otherwise specified by State or county authorities who may have jurisdiction

and/or responsibility, such as a State Marine Board. Signs used for the identification

of land-based facilities for boaters should conform to the standards for area signs. 

Land-based directional signs for boaters will conform to the same standards as

vehicular directional signs.

4. Snowmobile Signs.—Snowmobile users may be exposed to various hazard

conditions. These hazards, coupled with the speed of snowmobilers, require effective

route marking. The office sign plan should identify snowmobile trails as needing

effective signing that emphasizes user safety and provides adequate warnings of

hazards. Snowmobile signs must conform to the National Snowmobile Association

Standards. Trails should be marked with black, 12-inch snowmobiling symbols on an

orange background. If desired, signs may be affixed in such a manner as to be easily

removed during the off-season. Typically, the following four types of signs are used

in conjunction with snowmobile trails:

a. Snowmobile Trail Identification Symbol: This graphic symbol sign should be

provided in two sizes. The larger of the two signs is intended for posting at the

trail head. The smaller size is intended for use at major intersections and at the

end of trails. The signs should be manufactured in 18- by 24-inch and 13- by

17-inch sizes, respectively. The signs should be black on orange and

reflectorized. 

b. Directional Markers and Blazers: The directional markers are used at

intersections, sharp curves, across meadows and large lakes, and at other key

locations. Blazers delineate the trail and furnish reassurance to the users. 

Blazers are usually located at intervals of 250 to 300 feet on a line of sight. 

In densely wooded areas, shorter intervals may be necessary.
Chapter III - Sign Classification

15

c. Warning, Caution, and Regulatory Signs: These signs retain the same shape

and color as road signs and must be reflectorized. The minimum size is 18 by

24 inches. Larger sizes may be warranted when dealing with critical hazards,

such as avalanches, thin ice on lakes, etc.

d. Information Signs: These contain and include trail rules and regulations,

diagrammatic trail maps, and other pertinent information, as necessary.

5. Special Event Signs.—The temporary use of banners and signs designating a special,

one-time public event on Reclamation lands should be allowed. No guidelines or

specifications are contained herein.

6. Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Signs.—These signs inform visitors of the status of

Reclamation lands with respect to their use by visitors using ORVs. Reclamation

lands are closed to ORVs unless the lands have been officially designated as open. If

Reclamation lands are open to ORVs, signs should provide the visitor an appropriate

level of information as they enter, use, and leave Reclamation-administered lands. 

Signs should provide positive explanations for specific use restrictions and, where

appropriate, include “Tread Lightly” and “Leave No Trace” concepts in the signing

program.

Use standard symbols, colors, sign shapes, and sign sizes that follow established

highway signing principles and practices that are easily recognized and understood by

visitors. Where feasible, signing should be consistent with that of the State in which

the Reclamation lands are located. Uniform signing methods should be used within

areas of land that are perceived and identified by the public as a single unit. In

addition, specific strategies for the use of ORV signs should be consistent with State

and Federal regulations when there is a possibility that certain roads or trails may be

used by both ORVs and standard highway vehicles.

7. Hiking and/or Horse Trails.—There are two types of signs associated with hiking

and/or horse trails. They are:

a. Trail Head Signs. These types of signs should use graphic symbols to identify

trails. The choice of symbol or symbol combinations depends on the intended

trail use. A trail head sign may also have the trail name and not more than three

destinations. When destinations are listed, the distance to the destinations should

also be listed. These signs should be rectangular in shape and reflectorized with

white letters on a brown background. Sign size should be 18 by 21 inches.

b. Guide Signs. 

(1) Destination Signs. These signs are posted at intersections to show changes

in direction and to provide reassurance to the trail users. The distance

should be shown in miles and, if fractions are used, they should be to the

nearest 1/4 or 1⁄2 mile. These signs should be in the shape of a truncated

triangle and made with reflectorized sheeting.
Sign Guidelines

16

(2) Trail Blazers. These signs are used at key locations to delineate the trail

and to provide reassurance to the users.

Placement and erection of trail signs should be considered during the planning phase

of development. Signs should be located:

a. Far enough off a trail so they will not be damaged by users.

b. Away from obvious hazards.

c. So that they do not compete with the view of the surrounding landscape.

d. So that the height of the sign is in scale with the intended viewer. For foot

traffic, the suggested mounting height is approximately 4 feet, measured from

the lower edge of the sign. When the trail is intended to be accessible to people

with disabilities, the mounting height should meet all accessibility standards and

guidelines (ADAAG 4.30). The height of the sign should increase

approximately 2 feet for horse trails.

e. With sign supports in scale to the size of the sign. Two posts should be used for

signs of 37 inches in length or greater.

8. Waterway Markers.—Signs prescribed by the United States Coast Guard and

approved by the States are the standard waterway markers on large bodies of water

requiring control of water traffic, water skiing, skindiving, and other similar uses. 

Coordination with State authorities is necessary for providing appropriate signing for

these types of recreation use. When signing is necessary on small bodies of water

entirely under Reclamation’s jurisdiction, the National Coast Guard-approved

standards must also be adhered to.

Determining signing needs is the responsibility of each operating office, but may be done

in conjunction with the regional sign coordinator. Signing needs for project features, land

areas, recreation facilities, field offices, laboratories, etc., should be evaluated by the

operating office having jurisdiction and shall be coordinated with the office sign

coordinator. However, final approval of public signing rests with the designated office

sign coordinator.

Once the signing need has been classified, the design type can be determined by using

table 2.
Chapter III - Sign Classification

17

Table 2.—Design Types

Sign Classification Design Types1

Management arrangement3

Identification signs 1 2 3

Administrative

signs

Project offices, construction offices,

visitor centers

A1 A3

Field offices, field station, field

laboratories, housing, etc.

B1 B2

Feature signs Dams, reservoirs, and wildlife areas A1 A1 A3

Canals, tunnels, powerplants, etc. B1 B1 B2

Area signs3 Associated recreation development: 

Reservoir recreation area

Recreation complex

Recreation component

A1

A1

C

A2

A2

Unassociated recreation development:

Campground, picnic area,

fisherman access area, marina

and boat ramp facilities, visitor

overlooks

A1/B1

2

A2

Information signs Bulletin board signs D

Instructional signs E

Directional signs F

Regulatory/warning/

security signs

MUTCD or

other standard

signs and G1,

G2, G3

Miscellaneous signs No standard

design type

1

 Design types are shown in Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines.

2

 Refer to table 1 for major/minor differences. Major is Design Type A and minor is Design Types B and C.

3

 See Chapter II - Scope, for more detailed description of the following management arrangements:

1. Bureau of Reclamation management

2. Other agency management of Reclamation lands and facilities

3. Joint occupancy or management of an area or facility

19

Chapter IV

INTERPRETIVE SIGNS

A. Introduction: This chapter discusses interpretation in general and provides “how to”

information about interpretive signs. It is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion

of a very complex communication process. Rather, it provides some very basic guidance

to noninterpreters faced with an interpretation project or task. This section may best serve

to encourage a professionally trained resource specialist or a professionally trained public

affairs specialist to seek the aid and counsel of a professionally trained interpretive

specialist.

B. Definitions and Concepts: 

1. Interpretation is a communication process designed to reveal meanings and

relationships of our cultural and natural heritage to the public through firsthand

involvement with facilities, objects, artifacts, landscapes, and sites. Interpretation

does much more than just provide facts. Interpretation tells a story and brings

meaning and interest to a subject for the enjoyment of the visitor.

2. Interpretive signs communicate specific messages to visitors. These messages can be

written to change behavior, educate, or evoke an emotion in the reader. They are

most commonly used for self-guided trails and for wayside exhibits at points of

interest, such as viewing areas and resource management areas. They can be

constructed of many different materials and are mounted so they are visible to all

viewers. 

3. Interpretive signs provide communication services to visitors. Interpretive signs

support management objectives, tell a story, and reveal meanings of and relationships

among built, manipulated, natural, cultural, and other natural resource features. The

program’s main components are orientation, information, and interpretation. The

program functions as a customer service tool, a management tool, and a public

awareness tool.

4. To be “interpretive,” the communication process should be based on the principles

articulated by Freeman Tilden (see appendix 2). Interpretation should:

a. Provoke the attention or curiosity of the audience.

b. Relate the message to the everyday life of the audience.

c. Reveal the essence of the subject through a unique viewpoint.

d. Address the whole. Show the logical significance of an object to a higher level

concept or story line.
Sign Guidelines

20

e. Strive for message utility. Use a sufficient but varied repetition of cues to create

and accentuate a particular mood, theme, aura, or atmosphere.

5. Interpretive Signs:

a. Use a combination of well-written text and professional graphics to convey a

message.

b. Increase visitor enjoyment through appreciation and understanding of features,

concepts, themes, and stories of the natural, cultural, created, managed, and

historic environments.

c. Explain management of public land resources.

d. Guide or modify visitor behavior to reduce visitor impacts to resources or

facilities.

C. Interpretive Signs in Relation to Other Media: 

1. Advantages.—

a. More visitor contacts than other types of media.

b. Relatively inexpensive in terms of cost per visitor contact.

c. Consistent message to many people at one time and can be viewed at the

visitors’ convenience.

d. In place at all times and available to visitors 24 hours a day.

e. Long-term value, since visitors’ photos tell the story long after the visit.

2. Disadvantages.—

a. Impersonal - contacts by employees are much more effective.

b. Communicate one-way and may become outdated.

c. No tangible “take home” value except for the visitors’ photographs of them.

d. Draws attention to a fragile resource which, in turn, may be damaged or

destroyed through inappropriate behavior of visitors.

e. Vulnerable to damage by weathering, decay, wildlife, and vandalism.
Chapter IV - Interpretive Signs

21

D. Planning: Interpretive sign planning is a process that requires detailed interdisciplinary

participation, including the use of interpretive specialists (see appendix 3).

1. Need.—Consider the following in determining the need for interpretive signs:

a. Is there something visitors can see, smell, or hear at the area that needs

explaining?

b. Is there something interesting in the area that visitors will probably miss if not

interpreted?

c. Will visitors get more from their experience if appropriate interpretive signs are

provided?

d. Is interpretive signing appropriate, or will some other method work better?

e. Are there impacts or damage being caused by visitor use or behavior which can

be alleviated by an interpretive sign?

f. Will enough visitors see the sign to make it cost effective?

g. Is interpretive signing consistent with the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

(ROS) class of the proposed area, if ROS is being used?

h. Will people with disabilities be accommodated (reference ADAAG 4.30)?

If the answers are “Yes,” plan for the minimum number of signs needed to convey

the appropriate message(s) in a professional manner. Too many signs reduce

effectiveness.

2. Objectives.—State the objectives of the sign in writing. They should support the

objectives and goals listed in the interpretive plan for the site or project area. When

developing interpretive signs, consider agency and project objectives, as well as

visitor expectations. For example, visitors to a particular site may want to learn

something about an historic event that occurred there, or the agency may want them

to be aware that sites are being preserved and studied through an ongoing cultural

resources management program. Without satisfying both parties’ needs, an

interpretive sign will be only partially effective. Clear objectives help to evaluate the

effectiveness of the sign. Three levels of objectives should be addressed:

a. Educational: What should the visitor KNOW?

b. Behavioral: What should the visitor DO?

c. Emotional: What should the visitor FEEL?

3. Example.—An agency observes that visitors to a campground are causing damage to

trees at the site. A visitor profile reveals that the campsite’s predominant users are
Sign Guidelines

22

families with young children and teenagers who camp two to three times a year. The

families live in an urban area and don’t have much sensitivity to, or understanding of,

the environment.

a. The agency defines its objectives as follows:

(1) KNOW: The visitor will be able to identify three behaviors that cause

injury to a tree.

(2) DO: The visitor will stop injuring trees in the campgrounds.

(3) FEEL: The visitor will respect trees as living organisms.

b. The agency’s staff decides an interpretative sign will be the most effective

medium. They choose to place it near a tree that clearly shows signs of

vandalism. They construct the sign message as follows:

(1) Artwork: First drawing - Anthropomorphized tree wincing as a person

hammers a nail into it to hang a lantern. Tree has bandages and scars on it;

several branches are broken. Tree is not robust, looks sickly. Second

drawing - Healthy, happy tree, radiant with good health and vigor.

(2) Test: “Ouch! Like you, trees can get sick or be hurt. When bark is

injured through such thoughtless acts as hammering nails, breaking

branches, and carving, it allows easier entry for harmful insects and

diseases, which may eventually kill the tree. Look at the oak tree behind

this sign. Does it look healthy? What signs of injury do you see?

“Please help campground trees stay healthy by not hammering nails,

carving bark, or breaking branches. You’ll help them stay around a lot

longer to provide shade and scenery, improve air quality, give wildlife

homes, and protect soil from erosion.”

c. The agency’s staff considers supplementing the sign with other interpretive

activities (self-guided or ranger led) for children and parents. The activities

touch on outdoor skills and ethics to further emphasize the message and to

enhance the public’s awareness of trees.

4. Visitor Profile and Marketing Research.—Describe the characteristics of the

visitors who will be reading the sign, what they like, what their expectations are, and

determine what visitors need to be satisfied. In most cases, the visitors should be

asked about these needs, rather than the staff making assumptions. Seek assistance of

someone who specializes in “service marketing.”

This research should drive the entire interpretive planning process. Knowing who the

visitors are and what they need allows staff to appropriately aim the messages at a

particular target group for maximum effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
Chapter IV - Interpretive Signs

23

5. Visitor Use Estimates.—Determine the expected or preferred volume of visitation. 

This will be a major consideration in determining locations for sign placement, the

size of the sign, and the complexity of the message. It will also help in deciding

whether or not a sign is, in fact, needed or justified.

6. Themes.—A theme should be clearly stated and easily identifiable as the “thread”

linking the various parts of the story to be told to the public. A major theme covers a

related group of interpretive signs, such as a self-guided interpretive trail, route, or

historic facility. Even a sign that will stand alone, such as the one described above,

should have a theme.

7. Design.—Design is the final link between the visitor and information. Designs for

interpretive signs should take into account:

a. Colors and images that will attract target visitors.

b. Keywords in headings and subheadings that will catch the visitors’ attention and

provoke interest.

c. Type sizes and styles that will ensure easy readability.

d. Height and angle that will ensure comfortable head movement.

e. Reading level appropriate to the visitors.

f. Height, angle, and positioning that does not obscure the view of the subject

being interpreted.

g. Sign contrast, lettering, and height will comply with ADAAG 4.30.

8. Text.—Language is one of our basic forms of communication. However, written text

should be kept to a minimum for an interpretive sign. Text writing is complex. Text

must be researched, written, edited, and proofread. Space for text is limited. It

occupies a surprisingly large space when properly sized and laid out. Adequate letter

size and spacing must be maintained to ensure readability. Also, text must be written

at a level that is appropriate for visitors with a wide range of experience and

education levels. Visitor interest in text is low. Research has shown that when text

blocks exceed 50 to 75 words, visitor interest and attention decline rapidly. Text

writing tips:

a. Use vivid language and active verbs.

b. To reach the widest range of people, write at a 7th- to 9th-grade level.

c. Use short sentences and paragraphs.

d. Be conversational.
Sign Guidelines

24

e. Avoid technical jargon and clichés.

f. Avoid gender-specific language (i.e., for fisherman, use angler; for stockmen,

use stock handlers).

g. Use upper and lowercase lettering for text. Use capitalization only for headings

or for emphasis of a word or two.

9. Examples.—The following examples illustrate the difference between information

text and interpretive text.

a. Information:

(1) PAINTBRUSH (Castilleia miniata). The Indian Paintbrush (or paintedcup) is a member of the Figwort family. The flower is an inch or more

long, and the calyx tip is scarlet in color. Paintbrush usually grows in the

mountains along streams and in wet places below 11,000 feet.

(2) Stalagmites, which rise from the floor when dripping water deposits

minerals, are usually larger in diameter and more rounded on top than

stalactites.

b. Interpretive:

(1) There’s no longer anything remaining of the old cookhouse, with its long

table covered with a brightly colored tablecloth, where the miners ate three

hearty meals a day. Imagine the breakfast-time aroma of fresh, hot coffee

brewing and the sound of eggs and bacon sizzling on the grill. The miners

were also served hot cakes, fried potatoes, and toast with homemade jam.

(2) Clark’s nutcrackers have the habits of crows and the color of jays and are,

in fact, cousins to both. The most forward of all birds, they will steal food

off the picnic table from under your very nose.

10. Graphics.—Illustrations, maps, drawings, photos, colors, type styles, and general

esthetics are all encompassed in the graphics development of an interpretive project. 

It is the combination of these elements that will attract and involve the visitor more

than anything else. Use graphics to:

a. Draw viewer attention.

b. Complement the text.

c. Enhance the understanding of the illustrated subject.

d. Tell a significant story visually.
Chapter IV - Interpretive Signs

25

11. Organization Identification.—The Reclamation emblem should be displayed on all

interpretive and information signs. The identification should be an integral part of the

sign design, and it should usually be subtle. Cooperators’ and other appropriate

logos, such as a reservoir logo, may also be included, but they, too, should be subtle

and an integral part of the sign design.

12. Sign Layout.—Skillful layout and design will provide high-quality signs for effective

interpretation. Pay particular attention to the following:

a. Make the sign the right size: Consider the location and the distance from which

the sign will be read. Letter size should provide easy legibility from planned

viewing distances. (See Chapter V - General Design Guidelines, for size

guidance.) Text and graphics are also factors in determining sign size. 

Consider using standard sign sizes for cost effectiveness. Make the sign no

larger than necessary.

b. Allow the right amount of space around the text: The text should not be

crowded. Leave enough space between blocks of text and headings and around

the border for easy reading. Borders are also helpful to contain the graphics and

copy.

c. Avoid diverting attention from the message: Design the support structure to

blend and harmonize with the sign and the environment. Low profile signs, for

example, should be used on overlooks. Although there are exceptions,

interpretive signs are usually rectangular. Unusual shapes compete with the text.

d. Avoid distractions: Odd colors, awkward designs, unusual words, and

overemphasis of symbols are examples of distractions.

E. Construction Materials: A variety of construction materials are available which, when

properly used, have the potential to enhance sign effectiveness. Select sign materials

based on appropriateness for the site, longevity, esthetics, cost, required maintenance, etc. 

Following is a partial list of available materials to consider:

1. Anodized Aluminum.—Also known as Duratone, Dura-Etch, and Novalloy. Very

expensive, but its long life and low maintenance costs make the product cost

effective. Very susceptible to scratching, but it is impervious to weather. Finish is in

gold, bronze, or silver tones. Recommended locations would be in high visitor use

areas. It is also the material of choice for recognition plaques. Can use photos in the

process at extra cost.

2. Gator Foam.—A Styrofoam board faced and backed with illustration board. Image

and text are screened onto the paper face after it has been prepared with a coat of

paint. Product is for temporary interior displays, presentations, and master plans. 

Light, durable, and attractive. If it is used outside, it should be enclosed in a
Sign Guidelines

26

moisture-proof case; however, other materials are better suited for exterior use. Will

received multiple colors, but no photos unless they are glued to the panels.

3. High Impact Styrene.—An extremely durable and attractive material best suited for

interior use. Similar in quality to fiberglass, except the image and copy are screened

on the opaque materials. Can be used for high traffic areas. Will withstand

considerable abuse; however, surface of image and copy can be scratched if one

works at it. Temperature and weather tolerant.

4. Embedded Fiberglass.—Also known as Modulite and Fibrex, it is a process that

produces a screen print substrate encapsulated into layers of fiberglass. Available in

multiple colors. It is an attractive sign that is very resistant to shattering, weathering,

fire, and graffiti and can be applied to virtually any surface. Comes in 1/16-inch and

1/8-inch thicknesses.

5. Masonite Silk Screen.—Material comes in 1/4-inch Masonite that is silk screened in

multicolor latex enamel. The material is inexpensive, but limited in its applications. 

Best for interior use in displays or cabinets. Any use outdoors requires a

nonpermeable covering as well as a location out of direct sunlight.

6. Photometal.—Photometal is an aluminum alloy that is electronically treated to

produce a colored, corrosion-resistant surface. It is available in various shades of

aluminum, bronze, and gold. Excellent longevity. Weather resistant and relatively

vandal resistant.

7. Plexiglas.—Common Plexiglas with the screened image on the reverse side. Fairly

scratch resistant, but does become brittle with age and will shatter by point impact. 

Best suited for interior use.

8. Polycarbonate.—Also known as Lexan and Tuffak, polycarbonate is a clear material

with impact strength about 250 times stronger than glass. It is ultraviolet stabilized

and is available in a full range of colors. Comes in 10-, 50-, 75-, and 125-mil

thicknesses. Similar to Plexiglas, but it is softer and will not shatter on point impact. 

A matte velvet finish must be ordered because the gloss finish is very susceptible to

scratching. Suitable for either interior or exterior use. The thinner mil (10-23 mil)

can be used on asonite, metal, fiberglass, or other materials and is relatively

inexpensive. Image is reverse silk screened. Resolution of the graphics and text

suffers slightly in comparison with fiberglass-embedment process, but it is still

considered a good product.

9. Polyethylene.—“Poly-Print” comes in 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch thicknesses. Durable

and applicable to interior use. The low cost of this material makes it attractive for

large multiple orders. Polyethylene does not do well outside and loses its image in

direct sun.

10. Porcelain Enamel.—Also known as Dura-enamel and Enarneltec. The process is a

fired-on, opaque, glassy coating on metal. Infinite colors, gloss, semigloss, pebble,
Chapter IV - Interpretive Signs

27

or mottled finish are available. It has interior or exterior applications, especially in

high visitation areas. It is very weather resistant and vandal proof, except it is easily

shattered by bullets and excessive impact. One of the most attractive sign materials

on the market. Cost is competitive with the rising costs of embedded fiberglass or

metal signs. There is little or no maintenance.

11. Rigid Vinyl.—Material comes in 10-, 20-, and 30-mil thicknesses. Durable, but best

used inside because exposure to the elements and ultraviolet rays tends to crack and

warp it. Costs are low. Multiple colors can be used.

12. Screened Sign Board.—Direct screen printing on medium density overlay (MDO)

sign board. Sheet size is 1⁄2 inch by 4 feet by 8 feet, which will make six 22-inch by

32-inch signs per sheet at a very moderate cost. Signs need to be primed and finishcoated with exterior enamel, then sent to a screen printer along with camera-ready

artwork. Sign is ready to mount on uprights without having to attach it to a board.

F. Location and Placement: Location and placement of interpretive signs are critical to

their effectiveness. Signs should be installed at locations with sufficient visitor traffic to

warrant a sign, should be placed in view of the feature being interpreted, and should be

accessible to persons with disabilities.

1. Consider the following when selecting sign sites.—

a. Suitability of the view and environment and how it may be retained during

construction, installation, and thereafter.

b. Relationship of the sign to the point of interest. The point of interest should be

obvious.

c. Locate sign to enhance photographic value of the setting.

d. Suitable parking.

e. Availability of restrooms, water, and power.

f. Locate where vandalism will not be encouraged.

g. Esthetics of the location.

h. Barrier-free accessibility.

2. Probable locations may be.—

a. Active management and research projects.

b. Overlooks and viewpoints.
Sign Guidelines

28

c. Recreation facilities.

d. Administrative sites.

e. Unique natural features.

f. Cultural sites (archeological sites, historic areas, and facilities).

g. Areas where impacts are being caused by visitors.

3. Consider the following when determining proper sign placement.—

a. Sun and glare.

b. Shadows.

c. Orientation.

d. Protective shelter needs.

e. Traffic hazards (vehicle or foot).

f. Visitor safety, including barrier-free access.

g. Mounting height and angle will vary, depending on a number of factors. Trail

signs should be placed low, about hand level. This is convenient for both

wheelchair users and visually impaired visitors. Tilt sign at about a 45-degree

angle for ease in reading and rain runoff. Other signs, those designed to be read

from a car, for example, may be more easily read at a 90-degree angle.

h. Adverse effects of wind, insects, cold, heat, dust, bright sunlight, and other

distracting elements to the visitor.

i. Avoid danger or discomfort to the visitors as they approach or stand at the sign. 

For example, overhanging or dead limbs, dangerous walks, rolling rock, cactus

near the trail edge, or rough stones in the trail.

G. Special Considerations: Design interpretive signs to provide for the needs of visitors

with disabilities and foreign visitors who may have special needs. Consider the use of

“curbside” information booths, cassette recordings, map brochure dispensers, two-way

communications systems (vehicle to information counters), or other information devices,

as feasible. Consult with the area specialist on how best to provide these services. If

interpretive signs are provided, they must comply with accessibility standards such as

ADAAG 4.30.
Chapter IV - Interpretive Signs

29

1. Visitors with Disabilities.—Most people who have vision impairments have some

vision, even if they are legally blind. It is important to remember that fewer than

10 percent of the people with visual impairments read Braille. Many people choose

to receive information by audio cassettes, large or raised print, or through oral

presentations.

Do not set up signs or trails just for one certain group of people, such as “Braille

trails” or “handicapped trails.” This assumes that people with disabilities need the

protection of the special features, that there is nothing else in the site they would find

interesting, and that nothing in the selected area is of value to the general public. 

Another problem with this type of developed site is that it requires visitors to identify

themselves as being different from the rest of the visitor population.

Do not make assumptions about what visitors would like or are capable of doing. 

Many people with vision impairments are denied opportunities for experiences, such

as scenic overlooks, merely because someone assumed they would not get much from

the experience. With appropriate description, visually impaired people could enjoy a

scenic overlook just as much as a sighted person.

Finally, it is most likely that a disabled person, like other visitors, will be traveling as

part of a group. Like any visiting group, couple, family unit, or tour party, some of

the visitors’ experience will be illuminated and enhanced by the discussion that goes

on among the group members about what they are observing. The interpretive task,

therefore, may not be to simply translate the common interpretive message for the

disabled member of the party, but to provide a unique message, keyed to the disabled

member’s abilities and to senses other than sight, that will allow the disabled member

to bring his/her own insights to that dialogue.

2. Tips.—

a. For visually impaired people, essential interpretive or orientation information

that is provided in print should also be available through the spoken word,

audiotapes, large or raised print (at least 1/4 inch), and, perhaps, Braille.

b. Important text and graphics should be visible to all visitors.

c. For greatest readability, characters and symbols should contrast with their

backgrounds, either light characters on a dark background or vice versa.

d. Self-guided trails should include such information as trail length, accessibility

level, trail conditions, possible hazards, and cues for proper orientation. 

Interpretation should be as sensory as possible (e.g., “Feel the soil in a shady

area and compare it to soil in a sunny area.”)

e. Where appropriate, nonvisual cues should be used to inform and direct vision

impaired people to signs. Tactile guide strips may be located to assist in travel.

f. All pathways, ramps, aisles, and clearances should be accessible.
Sign Guidelines

30

g. Railings and other barriers should be positioned to provide an unobstructed view

to persons in wheelchairs.

3. Bilingual Signing.—Areas often visited by people whose predominant language is not

English may need to include bilingual signing. If duplicate interpretive signs, one in

English and one in non-English, are too costly and visually impacting, consider other

alternatives, such as developing an interpretive brochure in the second or third

languages. Text and graphics from the interpretive signs should be translated in the

brochure.

H. Evaluating/Monitoring Effectiveness: Once a sign project is completed and installed,

it must be monitored and evaluated as to its success in conveying the message to the

intended audience and satisfying their needs. Whether the project involves one sign for a

historic lookout, or a series of signs for an interpretive trail, the total effectiveness of the

signs(s) must be evaluated (e.g., text, graphics, total communication presentation).

To evaluate interpretive signs, some marketing research techniques include in-house

review, review by visitors, or review by experts. Area managers/specialists can consult

with a marketer if they are unfamiliar with these techniques.

It is preferable to do test evaluations with signs prior to the fabrication stage. Time for the

preinstallation evaluation should be built into the project development. Serious flaws

discovered after fabrication and installation can require substantial funds, as well as time

to repair. Preinstallation corrections will still take time, but are usually less costly.

To evaluate an interpretive sign’s effectiveness, consider the following five criteria:

1. Intrigue.—Does it excite interest and curiosity? Does it capture the visitor’s

attention?

2. Imagination.—Does it communicate in innovative ways, and does it stimulate new

and different ideas and concepts about the resource? Does it encourage the visitor to

look at familiar things in different ways?

3. Involvement.—Does it invite or encourage visitor participation? Does it draw the

visitor into intimate personal contact with things, so that he or she is more than a

spectator?

4. Information.—Does it convey meaningful information or new knowledge about

resources, their management, and the interplay of natural and cultural processes? 

Is it information the visitor needs if he or she is to feel satisfied about the visit?

5. Influence.—Will it effect significant changes in visitor attitudes or generate new

ones?

6. Accessibility.—Is the information being communicated to the public available to

persons with disabilities?
31

Chapter V

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

Design should be completed before the procurement process begins unless design preparation is

to be completed under a scope of work as part of the procurement process. After selecting the

general sign message, use the following guidance to determine the size and layout of all signs. 

Several sign components are similar and will be discussed together as they apply to all sign

classifications outlined in chapter III. Some flexibility exists for regional diversity when

designing signs that are compatible with the surrounding landscape and area themes. Use of

native materials is encouraged when specifying particular design types. When deviating from

these discretionary Guidelines, coordination with the regional sign coordinator is recommended.

Though the materials specified in these Guidelines are adequate for sign construction, there may

be other materials and technologies which are superior and could be used. As funding permits,

superior materials are recommended.

A. Purpose: This chapter provides a general overview of basic principles, standards, and

guidelines that govern design and installation of signs. It also includes information on

estimating sign sizes.

B. Principles: This chapter contains standards for sign design, shape, color, size, placement,

and reflectivity. Specialists developing or using signs should follow these standards to

portray a neat, organized appearance; to provide uniformity; to project a professional

agency image; and to comply with laws and requirements of memoranda of understanding

with Federal, State, and local agencies.

Specialists should consider use of symbols and/or non-English word messages to

supplement English word messages on signs in areas that are frequented by non-English

speaking visitors.

C. Sign Objectives: Design, locate, and maintain signs to:

• Fulfill an important need.

• Command attention.

• Convey a clear, positive, friendly, simple message.

• Generate respect.

• Give adequate time for viewer response.

• Identify Reclamation lands.
Sign Guidelines

32

D. Sign Design: Design of signs should ensure that:

• Such features as size, contrast, color, shape, composition, and lighting or

reflectorization are combined to draw attention to the sign.

• Shape, size, colors, and simplicity of the message combine to produce a clear

meaning.

• Legibility and size combine with placement to permit adequate time for viewing

and response.

E. Standard, General Purpose Reclamation Signs: Standard, general purpose signs used

on Reclamation lands should be either square or rectangular. Elongated rectangular signs,

usually decals on posts, are acceptable. However, reading elongated text is difficult. 

Messages must be clear and concise. Except for elongated signs, where corners are

square, all corners will be slightly rounded.

1. Traffic Control Sign Shapes.—The Federal Highway Administration and each

State Department of Highways have standardized certain shapes for specific purposes. 

These shapes should not be used for other purposes along highways where they would

cause confusion.

a. The DIAMOND is used for most warning signs.

b. The RECTANGLE, with the longer dimension vertical, is used for most

regulatory signs and some warning signs.

c. The PENTAGON, with point up, is used only for School and School

Crossing signs.

d. The PENNANT, with the longer dimension horizontal, is used only for

No Passing Zone warning signs.

e. The OCTAGON is used only for STOP signs.

f. The EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE, with the point down, is used only for

YIELD signs.

g. The ROUND shape is used for Railroad Advance warning signs and for

Civil Defense Evacuation Route signs.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

33

2. Colors.—Two different color definitions are used in various portions of this manual. 

These systems are based on the two most common color reproduction systems used in

the printing industry, which are centered on the ubiquitous Pantone Matching System

(PMS) of colors. 

The first of the two systems would be used for signs that utilize only a few individual

colors in their design. This system is based on Pantone spot color definitions, where

several thousand different colors have a specific and unique number assigned to them. 

In this system, every color in the palate can be described and ordered by using this

number. Different colors are achieved by mixing a limited number of standard colors

which when combined form the desired color. This color is then applied in a solid

coat. This is the technique generally employed to produce the thousands of colors

available at retail paint stores. If a color is defined in this manual by a PMS number,

such as PMS 607U, that definition is based on this palate and the color would be

achieved by mixing base colors at a paint supplier.

The second of the two systems would be used for signs that utilize many different

colors in their design. This system is based on the Pantone system of process colors,

where every color in the design is made up of a mixture of four process colors, all of

which are applied in different percentages at the same time to the design. The four

process colors are: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and this method of

reproduction is often referred to in shorthand form as the CMYK. With the exception

of silk screening, this is the system used when mechanical or electronic production

methods are used to produce signs. Generally, it is not intended for signs designed to

be hand colored using individual colors of paint. If a color is defined in this manual

using CMYK percentages, then the definition is based on this palate, and the color

would normally be achieved by using mechanical or electronic reproduction instead of

mixing colors at a paint supplier.

The two palates are related, and colors can normally be translated from one system to

the other, usually with good results. All of the colors in the Pantone spot color book

can be mixed fairly accurately using combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and

black, plus white (remember this system was originally developed by the printing

industry where white paper is generally used). Conversely, colors that are described

with CMYK values can often be matched closely with solid colors from the Pantone

spot color palate.

a. Standard colors for most Reclamation signs shall equal the PMS. Care should

be taken to choose standard paints that can be matched to the PMS. If the paint

chosen is not equivalent to a Pantone color specified in table 3, a visual or a

computer generated match should be made. Stains typically do not have Pantone

color equivalents; therefore, a visual or computer generated match will have to

suffice for obtaining equivalents for Olympic Stain 707, 713, and Sherwin

Williams, Spice Wood, solid stain.
Sign Guidelines

34

Table 3.—Pantone, CMYK, and Old Pratt and Lambert Comparison Chart

As listed in July 1998 Guidelines Current or new No.

Pantone

equivalent CMYK

Pratt and Lambert, Alaskan Blue, B763W Alaskan Blue, 1243 2905U 43,6,0,0

Pratt and Lambert, Congo Brown, 0229A Congo Brown, 2065 469U 0,51,94,60

Pratt and Lambert, Spectrum Brown,

R0187A

Spectrum Brown,

2006

1685U 0,69,100,43

Pratt and Lambert, Black Coffee, R146A Black Coffee, 2033 4695U 0,79,100,72

Pratt and Lambert, Deep Charcoal, B755A Deep Charcoal, 2236 532U 100,83,76,0

Pratt and Lambert, Amber White,

YG470W

Amber White, 1615 607U 0,0,11,0

Olympic Stain 707 707 N/A N/A

Olympic Stain 713 713 N/A N/A

Sherwin-Williams, Spice Wood, B42N15

(solid stain)

B42N15 N/A N/A

b. Special purpose posters that rely heavily on illustrations rather than words to

send the message (e.g., fire prevention posters) may use other colors.

c. Colors used in the Reclamation emblem are:

• Ultramarine blue

• Brittany blue

• Bluebird blue

• White

d. Certain colors have been standardized by the Federal Highway Administration

for certain traffic control purposes. These colors should not be used on other

signs along roadways or close to traffic control signs in ways that would cause

the viewer to confuse the nontraffic control signs with the traffic control signs. 

The principal colors and their uses are:

• RED – Stop or prohibition

• BLACK – Regulation

• WHITE – Regulation

• ORANGE – Construction and maintenance warning

• YELLOW – General warnings

• BROWN – Recreational and cultural interest guidance

• GREEN – Indicated movements permitted, direction guidance

• BLUE – Motorist services
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

35

F. Agency Name: Agency name should be centered at the bottom of the sign. Typeface

should be Helvetica Bold or another chosen letter style. Both Bureau of Reclamation and

the Department of the Interior will be the same font size, and both should be set in all

capital letters. However, Bureau of Reclamation may be set in lowercase, if desired. In

other instances, such as office signs, Bureau of Reclamation may not be in larger typeface

than Department of the Interior. Agency names should not be used on fire prevention

regulatory signs, on elongated signs, or on special purpose posters.

When used, the name will be set out in one of the forms shown below:

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

or

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

or

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

or

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

G. Vendor ID: Vendor IDs should not be permitted on the face of any Reclamation signs.

H. Reflectorization: Road and motorized trail signs and other signs intended to be seen at

night will be made to reflect the same shape and color both by day and night. Image and

portal signs may also be reflectorized if night visibility is needed.

Use engineering grade reflective sheeting for most Reclamation signs. Consider high

intensity grade sheeting in unique situations where atmospheric conditions and other

factors indicate a need for additional reflection.

I. Message Formulation: In formulating the message, use standard (approved) word

messages, where applicable. Word legends should be brief, but clearly convey the

intended message. The use of symbols on signs is encouraged, provided they clearly

convey the intended message.
Sign Guidelines

36

Under normal driving conditions, there is little time between being close enough to read

the sign and passing the sign. Consequently, messages must be short. They should be

confined to the essentials (for example, destination or direction).

1. When composing a message, consider the following Guidelines.—

a. Use no more than four words per message, except where the proper name of a

destination is more than four words long.

b. Use a minimum number of word lines.

c. Use no more than three lines per message, except where a proper name of a

certain size requires more than three lines.

d. Keep message short by using certain commonly recognized abbreviations

(e.g., “Mt.” for “Mount,” “Pt.” for “Point,” “St.” for “Street”). (Do not

abbreviate historic proper names (e.g., “Fontenelle” to “Font.,” “Vernal

Drains” to “V.D.”)

Pedestrians and those on bicycles and horseback have time to pause and leisurely read sign

messages unhurriedly. The rules given above, therefore, do not apply to trail signs. 

However, the wording of trail signs should be concise. Descriptive text should be relevant

and contain only information of general interest.

2. Individual or Group Sign Development.—

a. Planning: A sign is a communication tool. It is one of several in a resource

specialist’s grab bag. Others are brochures, news releases, websites, direct

discussions with a customer or client, radio ads, talks before interest groups, and

flyers. These tools should only be used following a communication planning

process that identifies both the messages and the intended audience.

(1) Audience and Message. Decide on the audience and the information the

audience needs at that particular location.

(a) A visitor to a recreation site might wish to know: 

• Length of stay allowed

• Fees, if any

• Types of services offered

• If reservations are needed

• If pets are allowed

• Location of trailer dump station

• Open trails for hiking, horseback riding, or ORVs

• Restriction on trailer lengths or weight on access roads

• How to get to the site
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

37

(b) An agency may wish to inform visitors about:

• Hazards

• Poisonous snakes

• Emergency phone numbers

• Fee amounts

• Restrictions on firearms

• Restrictions on fires

• Restrictions on pets

• Length of stay limitations

• Protection of the environment

• Historical or interpretive messages

• Traffic regulations

(2) Alternatives. A sign is not always the best way to influence visitor

behavior. For example, a sign at a campground entrance prohibiting pets is

of little use to visitors who have traveled a long distance with their pet to

that destination, if that information was not correctly available to them in

some form before leaving home. Rather, it would be counterproductive to

an agency’s intention to provide high-quality service to its clients.

A brochure or map can often convey information more effectively. The

information may be very general, or very broad, in geographical coverage

and may help the visitor when making long-range plans to use a

Reclamation facility.

Campground bulletin boards may be used to display information sheets. 

Information sheets are easily developed, inexpensive, 8.5- by 11-inch sheets

of paper that contain important information about an area. This may be a

small site-specific map, a hiking trail map, a list of safety concerns, or a

description of environmental cautions.

Brochures and recreation guides that include pictures as well as words are

other effective communication tools that can be provided to public land

users well in advance of departure for their Federal land destination. 

New releases can reach a large urban audience with a desired message. 

However, the newspaper editor or radio/TV news director must decide if it

is newsworthy. Also, if used, the news release may be edited to such a

degree that it no longer serves the agency’s intended purpose.

Physical controls such as barriers and fences, used to warn visitors to stay

on roads, may preclude the need for signs within a given area.

Signs that are part of an enforcement effort usually must be backed up by

some administrative action. Thus, a sign giving notice of a restriction or

closure does not, in itself, legally create an enforceable closure. The public

must be given notice of such closures or restrictions through
Sign Guidelines

38

appropriate, established channels (e.g., posting in a district office or

publication in the Federal Register). However, most closures or

restrictions are not in effect until the area affected is signed or posted.

Reclamation’s website <http://www.usbr.gov> and the Federal

Government’s recreation website <http://www.recreation.gov> can

provide updated information and available phone numbers and e-mail

addresses to obtain additional information. 

Physical contact by Reclamation employees, volunteers, rangers, and

maintenance personnel can be one of the most effective tools for user

information and control and may be more helpful than any of the

alternatives.

(3) Information Zones. This term refers to the area’s initial point of use, where

visitors need certain information before proceeding further. There are three

zones:

(a) Exterior Zone. This zone may vary from 1 mile to 100 miles from

the use area. Information disseminated here should allow visitors to

prepare for their trip to the interior zone. It is in this zone, for

example, that information about pet prohibition at a particular

destination should be readily available.

(b) Entrance Zone. This is the entryway to the destination. Information

in this zone should contain most of the warning, controls, hazard

identifications, specific use area maps, and fee information.

(c) Interior Zone. This is the actual destination or point of use. 

Information within the destination should be minimal and positive. It

may include direction signs, restroom signs, campground signs, and

other boundary signs. It should not include warning or behavior

restriction signs.

(4) Message Development. There are psychological behavior patterns that an

agency must consider in developing messages for the public. Those who

use the lands as part of their livelihood are driven by important economic

considerations. However, most visitors use Federal lands during limited,

valuable, nonworking time. Since the visitor is in control of the use of time

and space (and expects few or no restrictions over behavior), any

restrictions should be reasonable and conveyed in a polite manner.

Within this framework, the user is not open to, or tolerant of, long delays

or extensive control. Passive controls placed on visitor behavior must be

positive, give assistance, and be supportive; otherwise, users are not

receptive to them. Loss of passive control, or a rebellion against it, will

likely require mandatory enforcement. That brings into play conflict and

confrontation.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

39

In determining message content on signs and other communication tools

intended to control or direct visitor behavior, the resource specialist should

answer the following questions:

(a) What is the purpose of the sign or poster? What problem is it trying to

solve?

(b) Who is the intended audience? What do they know about this

particular situation?

(c) What do we want that audience to do, feel, think, or know after seeing

the sign?

(d) What traits of the audience should be considered in developing the

sign? What language do they speak? Are there cultural

considerations? Are there communication disabilities to be

considered?

(e) What is the message to be given to the target audience?

In developing messages on signs and other communications tools, resource

specialists should strive to achieve the following:

(i) Be positive in approach, uniform in application, and minimal in

the quantities of signs produced.

(ii) Review the message from the visitor’s viewpoint: Does it answer

the questions? Does the message provide a solution to the

visitor’s problem or dilemma? Is there sufficient interest for all

the information? Is all the information necessary?

(iii) Keep messages on signs to a single subject. Use two signs to

avoid mixing unrelated messages.

(iv) Keep the message simple, clear, and straightforward.

(v) Threatening or shocking messages do not necessarily encourage

compliance. Use them only in extreme situations, such as where

life-threatening hazards exist.

J. Message Determination: Before a sign can be laid out, the length of the message and

the sign size have to be determined. The Table of Letter Widths and Spacing Guide in 

appendix 4 provide the units for the width of every letter and the spacing between the

letters. The sum of these units is to be multiplied by the letter size factor described in

appendix 4. The result represents the length of the word, in inches.

A simple example will illustrate the procedure: a component sign for a marina with a

symbol is discussed below (see page 51 for reference.)
Sign Guidelines

40

1. First Step.—Marina is a one-line component sign. The word “marina,” according to

the rules of capitalization, is spelled in lowercase letters.

The table of letter widths gives the following values:

m - 39

a - 26

r - 22

i - 15

n - 27

a - 26

Total 155

2. Second Step.—The spacing guide provides the following distances:

between m and a - 3

a and r - 3

r and i - 3

i and n - 3

n and a - 3

subtotal 15

 Total 155 + 15 = 170

3. Third Step.—The sign location calls for a 4-inch-high letter.

The letter size factor is 0.1896.

4. First Partial Result.—The word “marina” in 4-inch lowercase letters measures

(170 x 0.1896 = 32.232), which is approximately 32-1/4 inches long.

5. Fourth Step.—The symbol size for “25 mph” is 12 inches.

6. Fifth Step.—The guide to horizontal spacing specifies a distance of one primary

message lowercase letter height.

7. End Result.—The total message measures:

32-1/4 inches + 4 inches + 12 inches = 48-1/4 inches

(word) + (space) + (symbol)

K. Sign Size Determination: The size of the message is now established. Vertical and

horizontal margins and, in the case of multiline messages, line spacing must be added. 

These are specified under the Spacing Guide (see page 50). Positioning of lines, arrows,

and symbols is also found in the Spacing Guide.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

41

At this stage, a layout at scale of 1 inch to 1 foot will be drawn up with all elements,

including minimum margins. In the earlier example of the “marina” sign, the Spacing

Guide stipulates minimum horizontal margins of one lowercase primary message height,

both left and right. The lowercase height of the example was 4 inches. Thus,

4 inches + 48-1/4 inches + 4 inches = 56-1/4 inches 

(margin) + (message) + (margin)

the minimum width of the sign required.

The Spacing Guide for vertical margins stipulates that a space be allowed between the top

edge of a sign and a symbol or message. The space should be equal to 1-1/2 primary

lowercase letter height above the message or one-third the symbol height above the

symbol, whichever creates the greater total sign height. Thus, for vertical margins:

4-inch margin 

12-inch symbol (4-inch letters with arrow) 

4-inch margin

20 inches is the minimum height required for the sign

The approximate measurements of the sign are 4 feet, 8-1/4 inches wide by 1 foot,

8 inches high. The layout is now complete. Even though the above example refers to a

simple situation, more complex ones follow the same pattern.

L. Symbols/Seals/Emblems: The Federal International Symbol System will be adopted by

Reclamation to supplement its sign program (see appendix 5). Appendix 5 does

not include all the international symbols that are available. Additional symbols can

be viewed by accessing the Bureau of Land Management’s website at

<http://lm0005.blm.gov:80/gis/narsc/intersymboldump.html>. It will be the option of

the operating office coordinator to determine whether to use symbols and worded

messages together on the same signs. Interior seal and Reclamation emblem are to be

used where indicated in these Guidelines. Metal seals/emblems are recommended for

outdoor use.

If a reservoir logo has been developed and is consistent with reservoir brochures and other

published material, placement of the reservoir logo should be graphically incorporated

along with other symbols/seals/emblems, where appropriate.
Sign Guidelines

42

Color Guide

U.S. Department of the Interior Seal

March 2002

Seal Element Color Cloth Fed. Std. PMS CMYK

Destination Band

Inner/outer borders

and bullets

Letters and numbers

Sky

Sun

Rays (alternating from sun)

Inner

Middle

Outer

Mountains

Snowcaps

Grass shaded

Grass shaded

Dirt

Bison

Details

Horns

Outlines

White

Golden Yellow

Gold Brown

Forget-Me-Not Blue

Golden Yellow

Scarlet

Golden Orange

Golden Yellow

Old China Blue

White

Green

Emerald Green

Gold Brown

Brown

Black

White

Black

67101

67104

67194

67168

67104

67111

67100

67104

67169

67101

67129

67128

67194

67136

67158

67101

67138

27886

13655

10115

25526

13655

11105

Mix to match

13655

25177

27886

14110

14187

10115

10091

17038

27886

17038

White

116

471

304

116

200

137

116

543

White

364

368

471

181

Black

White

Black

0, 0, 0, 0

0, 15, 94, 0

0, 56, 100, 18

30, 0, 6, 0

0, 15, 94, 0

0, 100, 65, 15

0, 34, 91, 0

0, 15, 94, 0

56, 15, 0, 6

0, 0, 0, 0

72, 0, 100, 43

65, 0, 100, 0

0, 56, 100, 18

0, 72, 79, 47

0, 0, 0, 100

0, 0, 0, 0

0, 0, 0, 100

The seal can also be printed black on white or white on black.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

43

Emblem element Color Cloth Yarn Fed. Std. PMS CMYK

Border, mountains, letters

Background

Mountain reflections (lines)

Snowcaps

Ultramarine Blue

Brittany Blue

Bluebird Blue

White

65010

80130

70211

65005

67118 None

15526

15092

17925

Reflex Blue

551

542

White

 100, 72, 0, 6

 30, 0, 0, 15

 76, 23, 0, 9

 0, 0, 0, 0

The emblem can also be printed black on white or white on black.

Color Guide

Bureau of Reclamation Emblem

March 2002

The emblem colors are specified in paragraph E.2.c. (above). One-color versions may

also be used. If a one-color version is used, the emblem can only be used in the positive

form. If the emblem is to be used against a dark background in which the emblem border

would be lost, the emblem should be superimposed on a white oval, so the emblem border

will stand out.

1. Seals/Emblems.—Signs and posters may carry both the Interior seal and Reclamation

emblem. They must be either vertically placed in the upper, left-hand corner

(Interior above, Reclamation below) or set independently on either side of the sign in

a convenient location (Interior left, Reclamation right). Refer to Design Types B1a

and B1b.

a. On fire prevention regulatory signs, only the Reclamation emblem should be

used. It should be placed in either the lower left or lower right corner,

(preferably the lower right).
Sign Guidelines

44

b. On special purpose posters, only the Reclamation emblem should be used. It

should be placed in the lower, right-hand corner. A “reversed” or negative

emblem will not be used. Instead, use the positive emblem on an oval patch of

white, slightly larger than the emblem.

c. On elongated signs, the Reclamation emblem should be used alone in a boxed

area at the top or the bottom of the sign.

2. Agency Identification.—The standard Reclamation emblem is the only symbol used

to identify the Bureau of Reclamation. It must not be modified. Use the Reclamation

emblem on all entrances to designated locations on Reclamation lands. Identify

Reclamation as an agency of the Department of the Interior.

M. Letter Styles: The letter styles selected for most Reclamation signs are Ancient Egyptian

and Helvetica Medium; however, each office may select letter styles and a typeface that

meet their individual needs. The only exceptions are standard roadway signs that will

conform to MUTCD standards and interpretive signs that will be established during the

planning phase of development. If signs are provided in conjunction with other agencies,

their choice of letter styles should be taken in consideration. Most signs will use Ancient

Egyptian letter styles, particularly major and minor identification signs. Signs requiring a

large number of words, such as information signs, can be lettered with Helvetica Medium. 

Sans serif lettering with consistent stroke width is easier for people with visual

impairments to read. In situations where it is imperative that a message be communicated,

sans serif should be used.

1. Typeface.—Helvetica, Roman, Bold, Italic, and other forms may be used. Italic is to

be used sparingly and for special effect.

2. Upper and Lowercase.—Use of normal upper and lowercase letters throughout the

sign is preferred. All uppercase will be used only for sign headline copy and for

special emphasis. In all cases, body copy will follow normal upper and lowercase

rules.

a. Typeface: Several additional typefaces commonly used on Reclamation signs are

or could be:

(1) News Gothic Bold. A sans serif typeface comparable to the Helvetica

Bold, but less heavy stroke. Used primarily on administrative, information,

and road direction signs. Used to spell out United States Department of the

Interior and Bureau of Reclamation. Used as body type for sign message.

(2) Souvenir Demi. A moderate, serif, italic typeface.

(3) Helvetica. A strong, easily read, sans serif typeface.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

45

(4) Egyptian. Easily read letter style that can be used on major identification

signs.

N. Signposts and Bases: Where applicable, signposts used on standard highway regulatory,

warning, and directional signs should be made of treated, 4- by 6-inch Douglas fir or

redwood. Breakaway-type mounting posts should be considered, when feasible. A single

post should be used for signs up to 3 feet in length and double posts for signs more than

3 feet long. Signs should be attached to posts in a manner that does not interfere with

message legibility, while remaining easily removable for maintenance. When signs are

mounted on dams, buildings, or other structures, the need for posts will be eliminated. 

The signs should be bolted to the structure, allowing a space of several inches between the

back of the sign and the wall face to give the sign a raised appearance.

For signs located within or immediately adjacent to campgrounds and day-use areas that

have grills and fire pits, it may be practical to use metal steel or reinforced aluminum for

sign supports. In these instances, all metal surfaces should be painted or galvanized.

Identification and interpretive signs should have bases that support the design character of

the area. Guidelines for the base height and angle have been established by the Uniform

Federal Accessibility Standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility

Guidelines. However, base designs should be approved by the area office sign coordinator

or by the area office sign coordinator in conjunction with the regional sign coordinator and

the public affairs officer and, where appropriate, the regional accessibility coordinator.

The location of all signs along roadways should comply with MUTCD standards. The

following chart shows the approximate required distance between signs and the required

distance of advance warning of directional signs before intersections:

Speed limit

Distance from sign to intersection or between signs 

(in feet)

20

30

40

50

55

100

150

300

500

750

There are no standards for the location of pedestrian signs, but their physical surroundings

play an important role. Pedestrian signs should be highly visible and not obstructed by

vegetation or physical features of the area.

Care should be taken to ensure that signs directed to one activity do not interfere with

another activity. Safety of the visitor should always be a consideration when determining

both the message and location of signs.
Sign Guidelines

46

1. Placement and Installation.—Uniformity of placement and installation helps users to

see the signs and determine where the directed action is to take place. Select

locations that maximize the opportunity for the sign to convey its intended message.

a. Placement: As a general rule, with the exception of the “No Passing” pennant,

place signs on the right-hand side of the roadway, as close to the standard

location as possible. Consider the following Guidelines when selecting sign

installation locations:

(1) Place signs where they provide adequate time for viewer response,

considering such things as approach speed, road conditions, etc.

(2) Select locations that minimize viewing obstructions. Some common

placement locations to be avoided, if possible, include:

(a) Dips in the roadway or trail.

(b) Just beyond the crest of a hill.

(c) Where the sign may interfere with the normal operation of the facility.

(d) Too close to trees or other foliage that could cover the face of the sign.

(3) Place the sign within the viewer’s “cone of vision.”

(a) As speed increases, driver concentration increases.

(b) As speed decreases, driver concentration wanes. At 25 mph, the

natural eye focus point lies 600 feet ahead of the car. At 45 mph, it

lies 1,200 feet ahead.

(c) As speed increases, the driver’s peripheral vision decreases. On lowspeed roads, the signs can be set farther back from the right-of-way

and still be visible and effective. At 25 mph, a driver’s “cone of

vision” is 90 degrees. At 45 mph, it narrows to 65 degrees; and at

60 mph, it is only 40 degrees.

(d) As speed increases, the driver’s ability to focus on foreground detail

decreases. At 40 mph, the closest point of clear vision lies 80 feet

ahead of the car. At 60 mph, the driver can see clearly only that detail

within an area 110 to 1,400 feet in front of the car and within that 40-

degree “cone of vision.”

(4) Guidelines for installation of Warning, Regulatory, and Guide signs on

roads are as follows:
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

47

(a) Height - The bottom of the sign should be a minimum of 3 feet above

the level of the roadway on roads posted for speeds of 30 mph and

over. For roads posted for speeds less than 30 mph, the bottom of the

sign should be set a minimum of 30 inches above the ground where the

sign is being placed.

(b) Lateral Clearance - The distance from the edge of the roadway to the

inner edge of the sign can range from 6 to 12 feet. The normal

minimum is 6 feet. In cases where roadside topography precludes the

6-foot minimum, the inner edge of the sign shall be no closer than

2 feet from the edge of a roadway with no shoulder and no closer than

2 feet from the outer edge of a shoulder.

(c) Canting - Normally, signs should be mounted approximately

93 degrees to the direction of, and facing, those they are intended to

serve. This canting helps reduce mirror reflectivity. Sign faces are

normally vertical; but on up and down grades, it may be desirable to

tilt from the vertical to improve readability.

(5) Sign coordinators and road engineers should be aware of “sign clutter,” a

situation in which new and different signs are added to a location over time,

and the overall effect is to force the viewer to wade through a mass of

uncoordinated information to obtain that information he needs. “Sign

clutter” situations should be reevaluated to combine, redesign, and

eliminate signs to reduce the clutter.

b. Sign Mounts: Normally, signs should be individually erected on separate posts

or mountings, except where one sign supplements another or where route

markers and directional signs must be grouped. Signs should be located so they

do not obscure each other and so they are not hidden by other objects.

(1) Posts.

(a) Posts are used to hold signs in a proper and permanent position and to

resist swaying in the wind. Generally, wood or metal posts are used. 

In areas where sign supports cannot be sufficiently offset from the

road edge, use a suitable breakaway or yielding design. Wood posts

with less than 24 inches of cross section do not require breakaway

design. Concrete bases for signposts should be flush with the ground

level.

(b) Metal posts should be unpainted galvanized metal. All hardware used

to affix signs to either wood or metal posts should be either aluminum

or galvanized.
Sign Guidelines

48

(c) After a sign is installed, the ends of the bolts should be snipped off and

the threads upset or fractured to prevent removal of the nuts by

vandals or thieves.

(d) The number and size of posts per sign should be proportional to the

size of the sign. For signs up to 36 inches across, use one post. For

signs ranging from 37 to 72 inches across, use two posts. From

72 inches to 96 inches across, use three posts.

(2) Massive Bases: Reclamation’s large administrative/portal/entry signs

should be mounted on bases that match the size and mass of the sign, as

well as complement the surrounding landscape. These bases are normally

located outside the roadside recovery area, usually at least 30 feet away

from the edge of the roadway travel surface or off the highway right-ofway. Three basic kinds of bases are: 

(a) Rock base.

(b) Brick base.

(c) Wood skirt base.

O. Determination of Letter Size: The letter size for signs is determined by the maximum

allowable vehicle speed at that point of the road system. The letter size for pedestrian

signs is determined by location, volume, and type of visitors using the area, rather than by

speed. If people with disabilities are using the sign message, letter point size should

comply with accessibility guidelines. To be easily read, the sign should have sufficient

color contrast between letters and background.

The following speed rules pertain to the sign’s primary message only. Letter size for a

sign’s secondary message will be two-thirds the height of the primary message. (Refer to

design procedure for each sign category for primary/secondary identification.)

1. Roads.—

a. Speed: 46 mph to 60 mph; lowercase height and thickness of arrow shaft,

8 inches; 18-inch recreation symbols.

b. Speed: 36 mph to 45 mph; lowercase height and thickness of arrow shaft,

6 inches; 18-inch recreation symbols.

c. Speed: 25 mph to 35 mph; lowercase height and thickness of arrow shaft,

4 inches; 12-inch recreation symbols.

d. Speed: 24 mph or less; lowercase height and thickness of arrow shaft, 3 inches;

12-inch recreation symbols.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

49

2. Pedestrian and Trail Signs.—

a. Short messages to be read from some distance: lowercase height and thickness

of arrow shaft, 2-1/2 inches.

b. Direction, distance, instructions, listings in moderate visitor use areas where

pedestrian traffic is channeled by walks, etc.: lowercase height and thickness of

arrow shaft, 2 inches.

c. Plaques, markers, and object identification: capital height, 1-1/2 inches;

lowercase height and thickness of arrow shaft, 1 inch; 8-inch recreation symbol.

d. Description sign texts: capital height, 1 inch; lowercase height and thickness of

arrow shaft, 5/8 inch; 8-inch recreation symbol.

The Guidelines for letter and space size may be adjusted to meet special conditions,

such as composition, emphasis, and so forth. Never should sizes be less than those

indicated in the charts for particular uses or speeds. As a rule, 1 inch of letter height

can be read from a distance of 50 feet; 2 inches from 100 feet, and so on.

P. Rules for Capitalization: 

1. Signs should use both uppercase and lowercase letters. The first letter of all proper

nouns should be capitalized.

2. Identification signs should use uppercase and lowercase letters (example: “Aspen

Grove Campground, Upper Colorado Region”). The Department of the Interior and

Bureau of Reclamation designations shall be spelled with all capital letters.

3. Informational signs should use uppercase and lowercase letters. 

4. Directional signs should use uppercase and lowercase letters. 

5. Regulatory/warning signs should follow MUTCD standards.

6. Temporary signs should follow the rules set forth in the category to which they

belong.

7. Concessionaire signs should follow all applicable rules set forth above. 

8. Boating signs and snowmobile signs should follow the rules set forth in the Uniform

Waterways Marker System and the National Snowmobile Association Standards.

9. No specific guidelines have been established for interpretive signs. However, the

format should conform to the overall interpretive program.
Sign Guidelines

50

Q. Spacing Guide: 

1. Arrows.—Arrows can be used to point in four directions: straight up, straight down,

straight left (90 degrees), and straight right (90 degrees).

Arrows are to be positioned either to the right or left of the message or symbol so that

the arrow is pointing away from the message or symbol, rather than to it. On trail

signs for pedestrians, which contain long listings of directions, the arrow may be

placed above or below the message for greater clarity. If, at certain locations, a

narrow sign is preferred, and the position of an arrow to the right or left of the

message requires an excessively wide sign, the arrow may be placed below the

message.

Arrows will conform to these proportions:
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

51

2. Minimum Vertical Spacing.—These proportions apply to all signs except Design

Types A and B.

a. Between the top edge of a sign and a symbol, arrow, or message, allow space

equal to 1-1/2 primary lowercase letter height above the message or one-third

the symbol height above the symbol, whichever creates the greater total sign

height.

b. Between baseline of first line and top of second line of primary message, allow

space equal to 1-1/2 primary lowercase letter height.

c. Between baseline of primary message and top line of a secondary message, allow

space equal to one primary lowercase letter height.
Sign Guidelines

52

d. Between baseline of a secondary message and top line of the second line and

each succeeding line of a secondary message, allow space equal to one

secondary lowercase letter height.

e. Between the bottom edge of the top symbol and top edge of lower symbol, allow

space equal to one primary lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height,

whichever is greater.

f. Between the bottom edge of the lowest symbol or message, allow space equal to

1-1/2 primary lowercase letter height below the message or one-third the symbol

height below the symbol, whichever creates the greater total sign height.

g. Signs with a symbol or arrow to the left or right of the message will have the

message centered vertically on the symbol or arrow.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

53

h. In a two-line message, the arrow should be vertically centered between the two.

3. Minimum Horizontal Spacing.—These proportions apply to all signs except Design

Types A and B.

a. Between the left and right edge of the sign and the message, arrow, or symbol,

allow space equal to 1-1/2 lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height.

b. Between the first and last letter of a message and an arrow or symbol, allow

space equal to one lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height.

c. Between symbols, allow space equal to one lowercase letter height or one-third

symbol height.
Sign Guidelines

54

d. Symbols placed beneath or above a message will be centered on the message.

e. Between symbols and arrows on signs with no written message, allow a space

equal to one-third symbol height between them and center the arrow vertically

on the symbol.

f. Between words in a primary message, allow space equal to one primary

lowercase letter height.

g. Between words in a secondary message, allow space equal to one secondary

lowercase letter height.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

55

h. Arrows should be aligned with baseline of appropriate message, allowing a space

equal to one lowercase letter height between arrow and baseline.

i. All margins are measured from the outside of the sign face.

j. Borders: Signs that require borders, except Design Type Al

, should typically

have a white border set in 1/4 inch from the edge of the sign face; however,

different border colors may be used as necessary for interpretative signs, etc.,

depending on the background colors. Line weight should be appropriate to the

size and overall design of the sign. Corners should be slightly rounded to match

the sign. Borders on elongated signs and posters should be square. Borders

should be used on fire prevention regulatory signs and posters but are not

required on special purpose posters.

The width of the border should be determined by the width of the sign. The

border width should be 3/16 inch for each foot of sign width. Corner radii for

the border should be 1 inch per foot of sign width. In no case should the border

be less than 3/8 inch wide. For signs that have routed borders, a 1-inch offset

from the edge of the sign face is recommended to prevent chipping.

R. Sign Materials: Reclamation signs and posters can be manufactured from a variety of

materials, including wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and cardboard. These materials are

called “substrates.” The “message” is either painted or printed (usually by silk screening)

onto the substrate. Other materials commonly used in the manufacturing process include

reflective sheeting, paint, stain, and vinyl edge film.

As a general rule, the softer or more porous a substrate material is, the better paints will

penetrate the surface and create a solid bond. The harder or more slick the material, the

more likely the paint is to dry on the surface. The softer substrates are more easily

damaged from deep gouging by vandals. The harder substrates are more likely to resist

gouging and destruction of the substrate, but the paint is more easily chipped away.

The harder and less porous the surface, the better decals and pressed-on vinyls will adhere.
Sign Guidelines

56

Some commonly used substrates for Reclamation signs are:

1. High-Density Overlay (HDO) Plywood.—Marine-quality, 3/4-inch plywood with

one side covered with a high density, slick material (the overlay), to which adhesives

cling quite strongly. Commonly used as the substrate for pressed-on materials such

as reflective vinyl. This substrate should be used extensively for the larger signs. It

weathers well, and holes in the vinyl can be easily repaired.

2. Medium-Density Overlay (MDO) Plywood.—Marine-quality, 3/4-inch plywood,

with one side covered with a smooth but more porous overlay than HDO. This

substrate accepts paint much better than HDO. The porosity of the overlay allows the

paint to bond with the substrate better.

3. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF).—A pressed-particle board product that accepts

paint (silk screening) very well and weathers well. MDF is gaining adherents among

transportation departments for large highway signs (green, blue, and brown).

4. Plastics.—Sign making can involve a variety of plastics:

• Acrylic, or Plexiglas, is a hard, rigid material that withstands abrasion well

but breaks easily. It is often used as a clear protective covering over

another sign.

• Polycarbonite, or Lexan, is similar to the acrylic panel but is softer, with a

greater flex. Its softness makes it more likely to be marred by dust and

blowing sand.

• Polyethylene and polypropylene are fairly common materials that are

suitable for most routine sign applications. They are soft materials that

have sufficient rigidity to stand up as small signs, but not so rigid that they

are easily broken. They come in basic colors, and accept paint (silk

screening) well. Generally, they weather well; however, their softness

makes them easy prey to vandals wielding sharp or pointed instruments. 

Initial and replacement costs are low.

5. Carsonite©.—Carsonite is a patented material that combines fiberglass and epoxy

resins to make a strong but flexible substrate. Used most often in a thin, vertical

format, it is also used for small routine signs. Its hard, impervious surface is best

used as a substrate for decals, although silk screening is possible. It is very resistant

to impact and weather. Initial and replacement costs are low.

6. Aluminum.—A long used, common substrate for routine, smaller signs. Message

usually silk screened onto substrate. Easily and significantly damaged by bullets and

other forms of vandalism. It has good weather resistance. Medium initial and

replacement costs.
Chapter V - General Design Guidelines

57

7. Tyvek.—A fibrous, paper-like material that has good short-term resistance to

inclement weather and to animal damage. Very flexible and light. Easily stapled to

wood.

8. Cardboard.—A paper product that degrades quickly in inclement weather. Accepts

paint (silk screening) well, depending on the slickness of the surface. Easily nailed or

stapled. Used primarily for seasonal posters.

9. Porcelain Enamel on Steel.—This material is highly resistant to scratches, impacts,

and weathering. Most often used on interpretive signs, it offers a very appealing

appearance, but at a high initial and replacement cost. It lends itself well to the use

of graphics. While expensive, it has a lifetime of 20 years or more.

10. Fiberglass Embedment.—In this process, a paper image is embedded in a

fiberglass/epoxy-resin panel. Preparation of the first paper image is initially a high

cost. Second, third, and subsequent copies can be quickly and cheaply made at the

time of the original and put aside for later embedment at relatively low cost to replace

a damaged or stolen original. The fiberglass resists scratching, impact, and

weathering very well.

11. Metal.—Engraved or acid etched metals, aluminum, and stainless steel are often used

for signs. Such signs have a long service life, are generally good or very good in

their resistance to weather, and fair or poor in their resistance to scratching or

impact. Initial cost is generally medium to high, as is the replacement cost.

12. Redwood.—Routed redwood signs have been a Reclamation standard for a long time. 

These types of signs are expensive because of the high material and fabrication costs.

13. High-Density Foam Boards.—Three-dimensional signs made by cutting a matte and

sandblasting to the desired depth. Sand blasting and mattes can also be used to make

three-dimensional wood signs from 2-inch-thick material.

S. Manufactured Signs: Specifications for premanufactured signs should be followed per

manufacturer’s instructions, regardless of the procurement source.

59

Chapter VI

SPECIFIC DESIGN GUIDELINES

A. Design Type A1: Identification sign.

1. Shape.—Extended oval (see example).

2. Sign Board Size.—Varies according to length of message and speed of observer.

3. Sign Board Material.—Two-inch dimension redwood laminated on edge, 3/4-inch

MDO with 60-60 black overlay, or any of the listed substrates on pages 56 and 57.

4. Sign Board Fabrication.—Whenever signs with glue laminated joints are

constructed, the joints should be doweled and a marine type glue used. Signs that

have two or more glue joints should be backed with an appropriate material to prevent

cupping, warping, or other distortion.

5. Sign Face.—Scotchcal, or equivalent, film or polysilicone base paint. The blue

portion should be Pantone 2905U, or equivalent. The brown portion, if redwood,

should be stained with Olympic Stain 707, or equivalent. The border should be

stained with Sherwin Williams, solid stain, Spice Wood, B42N15, or equivalent. If

the sign board material is MDO, the brown portion should be Pantone 469U, or

equivalent. The border should be painted with Pantone 4695U, or equivalent.

6. Sign Base.—No standard designs. It is recommended that materials found naturally

around the site be repeated in the base. If the sign is identifying a structure or office

building, it should match those materials used in the construction, if suitable.

7. Method of Anchoring Sign.—Wood or steel posts bolted or set in concrete. Use of

vandal-proof nuts is encouraged.

8. Lettering.—Lettering can be of Scotchlite film, or equivalent, routed or flat, and

painted or painted with a silk screen. Black letters should be Pantone 532U, or

equivalent. White letters should be Pratt and Lambert, Pantone 607U, or equivalent. 

Letter size should be determined from information contained in chapter V.

NOTE: The graphic examples in this chapter use either blue (Pantone Color Matching System

2905U) or brown (Pantone 4695U) for the background color. Brown is

recommended for the background color; however, blue may be used in certain

situations, such as entrance signs or dam or reservoir overlook signs. In either case,

the lettering for text and border should always be white (Pantone 607U). In addition,

an Egyptian letter style has been used for the examples; however, other letter styles

may also be used.
Sign Guidelines

60

Design Type A1 - Identification Sign
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

61

Design Type A1 - Identification Sign
Sign Guidelines

62

B. Design Type A2: Identification sign.

Examples for this type of sign are shown on the following pages. These signs will vary

from agency to agency. Specific design requirements will be developed through

discussions with each managing entity. The office sign coordinator should be responsible

for establishing typical designs agreeable to all parties involved. It is recommended that

signposts/supports, as shown on the second example of this design type, do not extend

above the main face of the sign.

One fundamental requirement applies to all signs of this type. Each sign should have the

Bureau of Reclamation designation lettered on the main body of the sign board, including

Reclamation’s emblem.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

63

Design Type A2 - Identification Sign
Sign Guidelines

64

Design Type A2 - Identification Sign
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

65

C. Design Type A3: Identification sign.

An example for this type of sign is shown on the following page. In signing situations

where Reclamation is the dominant entity, sign designs should closely follow the

guidelines shown for Design Type Al

. On the other hand, when another agency has the

dominant role in an office, they should be responsible for designing a sign that will

adequately identify Reclamation. However, use of Reclamation sign designs should be

encouraged.
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66

Design Type A3 - Identification Sign
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

67

D. Design Type B1: Identification sign.

1. Shape.—Rectangular.

2. Sign Board Size.—Varies according to length of message and speed of observer.

3. Sign Board Material.—Two-inch redwood laminated on edge, 3/4-inch MDO with

60-60 black overlay, or any of the listed substrates on pages 56 and 57.

4. Sign Board Fabrication.—Whenever signs with glue-laminated joints are

constructed, the joints should be doweled and a marine type glue used. Signs that

have two or more glue joints should be backed with an appropriate material to prevent

cupping, warping, or other distortion.

5. Sign Face.—Plywood sign board should be treated with Scotchcal, or equivalent, film

or painted surface; color of film should be 3M, Recreation Brown; color of paint

should be Pantone 1685U, or equivalent, and Pantone 2905U, or equivalent. 

Redwood sign and board should be stained with Olympic Stain 707, and the blue

portion should be painted with Pantone 2905U, or equivalent.

6. Sign Supports.—Stained redwood or treated Douglas fir posts, 4 by 6 inches. Posts

should be buried and concrete encased at least 36 inches below ground level. The

stain color should be Olympic Stain 713, or equivalent. Signs may also be attached to

buildings, bridges, dams, etc., where appropriate. Supports should be flush with the

top of the sign.

7. Method of Anchoring Sign.—One-half-inch-diameter carriage bolts long enough to

extend from the sign face through the back of the posts. The bolts should not

protrude more than 3/4 inch beyond the signpost. Large washers and nuts should be

used to secure the bolts. The rounded bolt heads on the sign surface should be treated

with a matching paint or stick-on film. Use of vandal-proof nuts is encouraged.

8. Lettering.—Lettering can be of Scotchlite film, or equivalent, routed or flat, and

painted or painted with a silk screen. Scotchlite White, or equivalent, should be used

for the film letters; Pantone 607U, or equivalent, should be used on the painted

letters. Letter size should be determined from information contained in chapter V.

NOTE: The graphic examples in this chapter use blue (Pantone Color Matching System

2905U) for the background color. However, brown (Pantone 4695U) may also be

used. In either case, the lettering for text and border should always be white

(Pantone 607U). In addition, an Egyptian letter style has been used for the examples;

however, other letter styles may also be used.
Sign Guidelines

68

Design Type B1a - Identification Sign
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

69

Design Type B1b - Identification Sign
Sign Guidelines

70

E. Design Type B2: Identification sign.

An example for this type of sign is shown on the following page. In signing situations

where Reclamation is the dominant entity, sign designs should closely follow the

guidelines shown for Design Type Bl

. When another agency has the dominant role, that

agency should design a sign that will adequately identify the Bureau of Reclamation. 

However, use of Reclamation sign designs should be encouraged.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

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Design Type B2 - Identification Sign
Sign Guidelines

72

F. Design Type C: Recreation Component sign.

1. Shape.—Rectangular.

2. Sign Board Size.—Varies according to length of message and speed of observer.

3. Sign Board Material.—Two-inch redwood laminated on edge, 3/4-inch MDO with

60-60 black overlay, or any of the listed substrates on pages 56 and 57.

4. Sign Board Fabrication.—Whenever signs with glue-laminated joints are

constructed, the joints should be doweled and a marine type glue used. Signs that

have two or more glue joints should be backed with an appropriate material to prevent

cupping, warping, or other distortion.

5. Sign Face.—Scotchcal, or equivalent, film or painted surface; color of film should be

3M, Recreation Brown; color of paint should be Pantone 1685U, or equivalent.

6. Sign Supports.—Stained redwood or treated Douglas fir posts, 4 by 6 inches. Posts

should be buried and concrete encased at least 36 inches below ground level. The

stain color should be Olympic Stain 713, or equivalent. Signs may also be attached to

buildings, bridges, etc., where appropriate. Supports should be flush with the top of

the sign.

7. Method of Anchoring Sign.—One-half-inch-diameter carriage bolts long enough to

extend from the sign face through the back of the posts. The bolts should not

protrude more than 3/4 inch beyond the signpost. Large washers and nuts should be

used to secure the bolts. The rounded bolt heads on the sign surface should be treated

with matching paint or stick-on film. Use of vandal-proof nuts is encouraged.

8. Lettering.—Lettering can be of Scotchlite film, or equivalent, routed or flat, and

painted or painted with a silk screen. Scotchlite White, or equivalent, should be used

for the film letters; Pantone 607U, or equivalent, should be used on the painted

letters. Letter size should be determined from the information contained in

chapter V.

NOTE: The graphic examples in this chapter use blue (Pantone Color Matching System

2905U) for the background color. However, brown (Pantone 4695U) may also be

used. In either case, the lettering for text and border should always be white

(Pantone 607U). In addition, an Egyptian letter style has been used for the examples;

however, other letter styles may also be used.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

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Design Type C - Identification Sign
Sign Guidelines

74

G. Design Type D: Information—Bulletin Board sign

1. Shape.—Rectangular.

2. Sign Board Size.—Four feet long, 3 feet wide.

3. Sign Board Material.—Two-inch redwood laminated on edge, 3/4-inch MDO with

60-60 black overlay, or any of the listed substrates on pages 56 and 57. Close

cellular black rubber mat inset should be used for rack surface (see drawing, Design

Type D).

4. Sign Board Fabrication.—Whenever signs with glue-laminated joints are

constructed, the joints should be doweled and a marine type glue used. Signs that

have two or more glue joints should be backed with an appropriate material to prevent

cupping, warping, or other distortion.

5. Sign Face.—Scotchcal, or equivalent, film or painted surface; color of film should be

3M, Recreation Brown; color of paint should be Pantone 1685U, or equivalent.

6. Sign Supports.—Stained redwood or treated Douglas fir posts, 4 by 6 inches. Posts

should be buried and concrete encased at least 36 inches below ground level. The

stain color should be Olympic Stain 713, or equivalent. Signs may be attached to

buildings, bridges, etc., where appropriate. Supports should be flush with the top of

the sign.

7. Method of Anchoring Sign.—One-half-inch-diameter carriage bolts long enough to

extend from the sign face through the back of the posts. The bolts should not

protrude more than 3/4 inch beyond the signpost. Large washers and nuts should be

used to secure the bolts. The rounded bolt heads on the sign surface should be treated

with a matching paint or stick-on film. Use of vandal-proof nuts is encouraged.

8. Lettering.—Lettering can be of Scotchlite film, or equivalent, routed or flat, and

painted or painted with a silk screen. Scotchlite White, or equivalent, should be used

for the film letters; Pantone 607U, or equivalent, should be used on the painted

letters. Letter size should be 3-inch lowercase.

NOTE: The graphic examples in this chapter use blue (Pantone Color Matching System

2905U) for the background color. However, brown (Pantone 4695U) may also be

used. In either case, the lettering for text and border should always be white

(Pantone 607U). In addition, an Egyptian letter style has been used for the examples;

however, other letter styles may also be used.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

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Design Type D - Information—Bulletin Board Sign
Sign Guidelines

76

H. Design Type E: Information—Instructional sign

1. Shape.—Rectangular.

2. Sign Board Size.—Varies according to length of message and speed of observer.

3. Sign Board Material.—Two-inch redwood laminated on edge, 3/4-inch MDO with

60-60 black overlay, or any of the listed substrates on pages 56 and 57.

4. Sign Board Fabrication.—Whenever signs with glue-laminated joints are

constructed, the joints should be doweled and a marine type glue used. Signs that

have two or more glue joints should be backed with an appropriate material to prevent

cupping, warping, or other distortion.

5. Sign Face.—Scotchcal, or equivalent, film or painted surface; color of film should be

3M, Recreation Brown; color of paint should be Pantone 1685U, or equivalent.

6. Sign Supports.—Stained redwood or treated Douglas fir posts, 4 by 6 inches. Posts

should be buried and concrete encased at least 36 inches below ground level. The

stain color should be Olympic Stain 713, or equivalent. Signs may also be attached to

buildings, bridges, etc., where appropriate. Supports should be flush with the top of

the sign.

7. Method of Anchoring Sign.—One-half-inch-diameter carriage bolts long enough to

extend from the sign face through the back of the posts. The bolts should not

protrude more than 3/4 inch beyond the signpost. Large washers and nuts should be

used to secure the bolts. The rounded bolt heads on the sign surface should be treated

with a matching paint or stick-on film. Use of vandal-proof nuts is encouraged.

8. Lettering.—Lettering can be of Scotchlite film, or equivalent, routed or flat, and

painted or painted with a silk screen. Scotchlite White, or equivalent, should be used

for the film letters; Pantone 607U, or equivalent, should be used on the painted

letters. Letter size should be determined from the information contained in

chapter V.

NOTE: The graphic examples in this chapter use blue (Pantone Color Matching System

2905U) for the background color. However, brown (Pantone 4695U) may also be

used. In either case, the lettering for text and border should always be white

(Pantone 607U). In addition, an Egyptian letter style has been used for the examples;

however, other letter styles may also be used.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

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Design Type E - Information—Instructional Sign
Sign Guidelines

78

I. Design Type F: Directional signs

1. Shape.—Rectangular.

2. Sign Board Size.—Varies according to length of message and speed of observer.

3. Sign Board Material.—Two-inch redwood laminated on edge, 3/4-inch MDO with

60-60 black overlay, or any of the listed substrates on pages 56 and 57.

4. Sign Board Fabrication.—Whenever signs with glue-laminated joints are

constructed, the joints should be doweled and a marine type glue used. Signs that

have two or more glue joints should be backed with an appropriate material to prevent

cupping, warping, or other distortion.

5. Sign Face.—Scotchcal, or equivalent, film or painted surface; color of film should be

3M, Recreation Brown; color of paint should be Pantone 1685U, or equivalent.

6. Sign Supports.—Stained redwood or treated Douglas fir posts, 4 by 6 inches. Posts

should be buried and concrete encased at least 36 inches below ground level. The

stain color should be Olympic Stain 713, or equivalent. Signs may also be attached to

buildings, bridges, etc., where appropriate. Supports should be flush with the top of

the sign.

7. Method of Anchoring Sign.—One-half-inch-diameter carriage bolts long enough to

extend from the sign face through the back of the posts. The bolts should not

protrude more than 3/4 inch beyond the signpost. Large washers and nuts should be

used to secure the bolts. The rounded bolt heads on the sign surface should be treated

with a matching paint or stick-on film. Use of vandal-proof nuts is encouraged.

8. Lettering.—Lettering can be of Scotchlite film, or equivalent, routed or flat, and

painted or painted with a silk screen. Scotchlite White, or equivalent, should be used

for the film letters; Pantone 607U, or equivalent, should be used on the painted

letters. Letter size should be determined from the information contained in

chapter V.

NOTE: The graphic examples in this chapter use blue (Pantone Color Matching System

2905U) for the background color. However, brown (Pantone 4695U) may also be

used. In either case, the lettering for text and border should always be white

(Pantone 607U). In addition, an Egyptian letter style has been used for the examples;

however, other letter styles may also be used.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

79

Design Type F - Directional Sign
Sign Guidelines

80

J. Design Type G: Regulatory/Warning/Security signs

Examples of this type of sign are shown on the following pages. The size, color,

construction material, and message of the sign will vary, depending on whether it is a

vehicular or pedestrian sign and what message is being conveyed to the public. Vehicular

signs should always follow MUTCD standards. For pedestrian signs, the color, size,

construction material, and message will vary, depending on the existing situation in the

area where public regulation or control is needed (i.e., wildlife area, recreation area,

security zone around dams and canals).
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

81

Design Type G1 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign
Sign Guidelines

82

Design Type G2 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign

NOTE: Alternative substrate can be plastic with a background color of Orange Polydura with

black text ink lettering.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

83

Design Type G3 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign
Sign Guidelines

84

Design Type G4 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign

Design Type G5 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign

NOTE: The above sign messages are typically printed on opposite sides of the same sign and

suspended from a hanger such as a strand of fence wire.
Chapter VI - Specific Design Guidelines

85

Design Type G6 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign
Sign Guidelines

86

Design Type G7 - Regulatory/Warning/Security Sign
87

Chapter VII

PROCUREMENT

Signs should be procured from the most cost-effective and efficient source, including shipping. 

Regardless of the source, signs should be manufactured in compliance with these Guidelines.

Final design and approval for all Reclamation signs should be the responsibility of the office

sign coordinator or the regional sign coordinator as detailed in chapter I. Once the need for

new or replacement signs has been determined and funding secured, the area or field office sign

coordinator should initiate the procurement process. Except for standardized signs, appropriate

drawings and specifications should accompany each sign requisition to ensure compliance with

these Guidelines. 

Standardized signs, such as highway, snowmobile, and boating signs, can be procured through

normal office procedures. Most standardized signs can be obtained through the General

Services Administration or Defense Logistics Agency by contacting your property and supply

office personnel. Information such as cost authority number, order number, Federal stock

number, quantity, and physical description should accompany each request.

Copies of the General Service Administration Catalog, Defense Logistics Agency Catalog,

Uniform Traffic Control Devices Standards, Uniform Waterways Marker System, and the

National Snowmobile Association Standards can be obtained from Reclamation’s Denver

Technical Service Center, upon request. Valuable information pertaining to the abovementioned catalogs and standards can be obtained by accessing the following website addresses:

General Service Administration: <http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/>

Defense Logistics Agency: <http://www.dla.mil/earthday/tris.htm>

Uniform Traffic Control Devices Standards: <http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-pubs.htm>

Uniform Waterways Marker System: < http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/buoychanges.htm>

National Snowmobile Association Standards: <http://www.snowmobileacsa.org/page.cfm/14/>

89

Chapter VIII

SIGN FUNDING AND INVENTORY

A. General: A regular sign review and maintenance program should be adopted for all signs

existing within the respective regions. It should be the responsibility of the operating

office to perform a sign review as needed, prepare a sign inventory, and accomplish any

required maintenance of signs within areas and offices under its jurisdiction.

B. Funding: Reviews, inventories, and scheduled maintenance of signs should be funded by

the responsible managing entity. All facility signs (i.e., buildings/structures) and reservoir

area signs where Reclamation has recreation management responsibilities should be funded

by the designated Reclamation office. If a Reclamation-operated powerplant is associated

with a dam, funding for signs pertaining to that structure should be borne by the

responsible Reclamation power office. If a dam is managed by a water users organization,

and there are no Reclamation operated powerplants associated with the dam, it should be

the responsibility of the water users organization to fund all sign requirements of that site

unless otherwise determined through a negotiated agreement. When reservoir recreation

activities are managed by the State or another Federal agency, local agency, or private

concessionaire, funding for construction, installation, maintenance, and replacement

should be the responsibility of the managing entity pursuant to the management agreement.

C. Sign Inventory and Review: Each operating office should prepare a sign inventory and

update the inventory, as necessary. Updated inventories should be maintained by the area

office sign coordinator. Appendix 6 contains six examples of sign inventory worksheets

that could be used by Reclamation offices.

A periodic sign review should be performed by the operating office. The following

questions should be addressed when conducting the review:

1. Adequacy.—Are additional signs needed? Are existing signs effective? (If not,

remove them.) Are some signs no longer needed? (If so, remove them.)

2. Wording.—Is the message clear, concise, and easily understood? (If not, make the

necessary changes.)

3. Design.—Does the sign design conform to these Guidelines? (If not, is a new sign

more desirable?)
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90

D. Inventory: The following specific information should be included in the inventory:

1. Identification Number.—Each sign should be assigned a unique identification

number. It should include city, State, and area office. For example: ID-015-10

described sign #10 of the Boise, Idaho, Snake River Area Office of Idaho’s Boise

District.

2. Location.—By road number or facility name (e.g., Owyhee Reservoir), if so

associated, or by quarter-section legal description.

3. Description.—By catalog number if a general, standardized sign. If not, a short

description, such as “interpretative sign,” not longer than 25 letters.

4. Substrate.—Aluminum, IWO plywood, plastic, etc.

5. Size.—Dimensions of sign.

6. Installation Date.—Date the sign was installed.

7. Cost.—Include design labor, fabrication labor, materials, and shipping. (Important if

vandals are to be prosecuted.)

8. Last Maintenance Date.—The date that the sign was previously maintained.

9. Cost of Maintenance.—Include both labor and material costs. If labor is by

volunteers, include estimated value of the labor.

10. Current Condition.—(See Chapter IX - Sign Maintenance, for condition ratings and

criteria for each described condition rating.)

11. Date Condition Determined.—The date of the inventory.

12. Projected Next Maintenance Date.—The date that the next regular maintenance

should occur.

E. Evaluation: Using the inventory, identify needed signs and maintenance requirements. 

Answer the following questions:

1. Are there missing signs?

2. Are the existing signs in good condition?

3. Are the signs in compliance with standards in these Guidelines?

4. Are there signs or posters which are no longer needed or appropriate?

5. Are there obsolete signs that should be replaced with newer editions of the same sign?
Chapter VIII - Sign Funding, Inventory, and Maintenance

91

6. Are all signs in their proper locations?

7. Is there a vandalism or theft problem that should be solved in coordination with local

law enforcement agencies/officers/authorities?

F. Action Plan: Based on the inventory and evaluation described above, develop an annual

action plan for ordering and installing new or replacement signs and for maintaining

existing signs. Clearly describe planned action, time by which action is to be completed,

individual or work unit responsible for accomplishment, and estimated cost. The plan

should be commensurate with available funding and workforce availability.

Consider wide use of volunteers for sign maintenance. Most maintenance tasks are easily

accomplished by nontechnical people. Sign maintenance tasks are also good projects to

offer to youth, church, and community groups. Ideally, recruitment should be done during

the winter months, and work agreements made should begin in spring or early summer.

If a vandalism or theft problem exists, discuss possible solutions with appropriate law

enforcement entities. Consider sting operations and stakeouts of signs with designs and/or

messages that make them likely theft targets. If arrests are made and individuals are

successfully prosecuted, work with public affairs staff to publicize that fact as a deterrence

to future theft and vandalism. Include any antitheft or antivandalism activities in the action

plan.

G. Planning Period: A detailed plan is required for only the current fiscal year. It should

be completed by January 31 for the following field season. Planning for out years may be

less detailed. Update sign plans annually. At least 25 percent of area office signs should

be scheduled for maintenance inspections each year.

H. Documentation: Document all inspections, installations, removals, and maintenance

work as it is completed.

93

Chapter IX

SIGN MAINTENANCE

A. Maintenance: A sign maintenance schedule should be developed annually by each

operating office. A backlog of signing needs should be noted, and an annual work plan

should be prepared to detail the funding needs for achieving the goals of Reclamation’s

sign program. The maintenance schedule should address, but not be limited to, the

following points:

1. Damage.—Damaged signs shall be repaired or replaced, as required.

2. Visibility.—Signs that have become obscured by brush or grass shall have the

problem vegetation cleared to restore them to a state of desired visibility.

3. Legibility and Appearance.—Signs that have become faded or illegible shall be

restrained/restored to their original condition. The appearance of sign parts should

also be considered.

“Scotchcal” signs can best be maintained by referring to the 3M Company’s “Sign

Maintenance Manual for Freeways and Toll Roads” and supplements thereto.

4. Maintenance Objective.—Plan, schedule, and perform maintenance to keep signs,

posters, and other traffic control devices clean, legible, functional, and properly

positioned. Effective sign maintenance will facilitate safe use of Reclamation lands

and facilities and foster a favorable image of the agency’s professionalism in the

visitors’ eyes.

5. Condition Survey.—Condition surveys should be performed on a periodic basis to

determine condition and effectiveness of all traffic control devices, signs, and posters. 

Reflective devices should be inspected at night as well as during the day. Evaluation

items should include legibility, reflectivity, overall condition of both the sign and its

supports, placement, visibility, encroachment of vegetation, and continued need of the

sign at that location.

Managers should promote a high level of awareness among field personnel to

recognize missing, improper, incorrectly placed, damaged, or deteriorated signs. 

They should be encouraged to report these findings to the sign coordinator or the

resource specialist whose program is supported by that sign.

a. Field inspectors should use locally generated checklists to capture information

during the inventory/review. The checklists should also be used as a reference

in developing the annual maintenance plan.

b. As a minimum, the checklist should document the sign location (facility or road

number), date and time of inspection, inspection findings, recommended
Sign Guidelines

94

actions, name of inspector, maintenance accomplished, and name of person

performing maintenance.

c. Condition Ratings:

(1) Excellent. Sign is new or in a like-new condition. Needs no attention. All

lettering and symbols are legible. No vegetation or other objects obscure

the sign.

(2) Good. Sign has experienced some weathering, but its lettering and symbols

are legible. The sign is intact, with no holes or broken portions. May need

some cleaning to eliminate accumulated dirt and minor touchup painting. 

No vegetation or other objects obscure the sign.

(3) Fair. Sign has been extensively impacted by weathering, requiring

extensive cleaning and painting to restore it to its original condition. 

Lettering and symbols are legible, but barely so. Reflectivity is about half

of the original. Vegetation is beginning to encroach on the sign, further

detracting from the legibility of the message. Sign may have some holes or

other minor damage which can be readily repaired.

(4) Poor. Sign is so weathered that its message is no longer legible. It has

been refurbished at least once. It has severe damage from holes or other

vandalism. It can be repaired temporarily, but it should be replaced as soon

as possible.

(5) Missing/Destroyed/Obsolete. Either the sign is gone or is so damaged that

repairs are impossible, or the sign message is outdated or incorrect. If one

or more of these conditions exists, and a sign is still needed, a replacement

sign should be ordered immediately.

d. Reflectivity: A great many signs are reflective to ensure their visibility at night. 

To test visibility, create a small panel (about 8 inches by 10 inches) using

sheeting which has an acceptable level of reflectivity. At night, tape the test

panel to the face of the sign. Step back about 30 feet, hold a flashlight about

2 inches from your face, and shine it at the sign.

(1) If the inspection panel is brighter than the sign, replace the sign within the

year.

(2) If the sign is brighter than the inspection panel, the sign still has several

years of life remaining.

(3) If the sign and the panel have equal brightness, the sign has 1 to 2 years of

useful life remaining.
Chapter IX - Sign Maintenance

95

6. Maintenance Performance.—Perform maintenance on a regular and systematic basis

to ensure signs and other traffic control devices are clean, undamaged, and

functional. Check and replace edge tape on a routine basis. Use only those materials

(paints, stains, edge tape, sheeting, hardware, etc.) that comply with the original

specifications for the sign or traffic control device being refurbished. Evaluate the

maintained product against the standard for materials and workmanship established

for the original.

a. Clearing: Clear all trees, brush, and other vegetation that may obscure signs. 

Also make sure that fences or other objects do not obscure signs. Relocate signs

if obstructions cannot be eliminated. If clearing is to be accomplished by

application of herbicides or other chemicals, appropriate policy and guidelines

on applying chemicals should be followed.

b. Cleaning: Clean all signs obscured by dust, bituminous materials, road film,

mud, etc., to restore legibility and reflectivity. Wash signs by:

(1) Flushing sign surface with clean water to remove loose dirt.

(2) Scrubbing sign face with soft brush, rag, or sponge, using a mild,

nonabrasive detergent or other suitable cleaner. Scrub from the top down. 

Avoid damaging the surface with unnecessary scrubbing. Keep a steady

stream of water flowing on the sign face to wash away dirt.

(3) Rinse entire sign face with clean water.

c. Special Cleaning Problems:

(1) Tar, oil, diesel, bituminous material. Use a mild solvent such as mineral

spirits. Then wash the surface with mild detergent and water and rinse with

clean water.

(2) Pollen and Fungus. Wash the surface with a 3- to 5-percent sodium

hypochlorite solution, such as a commercial brand of bleach, followed by

detergent and water. Rinse with clean water.

(3) Lipstick and Crayon. Use a mild solvent such as mineral spirits to remove

the material. Follow with detergent and water and a clean water rinse.

(4) Paint. It may be possible to remove paint sprayed onto a reflective sheeting

sign face using a commercial paint remover designed for that purpose. The

type of paint, length of exposure, and type of remover may affect the life of

the sheeting.

(5) Other Severe Contamination. Soiling that cannot be removed by previously

mentioned methods can be removed by scrubbing with a very fine steel

wool or plastic kitchen scour. However, unless great care is taken, this

scrubbing may destroy all or part of the sign’s reflectivity.
Sign Guidelines

96

For all of these special cleaning procedures, the sign should be inspected at night

to determine if the cleaned area has lost too much of its reflectivity. Replace

any signs with insufficient reflectivity.

d. Repair: Repair damaged signs following the procedures described below. 

Minor damage may be repaired in the field without removing the sign from its

support. Repair of major damage will normally require that the work be

performed in a workshop.

(1) Aluminum Substrate Signs.

(a) Bent Signs. Straighten sign, and if the reflective background or

legend has been scraped or damaged, proceed as follows:

(i) Remove all background sheeting and legend from an area slightly

larger than that damaged.

(ii) Clean exposed surface with a mild detergent and rinse with clean

water.

(iii) Apply matching pressure-sensitive reflective background

sheeting, extending at least 1⁄2 inch beyond the damaged area.

(iv) Replace damaged legend with die-cut, pressure-sensitive,

prespaced letters, borders, and symbols and firmly squeegee in

place.

(v) If sign is subjected to snow burial and replacement sheeting

extends to the top edge of the signs, place transparent film or tape

along top edge.

(b) Holes. Often, it is not necessary to repair each hole in the sign. 

When a hole does not damage the message or symbol and does not, of

itself, create a sloppy signing image, maintenance may not be needed. 

Where repairs are needed, follow these steps:

(i) Remove all damaged background sheeting and legend.

(ii) Straighten the sign using a hammer and flat dolly.

(iii) Remove any additional sheeting damaged during straightening.

(iv) Clean the entire area with mild detergent and rinse with clean

water.

(v) Patch the hole or puncture on both sides using aluminum foil

tape. Use squeegee to apply firm pressure. Do this on both
Chapter IX - Sign Maintenance

97

sides of the sign. On large holes, start placing the foil at the

bottom of the hole, overlapping each strip shingle fashion as you

move up.

(vi) Apply reflective background sheeting, extending it at least 1⁄2 inch

beyond the foil strips.

(vii) Replace damaged legend with die-cut, pressure-sensitive,

prespaced letters, borders, and symbols and firmly squeegee in

place.

(viii) If sign is subjected to snow burial and replacement sheeting

extends to the top edge of the signs, place transparent film or tape

along top edge.

(2) Plywood Substrate Signs. The following procedures are recommended to

repair holes and other punctures and to restore a sign’s legibility:

(a) Remove all loose wood on both sides of the sign and all damaged

sheeting.

(b) Fill holes with wood filler or auto body filler and sand smooth.

(c) Wipe areas with clean cloth.

(d) On larger repairs, it may be desirable to cover holes with aluminum

foil tape. Use squeegee to apply firm pressure. Start placing the foil

at the bottom of the hole, overlapping each strip shingle fashion as you

move up.

(e) Apply reflective background sheeting, extending it at least 1⁄2 inch

beyond the foil strips.

(f) Replace damaged legend with die-cut, pressure-sensitive, prespaced

letters, borders, and symbols and firmly squeegee in place.

(g) If sign is subjected to snow burial and replacement sheeting extends to

the top edge of the signs, place transparent film or tape along top

edge.

(h) Using an aerosol can of enamel paint (color to match back of sign

board), lightly spray the aluminum tape, covering the holes on the sign

back.

(3) Routed Wood Signs.

(a) Repairing Sign Board.
Sign Guidelines

98

(i) Scrape off loose paint with a wire brush. Dress all holes and

damaged wood with the knife.

(ii) Fill all cracks, holes, and imperfections with wood or auto body

filler.

(iii) Sand sign edges back and forth. Do not sand surface overlays on

MDO substrate signs.

(iv) Remove all loose paint, dust, and other foreign materials.

(b) Painting.

(i) Apply prime coat.

(ii) Apply two coats of paint to sign message. Work paint thoroughly

into all corners of letters and numbers. Let paint dry thoroughly

between coats.

(iii) Apply two coats of paint to background area.

(iv) Touch up letters if background paint contaminates the message.

(c) Staining.

(i) Hand paint message area, keeping paint off sign face.

(ii) Apply two coats of stain to background areas.

(4) Supports and Hardware. Repair or replace, as necessary, damaged or

deteriorated sign supports and associated mounting hardware.

7. Volunteers.—Sign maintenance is an excellent task to give to volunteers. The

maintenance skills described above can be quickly taught to individuals. The work

can be laid out easily, and volunteers can often provide their own transportation to the

worksites. Sign inventory and maintenance is an excellent project to offer to youth,

church, and civic groups. It is particularly effective for special youth projects, such

as those required for the Boy Scout’s Eagle Rank.
99

REFERENCES

Bureau of Land Management. BLM Sign Handbook (Draft) (Supersedes Release Nos. 9-234,

9-227, 9-228, 9-243, 9-229).

Bureau of Reclamation. Recreation Sign Handbook, Mid-Pacific Region, Sacramento,

California. October 1997.

Bureau of Reclamation. Regional Sign Guide, Upper Colorado Region. 1981.

Bureau of Reclamation. Reclamation Safety and Health Standards, Safety Office, Reclamation

Service Center, Denver, Colorado. 1993, reprinted 1995.

General Services Administration, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development, and U.S. Postal Service. Uniform Federal Accessibility

Standards. April 1988.

U.S. Department of the Army. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sign Standards Manual, 

Washington DC. November 1987.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 – ACCESSIBILITY DATA MANAGEMENT

CHECKLISTS



























APPENDIX 2 – INTERPRETIVE SERVICES

Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 2

INTERPRETIVE SERVICES

A. Provide Visitors Opportunities to Learn Through:

1. Pre-visit informational material received through the mail and at travel fairs, workshops,

conventions etc. held away from the area.

2. Personal contacts at information stations and visitor centers, staffed points-of-interest,

workshops, guided walks and tours, outdoor programs, demonstrations and environmental

investigations.

3. Non-personal contacts through media such as signs, exhibits, audiovisual programs, self-guided

walks and tours, and publications.

B. Are Important Because They:

1. Welcome visitors.

2. Provide information about things to see and do—and facilities that support visitors’ activities.

3. Uncover an array of stories otherwise hidden in the landscape.

4. Capture visitors’ interest and attention.

5. Stimulate visitors’ thinking about environmental issues.

5 Foster understanding of wise resource conservation and use; including the roles of public

agencies, businesses and individuals in promoting resource conservation.

7 Encourage visitors to act—based on understanding and conviction—to improve environmental

conditions in the places they visit and at home.

C. Create Experiences By: (Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage, 1977)

1. Relating what visitors see/hear/feel to something within their personalities or experiences.

2. Revealing new insights.

3. Using various art forms to convey information.

4. Provoking visitors into new thinking and activity patterns.

5. Providing a “whole picture” of the situation at hand rather than an isolated part.

6. Serving children and adults with programs and facilities to meet their respective needs and

interests.

APPENDIX 3 – INTERPRETIVE PROJECT PLANNING GUIDE

Page 1 of 6 March 2002

Appendix 3

INTERPRETIVE PROJECT PLANNING GUIDE

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation

Interpretive Area:

Project: Area Office: Date:

Opportunity (Conditions, features, or events meriting interpretation):

A. DATA COLLECTION/ANALYSIS

1. WHY? Objective (What do you want the audience(s) to do with the information received?):

2. WHO? Audience (customer profile):

a. Numbers expected:

(1) First-time customers:

(2) Repeat customers:

b. Age/group makeup (children, young adults, adults, seniors/individually, families, tour groups,

etc.):
Page 2 of 6 March 2002

Appendix 3

c. Education levels:

d. Background (urban or rural):

e. Origin (local, in-state, regional, national, foreign):

f. Time available (amount of time customers have to receive message):

3. WHAT? Message (What are the key ideas to communicate?):

a. Information customers are expecting (place first priority on customer needs):

b. Information you (Reclamation) want customers to have:
Page 3 of 6 March 2002

Appendix 3

c. Theme (One sentence describing the dominant idea customers should leave with):

4. WHERE and WHEN? Location and timing:

a. Best location(s) for presenting message.

b. Best time(s) for presenting (When are customers most available or receptive?):

5. HOW? Media:

a. Select “most effective” media for the project. This list may help you. Add other ideas. Number

in order of priority.

_____ Audiovisual presentation

_____ Personal

_____ Slide Tape

_____ Video Tape

_____ Movie

_____ Auto or float tour

_____ Guided

_____ Self-guided (signs, brochure, or cassette tape)

_____ Brochure

_____ Demonstration (resource management, living history)

_____ Environmental education investigation
Page 4 of 6 March 2002

Appendix 3

_____ Exhibit

_____ Outdoor (roadside, trail head, Reclamation entrance, office, etc.)

_____ Indoor (reception area, visitor bureau, etc.)

_____ Traveling (fairs, malls, conventions, etc.)

_____ Interpretive sign (points of interest)

_____ Staffed information point (office, visitor center, overlook, temporary roadside stop, trail

head)

_____ Nature trail

_____ Guided 

_____ Self-guided (signs, brochure, or cassette tape)

_____ Newsletter

_____ News Media short or feature

_____ Magazine

_____ Newspaper

_____ Radio

_____ Television

_____ Poster

_____ Short-range radio transmitter (auto AM or exhibit)

_____ Symposium

_____ Workshop

_____ Other

b. If several media are selected, how will their use be coordinated to effectively and economically

reach the audience(s)?

6. Special needs (access for people with disabilities, secretarial needs in reception areas,

fragile state protection, interpretive association sales, etc.):
Page 5 of 6 March 2002

Appendix 3

B. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

1. Budget

a. Total cost estimate:

b. Sources of funds and availability (Resource program budgets, challenge grants, interpretive

association, donations, partners? Reclamation’s portion included in Annual Program

Development?)

2. Target completion data:

3. Information and skills needed to complete project (include contracting needs):

4. Planning and developing assignments:

Who Unit/Organization Assignment Target Date
Page 6 of 6 March 2002

Appendix 3

5. Evaluation (Design, into the project, a means for assessing its effectiveness.):

a. Degree to which objective is achieved:

b. Numbers of customers contacted:

c. Overall customer reaction:

d. Modifications needed to achieve “Standard Service Level” (or discontinue): 

6. Approvals:

Name Title Date

Name Title Date

Name Title Date
APPENDIX 4 – TABLE OF LETTER WIDTHS

AND SPACING GUIDE

Page 1 of 5 March 2002

Appendix 4

Table of Letter Widths

Letter widths in units

A 36 a 26 . 7

B 32 b 25 , 8

C 29 c 21 : 7

D 35 d 26 ; 8

E 31 e 22 ' 8

F 30 f 21 " 17

G 35 g 28 ! 7

H 35 h 27 ? 7

I 17 i 15 - 14

J 25 j 16 ( 9

K 36 k 29 & 34

L 30 l 14 % 31

M 44 m 39 $ 19

N 36 n 27 21

0 33 o 25 1 18

P 30 p 26 2 26

Q 36 q 26 3 26

R 34 r 22 4 26

S 28 s 19 5 26

T 31 t 18 6 25

U 34 u 28 7 24

V 33 v 25 8 26

W 52 w 38 9 25

X 37 x 28 0 27

Y 34 y 25 6 53

Z 29 z 21 42

Letter size factors

To convert letter-width

and spacing-units into

inches, multiply by the

following factors;

Lettersize Factor

 1" .0474

 1 1/2" .0711

 2" .0948

 3" .1422

 4" .1896

 6" .2844

 8" .3792
Page 2 of 5 March 2002

Appendix 4

Table of Letter Widths

Letter widths in units

A 36 a 26 . 7

B 32 b 25 , 8

C 29 c 21 : 7

D 35 d 26 ; 8

E 31 e 22 ' 8

F 30 f 21 " 17

G 35 g 28 ! 7

H 35 h 27 ? 7

I 17 i 15 - 14

J 25 j 16 ( 9

K 36 k 29 & 34

L 30 l 14 % 31

M 44 m 39 $ 19

N 36 n 27 21

0 33 o 25 1 18

P 30 p 26 2 26

Q 36 q 26 3 26

R 34 r 22 4 26

S 28 s 19 5 26

T 31 t 18 6 25

U 34 u 28 7 24

V 33 v 25 8 26

W 52 w 38 9 25

X 37 x 28 0 27

Y 34 y 25 6 53

Z 29 z 21 42

Letter size factors

To convert letter-width

and spacing-units into

inches, multiply by the

following factors;

Lettersize Factor

 1" .0474

 1 1/2" .0711

 2" .0948

 3" .1422

 4" .1896

 6" .2844

 8" .3792
Page 3 of 5 March 2002

Appendix 4

Spacing Guide

Capital Letters to Capital Letters AX

ABC DEFG H I JKL M N OPQ RST U V W XY Z

A 232 3 33 2 3 3233 3 3 2 3 2 332 1 1 1 22 4

B 366 6 66 6 6 6466 6 6 6 6 6 67 5 3 2 2 32 6

C 366 6 66 6 6 6466 6 6 6 6 6 677 4 4 4 44 6

D 156 5 55 6 5 5455 5 5 6 5 6 566 3 2 2 32 5

E 5 8 7 8 8 8 7 8 8 6 8 8 8 8 7 8 7 8 9 7 5 4 4 6 5 8

F 055 5 55 5 5 5255 5 5 5 5 5 565 3 3 3 33 4

G 155 5 55 5 5 2255 5 5 5 5 5 564 2 1 1 21 4

H 3 65 6 66 5 6 6466 6 6 5 6 5 665 4 4 4 44 6

I 365 6 66 5 6 6466 6 6 5 6 5 665 4 4 4 44 6

J 044 4 44 4 4 3444 4 4 4 4 4 444 3 3 3 33 4

K 2 4 3 4 44 3 4 4344 4 4 3 4 3 432 1 1 1 33 4

L 344 4 44 4 4 4444 4 4 4 4 4 453 2 1 1 33 6

M 365 6 66 5 6 6466 6 6 5 6 5 665 4 4 4 44 6

N 154 5 55 4 5 5255 5 5 4 5 4 554 3 3 3 33 5

O 256 5 55 6 5 5355 5 5 6 5 6 565 3 2 2 32 5

P 054 5 55 4 5 5355 5 5 4 5 4 565 3 2 2 32 4

Q 255 5 55 5 5 5455 5 5 5 5 5 553 2 0 0 30 5

R 254 5 55 4 5 5455 5 5 4 5 4 564 2 2 2 31 5

S 266 6 66 6 6 6566 6 6 6 6 6 665 4 3 3 43 7

T 265 6 66 5 6 6266 6 6 5 6 5 654 4 3 3 44 6

U 044 4 44 4 4 4344 4 4 4 4 4 424 3 2 2 32 4

V 3 4 2 4 4 4 2 4 4 -1 4 4 4 4 2 4 2 4 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 4

W 342 4 44 2 4 4144 4 4 2 4 2 434 2 2 2 22 4

X 242 4 44 2 4 4244 4 4 2 4 2 442 1 1 1 20 4

Y 2 4 2 4 4 4 2 4 4 -1 4 4 4 4 2 4 2 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 4

Z 477 7 77 7 7 7677 7 7 7 7 7 787 5 4 4 65 7

Second

letters

First

letters
Page 4 of 5 March 2002

Appendix 4

Spacing Guide

Capital Letters to lower case letters Ax

a b c d e f g h i j k l mn o p q r s t u vwx y z

A 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 -2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 3 0 0 -1 -1 2 -1 3

B 4 3 340 3 3 3 3 1

C 4 3 440 4 3 3 3 2

D 4 4 340 3 4 3 4 2

E 5555565552455554556453342

F 1 0 2 2 -2 2 0 2 2 2 1

G 3 3 2 3 -1 2 3 3 3 1

H 3 3 2 2 2 4 3 4 3 -1 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 4 2 2 0 0 3 0 4

I 3 3 2 2 2 4 3 4 3 -1 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 4 2 2 0 0 3 0 4

J 0 0 3 1 3 0 0 -1

K 2 1 2 2 -2 2 2 2 1 2 0 -1

L 43 3 330 3 3 3 1

M 3 222 43 4 2 23 2 0

N 2 1 32 3 1 1 0

O 3343333230223333334233332 3

P 2 10 22 2 0 22 2 1

Q 4 3 23 2 3 2 0

R 4 3 3 2 3 -1 2 3 3 0

S 4 4 4 34033334333 331 2

T 3 1 3 3 -1 3 1 3 2 3 2 1 3

U 1 3 1 1 0 2 0 2 2 -2 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 -1 -1 0 -1 1

V -2 -2 2 0 -1 2 -1 -1 -2 -1 -1 -3

W -2 -2 2 0 -1 2 -1 -1 -2 -1 -1 -3

X 2 1 2 2 2 1 0 -1

Y -1 2 -2 -2 -2 0 -3 2 0 -3 2 2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 0 -2 -2 -2 -2 -3 -1

Z 5 4 550 5 4 4 422 2

Second

letters

First

letters
Page 5 of 5 March 2002

Appendix 4

Spacing Guide

Lower case letters to lower case letters ax

a b c d e f g h i j k l mn o p q r s t u vwx y z

a 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 -1 2 2 3 3 3 1 3 3 4 1 1 -1 0 2 0 3

b 4244435230223342435222222 4

c 4344444340334443445332222 5

d 3122232230223321233110021 3

e 4244435230223342435222222 4

f 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 -2 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

g 2022231020002222222222222 2

h 3122232230223321233110021 3

i 3122232230223321233110021 3

j 6444455453444444445443334 5

k 2122232330223321233111121 3

l 3122232230223321233110021 3

m 3122233230223321233110021 3

n 3122233230223321233110021 3

o 4244435230223342435222222 4

p 4244435230223342435222222 4

q 3233333332223333333222223 3

r 3122231230223322223222222 3

s 5344444350334443445333333 6

t 5333343341333333335122232 4

u 3122232230223321233110021 3

v 2222231130113322233222222 3

w 3222231130113322233222222 3

x 3322233330333322234222222 3

y 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 -1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

z 5444454451445543456333333 5

Second

letters First

letters

APPENDIX 5 – INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS







APPENDIX 6 – EXAMPLES OF SIGN INVENTORY

WORKSHEETS 

Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 6

INTERPRETIVE SITE INVENTORY WORKSHEET

Interpretive Area: Area

District

Site Map Index No. Name Location

Story Nos.

(Ref. story inventory)

Story Titles Significance to Stories. Special Needs.

(What happened here? What can be seen? Site

protection, customer access and safety, other needs?)
Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 6

INTERPRETIVE SITE INVENTORY WORKSHEET

Interpretive Area: Area

District

Story Number Title

Summary: (50-75 words)

References (title, author, publisher, page Nos.)

Site Nos. and Locations

(Ref. site inventory)

Media1

 Ideas

 1 Indicate one: P (primary) S (secondary)
Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 6

Sign Inventory Worksheet

Project

Managing Entity

Point of Contact:

Name

Address

Phone No.

Sign Location

(see attached map)

Sign Category

Identification Regulatory

Informational Safety

Directional Miscellaneous

Sign Panel Material

Wood Masonry

Metal Other

Panel Size Legend Size Sign Legend: Line-for Line

HAGL1 Viewing Distance2

Post Size Photo No.

Accessibility

Requirements3

Sign Condition

Remarks:

Cost Estimate to replace/repair (if necessary): Priority: (circle) 

High Medium Low

Prepared by: Date: Page of Pages

1

 Height above ground level.

2

 Reference U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sign Manual.

3

 Does it meet ADAAG 4.30 requirements.
Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 6

Sign Inventory Worksheet

Project

Project Location

Purpose Recreational

Informational

Specify Location

Building Location Inside

Outside

Sign Size

Sign Wording and/or logo

Material Used Wood

Metal

Stone

Masonry

Misc.

Sign Condition Good

Fair

Poor

Does it meet Accessibility

Guidelines?

Yes

No

Agency Responsible for

Maintenance of Sign

How Displayed Post

Side of Building

On fence

Misc.

Remarks
Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 6

Sign Inventory Worksheet

Location 

Inspection Date 

Sign No.

Description Material/Color Size Agent Condition
Page 1 of 1 March 2002

Appendix 6

Sign Inventory Worksheet for

Sign

No. Sign Description Agent Color Material Condition

Inspectio

n Date

Project

Repair

Date

Repair

Date Size

Photo

Number