would be updated periodically to ensure they remain equal to or a higher standard than other guidelines and standards applicable to Federal agencies under the Architectural Barriers Act. Construction or alteration of all facilities within the National Forest System that are not addressed in the FSORAG or FSTAG shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). The FSTAG, FSORAG and ABAAS are all available at . Boating and fishing facilities, swimming pools, play areas, sports arenas, miniature golf courses, and amusement parks, which are referred to as “recreation facilities” are addressed in Chapter 10 of the ABAAS (http://). 7.1 Conditions for an Exception. Where one or more of the following conditions exists on a trail, an “exception” provided in the guidelines for that specific technical requirement can be used where that condition exists. The exception shall not be used on the portion of the trail where the condition does not exist. If no exception is provided for the technical requirement, no exception is allowed. All other appropriate design options should be considered before applying the exception. Condition for an Exception 1. Where compliance with the technical provision is not practicable due to terrain. Condition for an Exception 2. Where compliance with the technical provision would fundamentally alter the function or purpose of the facility, trail, or the setting. Condition for an Exception 3. Where compliance with the technical provision cannot be accomplished with the prevailing construction practices. Condition for an Exception 4. Where compliance is precluded because the cultural, historic, or significant natural features are eligible for protection under Federal, State, or local law by: Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 1531 et seq.); National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq.); National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 470 et seq.); Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 1131 et seq.); or Other Federal, State, or local law the purpose of which is to preserve threatened or endangered species; the environment; or archaeological, cultural, historical, or other significant natural features. 7.2 General Exceptions.
for passing. Predominantly native materials. materials. opportunity to pass. Native or imported materials. Double lane where traffic volumes are high and passing is frequent. Native or imported materials. May be hardened. where traffic volume is moderate to high. Commonly hardened with asphalt or other imported material. Obstacles Obstacles common, naturally ocurring, often substantial , and intended to provide increased challenge. Narrow passages; brush, steep grades, rocks and logs present. Obstacles may be common, substantial, and intended to provide increased challenge. Blockages cleared to define route and protect resources. Vegetation may encroach into trailway. Obstacles may be common, but not substantial or intended to provide challenge. Vegetation cleared outside of trailway. Obstacles infrequent and insubstantial . Vegetation cleared outside of trailway. Obstacles not present Grades typically < 8% Trail Attributes Trail Class 1 Minimally Developed Trail Class 2 Moderately Developed Trail Class 3 Developed Trail Class 4 Highly Developed Trail Class 5 Fully Developed Constructed Features & Trail Elements Structures minimal to non-existent. Drainage typically provided without structures. Natural fords. Typically no bridges. Structures of limited size, scale, and quantity; typically constructed of native materials. Structures adequate to protect trail infrastructure and resources. Natural fords . Bridges as needed for resource protection and appropriate access. Structures may be common and substantial; constructed of imported or native materials. Natural or constructed fords. Bridges as needed for resource protection and appropriate access. Structures frequent and substantial; typically constructed of imported materials. Contructed or natural fords. Bridges as needed for resource protection and user convenience. Trailside amenities may be present. Structures frequent or continuous; typically constructed of imported materials. May include bridges, boardwalks, curbs, handrails, trailside amenities, and similar features. Signs2 Route identification signing limited to junctions. Route markers present when trail location is Route identification signing limited to junctions. Route markers present when trail location is not evident. Route identification signing at junctions and as needed for user reassurance. Route markers as needed for Route identification signing at junctions and as needed for user reassurance. Route markers as needed for user Route identification signing at junctions and for user reassurance. Route markers as needed for
not evident. Regulatory and resource protection signing infrequent. Destination signing, unless required, generally not present . Information and interpretive signing generally not present. Regulatory and resource protection signing infrequent . Destination signing typically infrequent outside of wilderness; generally not present in wilderness areas. Information and interpretive signing uncommon. user reassurance . Regulatory and resource protection signing may be common. Destination signing likely outside of wilderness; generally not present in wilderness areas . Information and interpretive signs may be present outside of wilderness . reassurance. Regulatory and resource protection signing common. Destination signing common outside of wilderness; generally not present in wilderness areas. Information and interpretive signs may be common outside wilderness areas. Accessibility information likely displayed at trailhead. user reassurance. Regulatory and resource protection signing common. Destination signing common. Information and interpretive signs common. Accessibility information likely displayed at trailhead. Trail Attributes Trail Class 1 Minimally Developed Trail Class 2 Moderately Developed Trail Class 3 Developed Trail Class 4 Highly Developed Trail Class 5 Fully Developed Typical Recreation Environs & Experience3 Natural and unmodified. ROS: Typically Primitive to Roaded Natural. WROS: Typically Primitive to . Natural and essentially unmodified. ROS: Typically Primitive to Roaded Natural. WROS: Typically Primitive to Natural and primarily unmodified. ROS: Typically Primitive to Roaded Natural. WROS: Typically Semi-Primitive to Transition. May be modified. ROS: Typically Semi-Primitive to Rural. WROS: Typically Portal or Transition. May be highly modified. Commonly associated with visitor centers or high-use recreation sites. ROS: Typically Roaded Natural to Urban. Generally not present in wilderness areas. 1 For management standards, potential appropriateness of Trail Classes for Managed Uses, technical specifications by Trail Class and Designed Use, and other related guidance, refer to agency-specific guidelines and reference material. 2 For standards and guidelines for the use of signs and posters along trails, refer to agency-specific guidelines. 3 The National Trail Management Class matrix shows the combinations of Trail Class and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) or Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (WROS) settings that commonly occur, although trails in all Trail Classes may and do occur in all settings. For guidance on the