The U.S. Access Board is asking for comments on their “Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas” by December 18, 2009. These Guidelines will become final direction for accessibility on trails on Federal land. Once the Guidelines are finalized they will be the basis for future regulations which will apply to ALL new trails on local and State lands as well. It is critical that trail designers, contractors, and managers review these guidelines closely and comment on issues or concerns they see.  The guidelines apply not only to the federal agencies but all, including volunteers, who do work on federal lands.

The reason that this is so important is the US Forest Service has expressed some concerns about the bill and the definitions, or lack of definitions, for key terms used in the bill.

Further, the trail advocacy group, American Trails, has expressed its concern over the guidelines.  You are encouraged to read their concerns by visiting the page on their website which addresses this issue.

For full information see:

• US Forest Service concerns with draft final Accessibility Guideline
• Complete text of Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas
• How to submit comments to www.regulations.gov