[Federal Register: February 17, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 32)]
[Notices]
[Page 8060-8066]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17fe05-19]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
RIN 0596-AB93
Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines and
Integration of Direction on Accessibility Into Forest Service Manual
2330
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
[[Page 8061]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed interim directive; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Forest Service is proposing to issue an interim directive
to guide its employees regarding compliance with the draft Forest
Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). The
interim directive would ensure that new or reconstructed developed
outdoor recreation areas on National Forest System lands are developed
to maximize accessibility, while recognizing and protecting the unique
characteristics of the natural setting. The interim directive, to be
issued to Forest Service Manual 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation
Opportunities, would direct that new or reconstructed outdoor developed
recreation areas, including campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access
routes, and outdoor recreation access routes, comply with these agency
guidelines and applicable Federal accessibility laws, regulations, and
guidelines.
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(Access Board) is preparing to publish for public comment proposed
accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas that would apply
to Federal agencies subject to the Architectural Barriers Act. The
Forest Service will finalize the direction in this interim directive
regarding compliance with the FSORAG when the Access Board finalizes
its accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The final
FSORAG would contain the Access Board's final accessibility guidelines
for outdoor developed areas managed by Federal agencies, as
supplemented by the Forest Service to ensure the agency's continued
application of universal design, as well as agency terminology and
processes.
The America the Beautiful--The National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass established by the Federal Lands Recreation
Enhancement Act replaced the Golden Access Passport authorized by the
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. The proposed interim directive
would enumerate eligibility requirements for the new pass for people
with permanent disabilities. In addition, the proposed interim
directive would clarify existing internal agency procedures and
policies related to the accessibility of outdoor developed recreation
areas.
Comments received in response to this notice will be considered in
development of the final interim directive. In a related notice
published elsewhere in this part of today's Federal Register, the
Forest Service is requesting comment on a proposed interim directive to
guide its employees regarding compliance with the Forest Service Trail
Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG).
DATES: Comments must be received in writing by April 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments by mail to USDA Forest Service, Attn:
Director, Recreation and Heritage Resources Staff, Mail Stop 1125, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0003; by electronic mail
to rhwrdevrec@fs.fed.us; or by facsimile to (202) 205-1145. Comments
also may be submitted by following the instructions at the Federal e-
Rulemaking portal, http://www.regulations.gov. If comments are sent by
electronic means or by facsimile, the public is requested not to send
duplicate comments via regular mail.
All comments, including names and addresses when provided, will be
placed in the record and will be available for public inspection and
copying. The public may inspect comments received on this proposed
interim directive in the Office of the Director, Recreation and
Heritage Resources Staff, USDA, Forest Service, 4th Floor-Central,
Sidney R. Yates Federal Building, 201 14th Street, SW., Washington DC,
between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on business days. Those wishing to inspect
comments are encouraged to call ahead at (202) 205-1706 to facilitate
entry into the building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Zeller, Recreation and Heritage
Resources Staff, USDA, Forest Service, (202) 205-9597.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Although the Forest Service is committed to ensuring the
accessibility of agency facilities and programs in order to serve all
employees and visitors, as well as to comply with the Architectural
Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, agency accessibility requirements for outdoor developed
recreation areas have not been integrated into the Forest Service
Directives System.
The ABA requires facilities that are designed, constructed,
altered, or leased by, for, or on behalf of a Federal agency to be
accessible. To emphasize the need for accessibility guidelines for
outdoor recreation areas, in 1993 the Forest Service developed
Universal Access to Outdoor Recreation, A Design Guide. This guidebook
blended accessibility into the recreation opportunity spectrum, ranging
from urban areas in full compliance with the Uniform Federal
Accessibility Standard, the ABA accessibility standards in place at
that time, to primitive and Congressionally designated wilderness
areas.
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(Access Board) is the agency responsible for issuing accessibility
guidelines for newly constructed and altered facilities subject to the
ABA. The Forest Service served on the Access Board's Regulatory
Negotiation Committee on Outdoor Developed Areas (Reg Neg Committee).
In 1999, the Reg Neg Committee proposed accessibility guidelines for
outdoor recreation facilities and trails. While awaiting the completion
of the rulemaking process for these guidelines, the Forest Service
began developing internal guidelines for both trails and outdoor
recreation facilities that would apply only within National Forest
System boundaries and that would comply with the public notice and
comment process for Forest Service directives pursuant to 36 CFR part
216. This action was undertaken to meet the agency's need to provide a
consistent and reliable method for determining application and design
of accessible outdoor recreation facilities and trails and is based on
the Reg Neg Committee's proposed guidelines. These internal guidelines
incorporate the Forest Service's terminology and processes, and
establish greater accessibility requirements for certain areas. The
Forest Service's proposed guidelines are in two parts, the Forest
Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) and the
Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG), both of which
are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility
.
The Access Board plans to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) in the spring of 2005 seeking public comment on proposed
accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The NPRM will
contain proposed accessibility guidelines developed by the Reg Neg
Committee, and will apply to Federal agencies subject to the ABA.
The Forest Service is proposing to issue an interim directive to
Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation
Opportunities, that would require compliance with the FSORAG. The
FSORAG would apply to newly constructed or altered camping facilities,
picnic areas, beach access routes, outdoor recreation access routes,
and other constructed features, including benches, trash and recycling
containers, viewing areas at overlooks, telescopes and periscopes,
mobility device storage, pit toilets, warming huts,
[[Page 8062]]
and outdoor rinsing showers in the National Forest System.
The FSORAG would maximize the accessibility of outdoor developed
recreation areas for all people, while recognizing and protecting the
unique characteristics of the natural setting of each outdoor developed
recreation area within the National Forest System. The FSORAG would
integrate the Forest Service policy of universal design to ensure the
development of programs and facilities to serve all people, to the
greatest extent possible. Universal design requires that all new or
reconstructed facilities and associated constructed features, rather
than only a certain percentage of those facilities, be accessible to
all people. Universal design provides for the integration of all people
in outdoor developed recreation areas, without separate or segregated
access for people with disabilities. In addition, the proposed interim
directive would clarify internal agency procedures and policies related
to the accessibility of outdoor developed recreation areas, including
compliance with the FSORAG.
Like the proposed accessibility guidelines developed by the
regulatory negotiation committee established by Access Board, the
FSORAG establishes only one level of accessibility for all outdoor
developed recreation areas. The FSORAG would provide for application of
specific conditions of departure and exceptions, also contained in the
proposed accessibility guidelines developed by the regulatory
negotiation committee established by the Access Board, when necessary
to preserve the uniqueness of each recreation area and when application
of the FSORAG would cause a change in the area's setting. Compliance
with the FSORAG, however, would not always result in facilities that
are accessible to all persons with disabilities, because at some
locations the natural environment might prevent full compliance with
some of the FSORAG's technical provisions.
The Forest Service will work with the Access Board as it develops
final accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The Forest
Service will finalize the direction in this interim directive regarding
compliance with the FSORAG when the Access Board finalizes its
accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. The final FSORAG
will contain the Access Board's final accessibility guidelines for
outdoor developed areas managed by Federal agencies, as supplemented by
the Forest Service to ensure the agency's continued application of
universal design, as well as agency terminology and processes.
In a related notice published elsewhere in this part of today's
Federal Register, the agency is requesting comment on a proposed
interim directive to guide its employees regarding compliance with the
Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG), which would
apply to pedestrian hiking trails. The FSORAG and the FSTAG are both
available electronically on the World Wide Web at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility.
Copies may also be obtained by
writing to USDA, Forest Service, Attn: Accessibility Program Manager,
Recreation and Heritage Resources Staff, Mail Stop 1125, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0003.
Regulatory Certifications
Environmental Impact
Section 31.1b of Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15 (57 FR
43180, September 18, 1992) excludes from documentation in an
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement ``rules,
regulations, or policies to establish Service-wide administrative
procedures, program processes, or instructions.'' The agency's
preliminary conclusion is that this proposed interim directive falls
within this category of actions and that no extraordinary circumstances
exist which would require preparation of an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Regulatory Impact
This proposed interim directive has been reviewed under USDA
procedures and Executive Order 12866 on regulatory planning and review.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that the
accessibility guidelines portion of the proposed interim directive is
not economically significant because it would not have an annual
economic impact of $100 million or more. However, the accessibility
guidelines portion of the proposed interim directive was determined by
OMB to be significant because of its relationship to the accessibility
guidelines to be issued by the Access Board. Accordingly, this proposed
interim directive has been reviewed by OMB pursuant to Executive Order
12866. The regulatory impact analysis is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility
.
Moreover, this proposed interim directive has been considered in
light of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602 et seq.). It has
been determined that this proposed interim directive would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
as defined by the act because the proposed interim directive would not
impose record-keeping requirements on them; it would not affect their
competitive position in relation to large entities; and it would not
affect their cash flow, liquidity, or ability to remain in the market.
The proposed interim directive would establish accessibility guidelines
that would apply internally to the Forest Service and that would have
no direct effect on small businesses. No small businesses have been
awarded contracts for construction or reconstruction of recreation
facilities covered by these accessibility guidelines.
No Takings Implications
This proposed interim directive has been analyzed in accordance
with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12630. It
has been determined that this proposed interim directive would not pose
the risk of a taking of private property.
Civil Justice Reform
This proposed interim directive has been reviewed under Executive
Order 12988 on civil justice reform. After adoption of this proposed
interim directive, (1) all State and local laws and regulations that
conflict with this interim directive or that impede its full
implementation would be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect would be
given to this interim directive; and (3) it would not require
administrative proceedings before parties may file suit in court
challenging its provisions.
Unfunded Mandates
Pursuant to Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2
U.S.C. 1531-1538), which the President signed into law on March 22,
1995, the agency has assessed the effects of this proposed interim
directive on State, local, and Tribal governments and the private
sector. This proposed interim directive would not compel the
expenditure of $100 million or more by any State, local, or Tribal
government or anyone in the private sector. Therefore, a statement
under section 202 of the act is not required.
Federalism and Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
The agency has considered this proposed interim directive under the
requirements of Executive Order 13132 on federalism, and has made an
[[Page 8063]]
assessment that the proposed interim directive conforms with the
federalism principles set out in this Executive Order; would not impose
any compliance costs on the States; and would not have substantial
direct effects on the States, the relationship between the Federal
government and the States, or the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, the
agency has determined that no further assessment of federalism
implications is necessary.
Moreover, this proposed interim directive does not have Tribal
implications as defined by Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,'' and therefore advance
consultation with Tribes is not required.
Energy Effects
This proposed interim directive has been reviewed under Executive
Order 13211 of May 18, 2001, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. It has been
determined that this proposed interim directive does not constitute a
significant energy action as defined in the Executive Order.
Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public
The information an applicant for an America the Beautiful--The
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass would have to submit
to document eligibility for receiving the pass free of charge pursuant
to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2331.21b, paragraph 4, constitutes an
information collection requirement as defined by the Paperwork
Reduction Act and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 1320.
Information collection requirements require OMB approval before their
adoption. This information collection requirement was approved by OMB
on December 22, 2003, and was assigned OMB control number 0596-0173.
Dated: February 11, 2005.
Sally Collins,
Acting Chief.
Text of Proposed Interim Directive
Note: The Forest Service organizes its directives system by
alphanumeric codes and subject headings. Only those sections of the
FSM that are the subject of this notice are set out here. The
intended audience for this proposed interim direction is agency
employees charged with management of Forest Service outdoor
recreation facilities. Only new and revised direction from FSM 2330
is set out in the proposed interim directive. The asterisks indicate
that parent text direction unchanged by this proposed interim
directive is not set out in this notice. The full text of FSM 2330
is available electronically on the World Wide Web at http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives
.
Forest Service Manual
Chapter 2330--Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities
2330.1--Authority
See FSM 2301 for general authorities on developing and managing
Forest Service recreation sites and facilities. For direction on
authorities and technical guidelines related to accessibility of
trails, see FSM 2353.01c.
2330.11--Recreation Fees
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, Title VIII, Div. J.,
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2005, Pub. L. 108-447,
authorizes the Forest Service to charge standard amenity recreation
fees and expanded amenity recreation fees at certain sites or for
certain recreational services and retain and spend revenues collected
under the act without further appropriation, in accordance with the
provisions of the act.
2330.12--Federal and Agency Requirements for Accessibility of
Recreation Programs, Sites, and Facilities
Additional information regarding laws, regulations, standards,
guidelines, and publications relating to accessibility is available
electronically on the World Wide Web at the Access Board's Web site
(http://www.access-board.gov) and at the Forest Service's Web site (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility).
1. Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C.
4151 et seq.). This act requires that all facilities designed,
constructed, altered, or leased by a Federal agency be accessible to
persons with disabilities.
2. Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (36 CFR part
1191, Appendices C and D). These guidelines were issued by the
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access
Board) in 2004 and apply to buildings and facilities subject to the
Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. When adopted as standards by the
General Services Administration, they will apply to Forest Service
buildings and facilities.
3. Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor
Developed Areas (36 CFR part 1190). These guidelines will be issued by
the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access
Board) in 2005 and apply to outdoor developed areas managed by Federal
agencies subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. When
adopted as standards by the General Services Administration, they will
apply to outdoor developed areas managed by the Forest Service.
4. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, sections 504 and 508 (29
U.S.C. 794 and 794d). Section 504 of this act (29 U.S.C. 794) prohibits
Federal agencies and recipients of Federal financial assistance from
discriminating against any person with a disability. Section 508 of
this act (29 U.S.C. 794d) requires that all electronic and information
technology purchased or developed by a Federal agency allow persons
with disabilities to have access to and use of the information and data
that is comparable to that provided to persons without disabilities.
5. Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in
Programs or Activities of USDA (7 CFR parts 15e and 15b). The USDA
regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as it
applies to programs and activities conducted by USDA are found at 7 CFR
part 15e. The USDA regulations implementing section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act as it applies to USDA-assisted programs are found at
7 CFR part 15b. These provisions address program accessibility;
requirements for accessible programs in new, altered, or existing
facilities; accessibility transition planning; accessible communication
requirements; and compliance procedures.
6. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (42 U.S.C. 12101
et seq.). This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability
by State or local governments, public accommodations, and public
transportation. The ADA does not apply to Federal agencies, with the
exception of Title V, section 507c. This section clarifies that the
Wilderness Act of 1964 is preeminent in federally designated wilderness
areas, contains a definition of a wheelchair, and states that a device
that meets that definition can be used wherever foot travel is
permitted in federally designated wilderness areas.
7. Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines
(FSORAG). The FSORAG contains the accessibility guidelines for outdoor
developed areas issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board (Access Board), as supplemented by the Forest Service
to ensure the
[[Page 8064]]
agency's continued application of universal design, as well as agency
terminology and processes. The FSORAG is available electronically on
the World Wide Web at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility.
Copies may also be obtained by writing to the
Accessibility Program Manager, Recreation and Heritage Resources Staff,
Washington Office.
* * * * *
[FSM 2330.2 is unchanged.]
2330.3--Policy
* * * * *
[Paragraphs 1-7 are unchanged.]
8. Ensure that all new or rehabilitated facilities, sites, and
programs comply with Federal and Forest Service accessibility
guidelines and standards (FSM 2330.12, para. 1-7). Facilities, sites,
and programs are to utilize universal design (FSM 2330.5) to
accommodate the abilities of all people, to the greatest extent
possible, including people with disabilities.
* * * * *
[Paragraph 9 and exhibit 01 of FSM 2330.3 and FSM 2330.4-2330.42c
are unchanged.]
2330.5--Definitions
Accessible. In compliance with the Federal or Forest Service
accessibility guidelines and standards at the time of construction or
alteration, whichever is higher.
Universal design. Designing programs and facilities so that all new
or reconstructed facilities and associated constructed features, rather
than only a certain percentage of those facilities, are accessible to
all people, thereby providing for the integration of all people in
outdoor developed recreation areas, without separate or segregated
access for people with disabilities.
* * * * *
[FSM 2331-2331.21a, paragraph 3, are unchanged.]
2331.21b--Recreation Passes
4. America the Beautiful--The National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass.
a. Privileges. The America the Beautiful--The National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Pass) is a lifetime, nontransferable
pass that allows the holder to use any National Forest System lands for
which a standard amenity recreation fee is charged in accordance with
the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Div. J, of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2005, Pub. L. 108-447).
b. Eligibility. The Pass may be issued free of charge only to
citizens of, or persons domiciled in, the United States who have been
medically determined to be permanently disabled for purposes of section
7(20)(B)(i) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705(20)(B)(i))
and who apply for the Pass and provide adequate documentation of a
permanent disability and citizenship or residency.
c. Requirements for Issuance. Issue the Pass only to applicants who
apply in person and who sign the Pass in the presence of the issuing
officer. Inform applicants that they are required to provide one of the
following forms of documentation to establish proof of permanent
disability:
(1) A document issued by a Federal agency providing Federal
benefits, such as the Veteran's Administration, which attests that the
applicant has been medically determined to be eligible to receive
Federal benefits as a result of a permanent disability. Other
acceptable Federal agency documents include proof of receipt of Social
Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income
(SSI);
(2) A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that the
applicant has been medically determined to have a permanent physical,
mental, or sensory impairment that severely limits one or more major
life activities, and specifying the nature of the impairment;
(3) A document issued by a State agency, such as a vocational
rehabilitation agency, which attests that the applicant is eligible to
receive vocational rehabilitation agency benefits or services as a
result of medically determined permanent disability. Showing a State
motor vehicle department disability sticker, license plate, or hang tag
is not acceptable documentation for purposes of obtaining the Pass;
(4) A signed Statement of Disability on Forest Service Form FS-
2300-42.
* * * * *
(FSM 2331.21c-2332.5 are unchanged.]
2333--Site and Facility Planning and Design
The direction in this section applies to all Federal recreation
sites and facilities on National Forest System lands.
2333.03--Policy
* * * * *
[Paragraphs 1-4e are unchanged.]
4. Design and install facilities that are:
f. In compliance with the authorities at FSM 2330.12 setting out
Federal and agency requirements related to the accessibility and design
of recreation programs, sites, and facilities.
* * * * *
[Paragraphs 4g and 4h are unchanged.]
5. Comply with the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility
Guidelines (FSORAG) (FSM 2330.12, para. 7):
a. When agency programs, sites, and facilities are not addressed in
Federal accessibility standards (FSM 2330.12, para. 2 and 3) or
b. When the FSORAG establishes a higher standard than Federal
accessibility standards (FSM 2330.12, para. 2 and 3).
* * * * *
[FSM 2333.1-2333.32 are unchanged.]
2333.33--Integrated Accessibility/Universal Design
Ensure that new or rehabilitated recreation sites, facilities, and
elements utilize universal design to accommodate all people, to the
greatest extent possible, including persons with disabilities.
Eliminate architectural barriers that limit use or enjoyment of
recreation opportunities (FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para.
4f).
* * * * *
[FSM 2333.34-2333.48 are unchanged.]
2333.5--Design Criteria
Use the criteria in FSM 2333.51 through 2333.58 to determine need,
location, and type of recreation site improvements.
2333.51--Toilets
1. Locate toilets conveniently; the maximum distance a user should
have to travel to a toilet is 500 feet.
2. Provide a sufficient number of toilets. As a general rule,
provide one toilet for every 35 persons.
3. Design each toilet to prevent unsanitary conditions and
pollution with a minimum of maintenance and to comply with FSM 2330.3,
paragraph 8, and FSM 2333.03, paragraph 4f. The design narrative must
address the type of toilet facility desirable for a particular site. In
determining the type of toilet facility to install, consider initial
cost, future operation and maintenance costs, accessibility, and the
recreation opportunity spectrum class of the site (FSM 2330.3, ex.01).
2333.52--Recreational Vehicle Sanitary Stations and Waste Water
Disposal
Design and install Forest Service recreational vehicle (RV) dump
stations only where there is environmental pollution from
indiscriminate roadside
[[Page 8065]]
dumping by persons using Forest Service facilities and/or where
commercial RV dump stations are not available within a reasonable
driving distance. Encourage the private sector to develop these
facilities, and provide the private sector with every opportunity to do
so before the Forest Service develops them. Gray water collection and
handling systems may be provided on-site when necessary to prevent
environmental pollution. Comply with the accessibility requirements for
such facilities (FSM 2330.12, para. 7, FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM
2333.03, para. 4f).
2333.53--Refuse and Garbage Disposal
Provide adequate numbers of receptacles, and position them to
facilitate litter control. Large, centralized containers or clusters of
containers are usually more cost-effective than scattered small
containers; use large or clustered containers where practical. Comply
with the accessibility requirements for such receptacles and containers
(FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para. 4f).
2333.54--Drinking Water
All water facilities where water is intended for human consumption
must meet the standards in FSM 7421, FSM 2330.3, paragraph 8, and FSM
2333.03, paragraph 4f.
* * * * *
[FSM 2333.55-2333.56 are unchanged.]
2333.57--Convenience Facilities
Convenience facilities serve as a source of comfort to forest
visitors, rather than meeting their health and safety needs or
protecting resources. Design and install convenience facilities to be
suitable for the site where they will be located and the use they will
receive. FSM 2330.3, exhibit 01, displays the types of convenience
facilities normally provided, depending on the planned recreation
opportunity spectrum class and development scale. Facilities must
comply with FSM 2330.3, paragraph 8, and FSM 2333.03, paragraph 4f.
2333.58--Information Facilities
Install signs and posters where necessary or helpful to visitors,
but keep them to a minimum. Provide bulletin boards at a central
location for rules, regulations, time limits, and other special
information. Information facilities shall comply with FSM 2330.3,
paragraph 8, and FSM 2333.03, paragraph 4f.
* * * * *
[FSM 2333.6-2334.22 are unchanged.]
2334.23--Parking Areas and Spurs
Each campground unit must be served by a parking spot or spur that
allows safe vehicle parking off the main campground loop road. The last
25 feet of each parking spur should be level, except for the 1-to-2-
percent slope necessary for drainage, and as close to the natural grade
as possible. Parking spurs required to be accessible shall comply with
section 5.0 of the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility
Guidelines (FSORAG) and other applicable authorities set out at FSM
2330.12, paragraph 7, FSM 2330.3, paragraph 8, and FSM 2333.03,
paragraph 4f.
2334.24--Water Access Facilities
Install facilities for boat moorings when campgrounds and picnic
grounds are accessible only by boats and when lake bottom and shoreline
characteristics do not permit boats to be drawn up safely on the beach
for short-term or overnight storage. Boat moorings consisting of docks,
piers, jetties, or tie-up anchorages located along the shore shall be
in compliance with Federal and Forest Service boating and fishing
accessibility guidelines (FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para.
4f).
* * * * *
[FSM 2334.25 is unchanged.]
2334.26--Camping Units
A standard camping unit consists of a table, fire grill or ring,
parking spur, and space for a tent or expansion space to accommodate a
recreational vehicle. Locate units at least 25 feet from the edge of
the campground road and at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, toilets,
and main roads.
Camping units must provide for use of the maximum variety of
camping equipment without separate loops or areas for tent or
recreational vehicle use, except where local terrain or patterns of use
indicate that segregation is practical and desirable. All site
furnishings provided in camping units shall comply with the Forest
Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) (FSM
2330.12, para. 7, FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para. 4f).
1. Tent Camping Units. Tent camping units are appropriate where
terrain restrictions preclude development of a spur to accommodate
recreational vehicles (RVs). The parking spur is not the focal point of
use. A tent camping unit normally should include a 30-foot parking
spur, 12-by-16-foot, level tent pad, table, and fireplace. Parking and
all tent camping elements shall comply with the FSORAG (FSM 2330.12,
para. 7, FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para. 4f).
2. RV Camping Units. The parking spur is the focal point of use for
RV camping units. Provide at least 210 square feet of usable camping
space next to the spur.
a. RV camping units should include a parking spur that is at least
50 feet long or a pull-through spur, a picnic table, and a stove,
grill, or fire ring. Parking and all camping unit elements shall comply
with the FSORAG (FSM 2330.12, para. 7, FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM
2333.03, para. 4f).
b. Where feasible and appropriate to the setting, the remaining
parking spurs not included in figure 5.1 of the FSORAG (FSM 2330.12,
para. 7, FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para. 4f) should be at
least 16 feet wide.
* * * * *
[FSM 2334.26, paragraph 3, is unchanged.]
2334.27--Picnic Units
A standard single picnic unit consists of one picnic table and, in
some cases, a stove, grill, or fireplace. All site furnishings provided
in picnic units shall comply with the FSORAG (FSM 2330.12, para. 7, FSM
2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03, para. 4f). Some of the sites may be
provided with 16-foot stationary tables to accommodate two-family use.
Space picnic units to permit privacy and prevent overuse.
2334.28--Group Campgrounds and Picnic Grounds
* * * * *
[The unnumbered introductory paragraph and paragraph 1 are
unchanged.]
2. Cooking Facilities. Provide each site or component in a group
campground or picnic area with a large, open fire grill. A food
preparation table may be needed in most group campgrounds, and a food
service table is needed in both group campgrounds and picnic areas. All
site furnishings provided in group use sites shall comply with the
FSORAG (FSM 2330.12, para. 7, FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM 2333.03,
para. 4f ).
* * * * *
[The text from paragraph 3 of FSM 2334.28 through FSM 2334.33 are
unchanged.]
2334.34--Special Public Services
In general, do not permit stores, restaurants, and other commercial
developments within campgrounds and picnic grounds. If the public
requires special services, such as equipment rental (for example,
rental of boats,
[[Page 8066]]
bathing suits, or towels), clothes lockers, or shuttle transportation,
they may be authorized under a special use authorization (FSM 2343.7).
Before these services are authorized, a determination shall be made
that there is a need for them that cannot be met on nearby private
lands, that it would be financially viable to provide these services,
and that they can be furnished at reasonable rates. If facilities are
provided, they shall comply with FSM 2330.3, paragraph 8, and FSM
2333.03, paragraph 4f.
* * * * *
[FSM 2334.35 is unchanged.]
2335--Development of Sites Other Than Campgrounds and Picnic Areas
2335.1--Boating Sites
Develop suitable boating sites along lakes, reservoirs, and rivers
primarily to launch boats. Sites may also offer boating services,
including mooring space, repair services, boat rental, and the sale of
gasoline, oil, and miscellaneous items. When these types of services
are desirable, allow concessionaires to provide them under a special
use authorization (FSM 2343.2 and 2721.52). Facilities that are
provided shall comply with the Federal and Forest Service accessibility
guidelines for boating and fishing (FSM 2330.3, para. 8, and FSM
2333.03, para. 4f).
2335.11--Design
* * * * *
[Paragraphs 1-5 are unchanged.]
6. Design facilities in accordance with FSM 2330.3, paragraph 8,
and FSM 2333.03, paragraph 4f.
* * * * *
[FSM 2335.12-2335.13 and the unnumbered paragraph in FSM 2335.2,
Swimming Sites, are unchanged.]
2335.21--Design
5. Ensure that new or reconstructed beach access routes comply with
the beach access routes section of the FSORAG (FSM 2330.12, para. 7,
and FSM 2333.03, para. 4f).
* * * * *
[The remainder of the chapter (FSM 2335.22-2336) is unchanged.]
[FR Doc. 05-3069 Filed 2-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P