Attachment 8 - EM 7100-15 FOREST SERVICE SIGN STANDARDS.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service

E n g i n e e r i n g S t a f f • W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . • E M 7 1 0 0 - 1 5 • R e v i s e d • O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3

Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service

Non-Discrimination Policy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

To File an Employment Complaint

If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your agency’s EEO Counselor (click the hyperlink for list of EEO Counselors) within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act, event, or in the case of a personnel action. Additional information can be found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_file.html.

To File a Program Complaint

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S.

Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Persons with Disabilities

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720- 2600 (voice and TDD).

Chapter 3B Traffic Control Devices—Warning Signs

Chapter 3C Traffic Control Devices—Guide Signs

Chapter 3D Traffic Control Devices—Placement and Installation

Chapter 3E Traffic Control Devices—Sign Drawings

Chapter 4B Temporary Traffic Control—Sign Drawings

Chapter 5B Trail Signing—Sign Drawing

Chapter 7B Developed Recreation Site Signing—Sign Drawings

Chapter 8C Forest Identification Signs—Sign Drawings

Chapter 10C Visitor Information Signing—Fire Rating

EM7100-15 Table Of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction and Principles Policy and Standards

1.1 Policy

1.2 Objectives

1.3 Principles

1.4 MUTCD—Standard for Traffic Control Devices

1.5 Sign Coordinators

1.6 EM-7100-15 Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service

1.6.1 Purpose and Use

1.6.2 Abbreviations

1.6.3 Definitions of Headings, Words, and Phrases in Guidelines

1.6.4 Sign Identification

1.7 Sign and Poster Standards

1.7.1 Design

1.7.2 Standard Abbreviations for Signs

1.7.3 Forest Service Shield, USDA Identification, and Logotypes

1.7.3a Forest Service Shield and USDA Credit Line

1.7.3b Logotypes

1.7.4 Accessibility Signing

1.7.5 Other International Symbols

1.8 Removing/Covering Signs

1.9 Temporary Signs and Posters

1.10 Overview of Chapters

1.11 References

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1.1 Policy

Forest Service (FSM) policy regarding signs and posters is contained in Forest Service Manual 7100, chapter 7160—Signs and Posters.

Standard signs shown in the Management of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Engineering Management (EM) series 7100-15 “Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service” shall not be modified unless there is a demonstrated need. Refer to sections 1.4 and 1.6.

The use of new shapes and colors for regulatory and warning signs; new regulatory, recreational and cultural interest area symbols; and new traffic control devices not referenced in the MUTCD, the EM 7100-15, or approved addendums require Washington Office Director of Engineering approval. Refer to FSM 7160.41b.

The use of new symbol warning and regulatory signs for National Forest System roads (NFS roads) and bicycle trails not referenced in the MUTCD, these Guidelines, or approved addendums require a recommendation from the Washington Office Director of Engineering and approval by the FHWA. New symbol warning and regulatory signs for all other uses shall be approved by the Washington Office Director of Engineering.

All deviations from the standards in the MUTCD and the EM 7100-15 applicable to acquisition, design, and installation of signs and posters not reserved to the Washington Office Director of Engineering require Regional Office approval through the regional sign coordinator. Refer to FSM 7160.42a.

The use of new word messages for regulatory and warning signs is not considered a deviation from the standards in the MUTCD and the EM 7100-15, but shall be approved by the regional sign coordinator for consistency and to ensure the basic requirements are met.

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of the sign and poster program are to:

• Support accomplishment of direction contained in land and resource management plans for the administration, protection, management, and use of National Forest System lands.

• Provide information for the safety, enjoyment, and convenience of national forest and grassland visitors, users, cooperators, and employees.

• Provide information about geographic and historical features and the use and management of resource activities on National Forest System lands.

• Identify facilities and lands within the National Forest System.

Standard signs shall not be modified unless there is a demonstrated need.

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1.3 Principles

Signs and posters shall be designed, installed, positioned, and maintained to:

• Fulfill a legal requirement or an important need.

• Command attention.

• Convey a clear, simple meaning.

• Command respect.

• Give adequate time for proper response.

Signs and posters should be used conservatively. Signs and posters used to excess tend to lose their effectiveness.

Signs and posters that need to be seen both day and night shall be retroreflective or illuminated.

Signs should be installed on the right-hand side of the travelway except where engineering judgment or engineering study determine topography or other considerations, such as on curves to the right dictate a sign be placed on the left-hand side.

Signage should consider the needs of persons with disabilities or non-English-speaking users when and where appropriate. Use of languages other than English on signs is not appropriate.

In addition, Forest Service signs and posters should match visitor and travel information found in current Forest Service paper and electronic media maps or other sources of visitor information.

The cost and need to maintain an effective sign program including planning, fabricating, installing, maintaining, and replacing is an ongoing commitment and must be factored into the short-term and long-term budget cycles.

1.4 MUTCD—Standard for Traffic Control Devices

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for all traffic control devices (TCD). TCD are signs, markings, pavement markings, and other devices used to control traffic on all roads open to public travel. TCD shall be constructed, located, installed, and maintained according to the standards contained in the MUTCD.

The MUTCD has been adopted by the Forest Service and has been supplemented with the direction in the EM 7100-15 “Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service.”

The Forest Service is required by 23 CFR 655.603(b)(3) to revise the EM 7100- 15 to be in substantial conformance with changes to the National MUTCD within 2 years of the effective date of the Final Rule for the changes.

Some devices in previous editions of the MUTCD have been changed, deleted, and/or added. Refer to the current edition of the MUTCD for specific guidance and target dates for compliance for these devices.

Signs and posters should be used conservatively. Signs and posters used to excess tend to lose their effectiveness.

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1.5 Sign Coordinators

The Washington Office, regional offices, and national forests and grasslands are each required to assign the duties of sign coordinator to an individual qualified by education, training, and experience to make decisions about the design and installation of signs and TCD (FSM 7160). The MUTCD states that engineering judgment and engineering studies required for deciding upon the applicability, design, operation, or installation of a traffic control device shall be exercised by an engineer or someone under the direct supervision of an engineer. A designated sign coordinator meets this requirement and is considered a qualified engineer based on the specific duties of sign coordinators outlined in FSM 7160.

Forest Service employees should contact their respective unit sign coordinator when they have questions and need advice on unique signing problems. In addition to providing engineering judgment and preparing engineering studies when necessary, a forest sign coordinator should review and approve sign orders and sign packages contained in contracts, as well as verify compliance of ordered signs with specifications.

1.6 EM 7100-15 Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest

Service

1.6.1 Purpose and Use

The purpose of the EM 7100-15 is to provide national guidance for the effective management of the Forest Service signing program. The EM 7100-15 identifies the basic signing principles for planning, designing, procuring, installing, and maintaining signs and posters. The EM 7100-15 provides standards and guidance for uses and situations that are specific to the Forest Service.

Following these principles, standards, and guidelines will result in a consistent, effective, and economic signing program that meets Forest Service objectives and conveys a professional and positive image of the Forest Service to the public. Information from the MUTCD typically is not repeated in this EM unless it is needed for emphasis or clarification. Detailed signing situations, sizes, and messages unique to the Forest Service and not covered in the MUTCD, as well as amplifications or explanations necessary for clarification, are contained in the EM 7100-15. Only English equivalent units of measure, such as feet, inches, or miles per hour are used in the EM 7100-15.

When used in this Engineering Management series, “Guidelines” refers to EM 7100-15, “Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service.”

1.6.2 Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in these Guidelines:

• AADT or ADT—Average annual daily traffic or average daily traffic.

• AASHTO—American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

• CFR—Code of Federal Regulations

• DOT—Department of Transportation.

These Guidelines identify the basic signing principles for planning, designing, procuring, installing, and maintaining signs and posters.

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• FHWA—Federal Highway Administration.

• FSH—Forest Service Handbook.

• FSM—Forest Service Manual.

• HDO—High Density Overlay plywood with hard smooth surface(s) to which retroreflective sheeting will adhere.

• MDO—Medium Density Overlay plywood with surface(s) similar to kraft paper that will accept routing and paint.

• ML—Road maintenance level, usually followed by a number (1 through 5).

• MUTCD—Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a manual published by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration containing national signing standards used by all public road agencies.

• NFS—National Forest System.

• OHV—Off-Highway Vehicle(s).

• RMO—Road Management Objective(s).

• SADT—Seasonal Annual Daily Traffic.

• TCD—Traffic Control Device(s). Signs, markings, pavement markings, and other devices used to give information to route users.

• TMO—Trail Management Objective(s).

• USC—United States Code.

• VIS—Visitor Information Services.

In addition, many chapters contain abbreviations that are defined in those chapters.

1.6.3 Definitions of Headings, Words, and Phrases in Guidelines

Words and phrases used in these Guidelines shall have the following meanings:

Administrative unit—A national forest, a national grassland, a purchase unit, a land utilization project, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Land Between the Lakes, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, or other comparable unit of the National Forest System (36

CFR 212.1, 36 CFR 261.2, FSH 7705).

Advisory speed—A recommended speed for all vehicles operating on a section of highway and based on the highway design, operating characteristics, and conditions.

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Average daily traffic—The total number of vehicles passing a given point during a given time period divided by the number of days in that time period (AASHTO, 2001, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets).

Average speed—The summation of the instantaneous or spot-measured speeds at a specific location of vehicles divided by the number of vehicles observed.

Basic rule—No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards.

Breakaway—A design feature which allows a device, such as a sign support, to yield or separate upon impact. Also refered to as crashworthy.

Clear zone—The total roadside border area, starting at the edge of the traveled way that is available for an errant driver to stop or regain control of a vehicle. This area might consist of a shoulder, a recoverable slope, and/or a nonrecoverable, traversable slope with a clear run-out area at its toe.

Closure—When referring to access and travel management restrictions, the term “closure” means the route or area is closed to ALL types of traffic, including foot traffic. This option is seldom used except in emergencies, such as fire or weather closures or special management situations, such as protection of an eagle-nesting site. The term “closed” should not be used to refer to routes that have been decommissioned or converted, or on routes where only some uses have been restricted.

Coincident routes—A single route that is managed as part of two different inventoried routes in the Forest Transportation Atlas. An example is a road that is also managed as a trail. There are two types of coincident routes:

1. Concurrent: A coincident route on which the uses are simultaneous and must be managed for mixed traffic.

2. Separate: A coincident route on which the uses are not simultaneous but separate, so the route is not managed for mixed traffic. Separate use periods may occur by:

• Specific times, such as weekday and weekend.

• Seasons, such as a summer road and a winter snow trail.

Commercial enterprises—Private commercial developments or commercial public service establishments on National Forest System lands or on private lands inside or adjacent to the national forest, such as resorts, marinas, campgrounds, and ski areas.

Conventional road—A street or highway with over 400 seasonal average daily traffic (SADT) and speeds of 35 miles per hour or more.

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Crashworthy—Breakaway, yielding, or shielded with a longitudinal barrier or crash cushion. A characteristic of a roadside appurtenance that has been successfully crash tested in accordance with a national standard such as the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350, “Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features.”

Designated road, trail, or area—A National Forest System road, a National Forest System trail, or an area on National Forest System lands that is designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51 on a motor vehicle use map (36 CFR 212.1).

Design speed—A selected speed used to determine the various geometric design features of a roadway.

85th-Percentile speed—The speed at or below which 85 percent of the motor vehicles travel. It is determined by speed studies and generally is used in engineering studies to determine the prevailing speed.

Engineering analysis—An analysis and evaluation conducted by a qualified engineer, or under the supervision of a qualified engineer, of an NFS roads, road segment, or road system being considered for motorized mixed use.

The analysis and evaluation may include recommended mitigation measures.

The analysis may be simply documentation of engineering judgment or may be a more complex engineering report that includes many factors related to motorized mixed use (FSM 7705).

Engineering judgment—The evaluation of available pertinent information, and the application of appropriate principles, standards, guidance, and practices as contained in the MUTCD, EM7100-15, and other sources, for the purpose of deciding upon the applicability, design, operation, or installation of a traffic control device. It is less technical than an engineering study. Engineering judgment shall be exercised by a qualified engineer, or by an individual working under the supervision of a qualified engineer, through the application of procedures and criteria established by the qualified engineer. Engineering judgment shall be documented.

Engineering study—A formal, analytical, and comprehensive analysis and evaluation of available pertinent information, and the application of appropriate principles, standards, guidance, and practices as contained in the MUTCD, EM7100-15, and other sources, for the purpose of deciding upon the applicability, design, operation, or installation of a traffic control device. An engineering study shall be performed by a qualified engineer, or by an individual working under the supervision of a qualified engineer, through the application of procedures and criteria established by the qualified engineer. An engineering study SHALL be documented.

Font—An assortment or set of type of characters all of one style; typeface.

Highway-legal vehicle—Any motor vehicle that is licensed or certified under State law for general operation on all public roads within the State. Operators of highway-legal vehicles are subject to State traffic law, including requirements for operator licensing (FSM 7705).

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Highway Safety Act of 1966 (23 U.S.C. 402, Pub. L. 89-564)— Authorizes State and local governments and participating Federal agencies to identify and survey accident locations; to design, construct, and maintain roads in accordance with safety standards; to apply sound traffic control principles and standards; and to promote pedestrian safety

Human factors—The process of designing and operating systems for human use. It is the branch of expertise relating to the study of various interactions between traffic control devices and the road user.

Low-volume road—A low-volume road is a facility lying outside of built-up areas of cities, towns, and communities, and it shall have a traffic volume of less than 400 AADT. A low-volume road is not a freeway, expressway, interchange ramp, freeway service road, or a road on a designated State highway system. In terms of highway classification, it shall be a variation of a conventional road or a special purpose road as defined in the MUTCD, section 2A.01.C. A low-volume road may be paved or unpaved.

Maintenance levels (ML)—The Forest Service classifies maintenance of NFS roads by five levels: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Maintenance level 1 roads are roads that have been placed in storage between intermittent uses. Maintenance level 2 roads are maintained for high clearance vehicles. Maintenance levels 3, 4, and 5 roads are maintained for passage by standard passenger cars during the normal season of use. See FSH 7709.59, section 62.3

Managed use—A mode of travel that is actively managed and appropriate on a trail, based on its design and management (FSH 2309.18).

May—Denotes a practice that is permissive and carries no requirement or recommendation. In the MUCTD, “may” is equal to “option.”

Motorized mixed use—Designation of an National Forest System road for use by both highway-legal and non-highway-legal motor vehicles (FSM 7705).

National Forest System road (NFS roads)—A forest road other than a road which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county or other local public road authority (36 CFR 212.1, 36 CFR

251.51, 36 CFR 261.2).

National Forest System trail (NFST)—A forest trail other than a trail which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county or other local public road authority (36 CFR 212.1).

Noncommercial enterprises—Privately built and owned camps and residences on National Forest System lands, such as recreation residences, organization camps, private clubs, lodges, and shelters.

Non-highway-legal vehicle—Any motor vehicle that is not licensed or certified under State law for general operation on all public roads within the State. Operators of non-highway-legal vehicles are subject to State requirements, if any, for licensing and operation of the vehicle in question (FSM 7705).

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Off-highway vehicle—Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross county travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain (36 CFR 212.1, FSM 2353.05, FSH

2309.18.05, FSM 7705).

Onsite signing—Comprises all signs within the site necessary to adequately guide or inform the user. It includes all regulatory, warning, and guide signs needed for road users, identification of buildings and other facilities, campsite markers, bulletin boards, and posters.

Operating speed—The speed at which drivers are observed operating their vehicles during free-flow conditions (AASHTO, 2001, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets).

Operating speed—A speed at which a typical vehicle or the overall traffic operates. Operating speed might be defined with speed values such as the average, pace, or 85th-percentile speeds.

Pace speed—The highest speed within a specific range of speeds that represents more vehicles than in any other like range of speed. The range of speeds typically used is 10 km/h or 10 mph.

Posted speed—The speed limit set by law, ordinance, or order, and shown on Speed Limit signs.

Prevailing speed—The speed that drivers desire to travel on the segment of road and should be used to set speed limits barring some other overriding condition.

Professional Judgement—A decision made by an individual who by experience, certification, education, or license, is a technically trained and experienced professional in a specific area of expertise with the ability to conduct a principled and reasoned analysis considering all of the appropriate information and the best available science and expertise that complies with FSM/FSH direction and other applicable established requirements, guidelines and procedures.

Prudent driver—A prudent driver is a person operating within their physical and mental limitation; with a properly equipped and maintained vehicle; and who always exercises due care for the road, traffic, lighting, and weather conditions (AASHTO’s “Guidelines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads” (ADTL400).

Public road—Any road or street under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public agency and open to public travel.

Qualified engineer—An engineer who by experience, certification, education, or license, is technically trained and experienced in the proper application of principles, standards, guidance, and practices for traffic control devices, such as forest, regional, and national sign coordinators.

Reasonable and prudent—In defining negligence, practically synonymous with “cautious driver.” (Black’s Law Dictionary) One who drives with care and due caution at a speed and in a manner which is safe. The care a driver must use considering factors such as traffic, weather, and road or trail conditions.

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Recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS)—A framework for understanding the relationships of signing and other management actions in various settings to the visitors’ experiences. For example, hiking in a wilderness with few signs enhances the hiker’s feelings of self reliance, self-discovery, challenge, and solitude. In contrast, walking easy interpretive trails outside a visitor center with numerous signs and information offers the visitor more comfort, security, opportunities for learning, and social opportunities.

Restriction—A restriction precludes the use of the route or area during a specified time period by:

• Type of vehicle or mode of travel, such as motorized vehicles, passenger cars, log trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), motorcycles, or snowmobiles.

• Type of traffic, such as nonmotorized, public, or commercial traffic. Other types of nonrestricted traffic or vehicles are accepted.

Retroreflective sheeting—Flexible sheets consisting of countless micro cube-corners or spheres enclosed in a weather-resistant transparent plastic film.

To reflect color, pigment or dye is inserted into the film or onto the reflecting surface.

Retroreflectivity—The nighttime visibility of signs and pavement markings.

The scientific term that describes the ability of a surface to return light back to its original source. Retroreflective signs and pavement markings bounce light from vehicle headlights back toward the vehicle and the driver’s eyes, making signs and pavement markings visible to the driver. Signs and markings that efficiently return the light appear brighter and easier to see and read.

Road Management Objectives (RMO)—Road management objectives document the intended purpose, design criteria (FSM 7720), and operation and maintenance criteria (FSM 7730.3) for each NFS road. RMO require written approval by responsible official and are included in the applicable forest transportation atlas (FSM 7711.2. para. 2a). Use the process enumerated in FSH 7709.59, chapter 10, for documenting RMO. An RMO is required for each NFS road.

Scenic integrity objectives—A measure of the degree to which a landscape is visually perceived to be whole, intact, or complete. Scenic integrity is measured as a continuum over five levels: very high (unaltered), high (appears unaltered), moderate (slightly altered), low (moderately altered), and very low (heavily altered).

Seasonal average daily traffic (SADT)—The total volume of traffic passing a point or segment of a road in both directions for a particular season divided by the number of days in the season. Normally, periodic daily traffic volumes are adjusted for hours of the day counted, days of the week, and seasons of use to arrive at the seasonal average daily traffic.

Shall—Used for a statement of required, mandatory, or specifically prohibited practice. For traffic control devices, this requires compliance with the MUTCD and any additional guidance provided by these Guidelines. In the MUTCD, “shall” is equal to “standard.”

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Should—Used as guidance for a recommended but not mandatory practice with deviations allowed where engineering judgment or engineering study indicate a deviation is appropriate. In the MUTCD, “should” is equal to “guidance.”

Speed limit—The maximum or minimum speed applicable to a section of highway as established by law.

Statutory speed—A speed limit established by legislative action that typically is applicable for highways with specified design, functional, jurisdictional and/or location characteristic and is not necessarily shown on Speed Limit signs. This may also be referred to as the “Basic Rule.”

Temporary traffic control (TTC)—The control of traffic when road construction, utility work, maintenance operations, planned major events, and the management of incidents, such as traffic accidents, wildfires, floods, and hazardous material spills, take place on or adjacent to the road and the normal use of the road is temporarily interrupted.

Temporary traffic control zone—An area of a highway where road user conditions are changed because of a work zone or incident by the use of temporary traffic control devices, flaggers, uniformed law enforcement officers, or other authorized personnel.

Traffic—Pedestrians, bicyclists, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances either singularly or together while using for purposes of travel any highway or private road open to public travel.

Traffic control device (TCD)—A sign, signal, marking, or other device used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, road (or trail), or highway, public facility, private property open to public travel, pedestrian facility, or shared use path, by authority of a public agency or official having jurisdiction.

Traffic engineering—The study of the interaction between the road user, the vehicle, and the roadway. A systematic investigation of traffic engineering and safety issues must understand the communication process between traffic control devices and the road user. It includes the optimum legibility, visibility, interpretation, and reaction for colors, size, legibility, shapes, and placement of signs that best meet the needs of conveying the appropriate message to the driver at the proper time.

Traffic management strategies—Options for managing traffic on NFS roads where appropriate to control traffic. Use one or a combination of the following strategies for different modes of travel (FSM 7731.11):

• Encourage use. Encourage use consistent with the condition of the road and its Road Management Objectives.

• Accept use. Accept, but do not encourage, use by vehicles that are suitable for the road.

• Discourage use. Discourage some or all types of motor vehicle use.

• Prohibit use. Prohibit motor vehicle use.

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Trail Management Objectives—Trail management objectives (TMO) document the intended purpose, design criteria (FSM 2353.26), and operation and maintenance criteria (FSM 2353.25) for each NFS trail. TMO require written approval by the responsible official and are included in the applicable forest transportation atlas (FSM 7711.2, para. 2a). See FSM 2353.12 for direction on documenting TMO. A TMO is required for each NFS trail.

Traveled way—The portion of the roadway used for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes (AASHTO, 2001, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets).

Unauthorized road or trail—A road or trail that is not a forest road or trail or a temporary road or trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas (36 CFR 212.1, FSM 2353.05, FSM 7705).

Vehicle—Any device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported, including any frame, chassis, or body of any motor vehicle, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks (36 CFR 261.2).

Viewing distance—The distance an object is viewed. For viewing text, the industry standard calculation is visibility at 50 feet per 1 inch of character height.

For viewing graphic and video images, both minimum and maximum viewing distances should be considered.

• Minimum viewing distance is the closest a viewer can be located to the display and see a uniform image. Text based displays are more forgiving and can be legible from a few feet away.

• Maximum viewing distance is the farthest distance from the display the viewer can be located and recognize the displayed content. The more detailed the content the closer a viewer will need to be to adequately read it.

Warrant—A warrant describes threshold conditions to the engineer in evaluating the potential safety and operational benefits of traffic control devices and is based upon average or normal conditions. Warrants are not a substitute for engineering judgment. The fact that a warrant for a particular traffic control device is met is not conclusive justification for the installation of the device.

Wheelchair or mobility device—A device, including one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion; that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area; and that may be used by a person whose disability requires its use anywhere that foot travel is permitted (Title V, sec. 507c, of the Americans With Disabilities Act and 36 CFR

212.1) (FSM 2352.05, FSH 2309.18.05).

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1.6.4 Sign Identification

Signs are usually identified by a unique series of letters and numbers. The letters are abbreviations that refer to the type of sign. The numbers refer to the size of the sign or the sequence of the sign within a specific sign series. The most common sign abbreviations are shown below.

Common Sign Abbreviations

Abbreviation Term

A Administrative Site—Urban

AS Administrative Site—Rural

BM Barricade Marker

D10 Reference location sign (formerly mile post)

FA Forest Service Fee Area

FE Forest Entrance—Major Boundary

FL Forest Leaving—Major Boundary

FM Forest Route Marker

FP Fire Prevention

FRD Forest Road Destination

IC Incident Command

JC Job Corps

M Route Markers

MFE Minor Forest Entrance

MFL Minor Forest Leaving

NFL National Forest Land Boundary

NHT National Historic Trail Marker

NRA National Recreation Area

NRT National Recreation Trail Marker

NST National Scenic Trail Marker

OM Object Marker

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Common Sign Abbreviations (continued)

Abbreviation Term

P USDA Plaque

PXX* Poster

R Regulatory (MUTCD signs for roads)

RA Recreation Area

RS-XXX* Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol

RD Road

RS Recreation Site Identification

RSE Recreation Site Entrance

S Forest Service Shield

SA Site Approach

SBL Scenic Byway Logo

SBR Smokey Bear Fire Rating

SDS Sanitary Dump Site

SW Solid Waste Disposal

TB Trail Blazer

TD Trail Destination

TDW Trail Destination—Wilderness

TM Travel Management

VIS Visitor Information Service

W Warning (MUTCD signs for roads)

WP Wilderness/Primitive Area

WSR Wild and Scenic River

YCC Youth Conservation Corps

* X’s stand for numbers in the specific sign or poster number

Figure 1-1 gives examples of how these abbreviations are used to identify specific signs.

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Figure 1-1—How to read sign numbers.

1.7 Sign and Poster Standards

1.7.1 Design

Designs—Standard designs have been developed for signs and posters and should be used as required. Design of signs should ensure that features, such as size, contrast, color, shape, composition and lighting, or retroreflectivity, are combined to draw attention to a simple sign with a clear meaning. Legibility and size combined with placement should permit adequate time for user viewing and response to the sign message.

Colors—Standard colors have been established for specific purposes and types of signs. It is critical to use the colors specified consistently and only for these purposes to facilitate sign recognition and user response. TCD shall use the specified colors with no deviations.

Word messages—Standard (approved) word messages shall be used for most applications. Other word legends should be brief while clearly conveying the intended message. Lettering shall be large enough to provide for adequate legibility at required distances.

Standard designs have been developed for signs and posters and should be used as required.

O B S E R V A T I O N S I T E W I L D L I F E

F i s h C r e e k

R O G U E R I V E R

O N E L A N E B R I D G E

S T E E P N A R R O W

R O A D

R1-1

W5-3

FW5-1b

Regulatory Miscellaneous identification numbers

Size

W5-3-30-0

Warning Miscellaneous identification numbers

Size (generally the horizontal dimension) Orange (temporary traffic control)

FW5-1b-24

Forest Service design different than standard MUTCD signs Warning

Size (generally the horizontal dimension)

RSM1-2

Recreation site identification Modified #1 – two-line site type name

Size – in this case 63 in. x 40 in.

Miscellaneous identification numbers

FRD

B o o n t o n L a k e Fi s h i n g C r e e k

L o n g M e a d o w

RSM

FRD-3-4

Forest Service design different than standard MUTCD signs Road destination

Size of upper case letters Number of lines of text

R1-1-30

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Symbols—Standard symbols may be used in situations where they are more effective than conventional word messages. They are particularly effective for non-English users. Standard symbols shall be used without modification. Use of other symbols and logos must be approved by the Washington Office Director of Engineering. Symbols for warning signs shall be approved by FHWA.

Sign materials—Signs are manufactured using a variety of different materials including high density overlay (HDO) plywood with hard smooth surface(s) to which retroreflective sheeting will adhere; medium density overlay (MDO) plywood with surface(s) similar to kraft paper that will accept routing and paint;

oak, cedar, and other wood materials; aluminum; fiberglass; plastics; and composite materials. Other materials commonly used in the manufacturing process include retroreflective sheeting, paint, stain, clear vinyl edge tape, clear protective (graffiti-resistant) overlay sheeting, and installation hardware.

Sign manufacturing specifications—Sign manufacturing specifications are contained in chapters 14 and 14A. These specifications are for service-wide application. Regardless of the procurement source, all signs shall be manufactured in full compliance with these specifications.

1.7.2 Standard Abbreviations for Signs

Use complete words or symbols in sign messages whenever possible.

Abbreviated words may be used where the length of named destinations or features would cause excessive sign length and where the abbreviated form has clear meaning to the public. Abbreviations shall not be used on boundary and site identification signs.

The MUTCD, section 1A.15 identifies universally accepted abbreviations. In addition, approved Forest Service abbreviations are given below for use on road and trail guide signs. Only the abbreviations in the MUTCD or shown here shall be used on signs. Periods are not a part of abbreviations on road signs but may be used on trail signs.

Lettering style for abbreviations shall follow the same lettering style as unabbreviated names and words. Refer to chapter 3C, section 3C.4.2 for lettering style description.

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Approved Forest Service Abbreviations

Upper Case Title Case

Boundary BDY Bdy

Branch BR Br

Brook BRK Brk

Campground CG CG*

Canyon CAN Can

Creek CR Cr

Divide DIV Div

Elevation ELEV Elev

Equipment EQUIP Equip

Fork FK Fk

Gulch GUL Gul

Headquarters HDQS Hdqs

Lake or Lakes L or LKS L or Lks

Little LIT Lit

Lookout LO Lo

Lower LOW Low

Meadow MDW Mdw

Middle MID Mid

National Forest NF NF

Number NO No

Off-Highway Vehicle OHV OHV

Peak PK Pk

Point PT Pt

Railroad RR Rr

Ranger Station RS RS

Reservation RES Res

Reservoir RESVR Resvr

River R or RIV R or Riv

Road RD Rd

Spring or Springs SPG or SPGS Spg or Spgs

Station STA Sta

Stream STRM Strm

Trail TR Tr

Trailhead TRHD Trhd

* This is an exception to the title case lettering style requirement.

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The standard Forest

Service shield is the only symbol used to identify the Forest

Service.

1.7.3 Forest Service Shield, USDA Identification, and Logotypes

1.7.3a Forest Service Shield and USDA Credit Line

The standard Forest Service shield is the only symbol used to identify the Forest Service and shall be used without modification.

The Forest Service shield shall be displayed either on the sign base or face as detailed in the drawings.

Emphasize identification of the Forest Service as an agency of the Department of Agriculture. In addition to the shield, the words “United States Department of Agriculture” or “U.S. Department of Agriculture” shall be displayed on all forest entrance, administrative, and other major signs as identified in other chapters of this guidebook. Interior boundary signs do not require the USDA credit line.

The color of the shield and USDA credit line should be compatible with the primary identification sign color.

For FS shield artwork use the image shown in chapter 8C, section 8C.7.

1.7.3b Logotypes

The national standard logotypes shown in figure 1-2, shall be used without modification for the following:

• National forests. • National monuments.

• National grasslands. • National Volcanic Monuments.

• National recreation areas. • Wilderness areas.

Logotypes are drawings and have not been created from a standard font.

The title of the unit type, such as “National Forest” or “National Grassland” shall appear in the standard logotype preceded by the proclaimed name of the unit in standard text.

In instances where more than one unit name is in the combined unit title or all the forests in a State, the plural form of the unit, such as “National Forests,” is used in the logotype.

The national distinctive logotypes may be used sparingly for identification on cooperative plaques, visitor information boards, interpretive signs, special posters, pamphlets, and so forth, providing that priority and adequate identity are given to the use of the national forest and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Do not use logotypes on administrative signs or any other signs or posters that deal with regulations, authority, or administration.

Use of national standard logotypes for other purposes or if other logotypes are developed requires approval by the Washington Office Director of Engineering.

Submit these requests through the regional sign coordinator.

The national standard logotypes shall be used without modification.

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Figure 1-2—National standard logotypes.

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1.7.4 Accessibility Signing

Signs provide key information concerning the accessibility of programs and facilities.

For Federal accessibility standards, refer to the “Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards” (ABAAS) and the “Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines” (FSORAG) or “Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines” (FSTAG). The current direction for accessible signage is available in the “Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook on Outdoor Recreation and Trails” available on the Forest Service recreation/accessibility Web site.

Contact the regional accessibility coordinator (RAC) for more information or if you need assistance.

Refer to chapter 6, section 6.8 for additional information on accessibiity signing.

International Symbol of Accessibility

The International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) indicates the facility or area is in full compliance with the applicable accessibility standards. No words are required to be used with the symbol. If words are used with the ISA, use “accessible” rather than “handicapped.”

The International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) is required in the ABAAS, chapter 2, provision F 216, to be posted at the following six sites:

• Accessible parking spaces when five or more parking spaces are provided.

• Accessible restrooms.

• Accessible loading zones.

• If the main entrance is not accessible, the ISA and an arrow are to be posted to direct to the closest accessible entrance.

• Accessible area of refuge inside multistory buildings.

• Accessible means of exit out of a building.

Do not post the ISA at:

• The entrance of a building if that entrance is accessible.

• Individual camping units.

• Recreation site entrances unless ALL of that facility meets the Federal accessibility standards

There is no legal requirement for the ISA to be posted in blue and white on federally managed lands, however the ISA must be posted in high contrast colors. Yellow on brown or cream on brown colors blend well into the forest setting, while providing the required high contrast. These alternate colors are appropriate at restrooms and other required locations listed above.

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At designated accessible parking spaces at facilities on National Forest System lands, where the State or local law enforcement would not be ticketing vehicles;

these alternate colors also may be used. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers may ticket those vehicles as necessary.

ISA signs shall comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), section 2B.47, with the accessibility symbol displayed blue and white, to be enforceable by State or local law enforcement at accessible parking spaces. Signs identifying accessible parking spaces shall be no less than 5 feet to the bottom of the sign.

The only approved color for pavement markings to designate accessible parking spaces is blue per the MUTCD, sections 3A.054 and 3B.19 and 20.

1.7.5 Other International Symbols

Post the appropriate International Symbols where required to promote and publicize accessibility of places, programs and other activities for people with various disabilities.

Audio Description for TV, Video, and Film. This service makes television, video, and film more accessible for persons who are blind or have low vision.

Telephone Typewriter (TTY)

TTY indicates a telephone device used with the telephone (and the phone number) for communication between deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired and/or hearing persons.

Volume Control Telephone

Use this symbol to indicate the location of telephones that have handsets with amplified sound and/or adjustable volume controls.

Sign Language Interpretation

Sign language interpretation is provided for a lecture, tour, performance, conference, or other program.

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Braille

Assistive Listening Systems

Thes…