Signs and Posters

The Signs and Posters toolbox provides information on signing inside and outside wilderness. Forest Service sign policy, guidelines, sources and examples are provided along with logos and symbols for all agencies. Contact us to suggest new materials for inclusion.

Overview

Introduction

The topic of signs in wilderness is one that often prompts discussion and differing view among those dedicated to wilderness stewardship. The diversity of opinions ranges from those who would prefer to see no signs in wilderness to those who think management efforts or visitor experience would be more effective with additional signage. The Wilderness Act established wilderness for the "use and enjoyment" of visitors but also tells us that it is for primitive recreation and is to remain undeveloped (see Wilderness Act and Signs). Because the law does not provide more specific direction the managing agencies have developed policies to implement the law and strike a balance between seemingly different needs for signing in wilderness.

Signs and posters displayed at trailheads, visitor contact stations and other venues can be effective communication tools for wilderness information and education. The design, content, size, color, and placement of the trailhead information boards or other signs is often dependent on agency, regional, or unit guidelines and local sources should be consulted. The guidelines and examples provided in this toolbox are a sample of what is in use currently. Additional resources will be added as they are received.

The Wilderness Act

• The Wilderness Act of 1964 and Signs

Wilderness Sign Policy and Guidelines

FWS

• FWS Policy (610 FW 2.34, 2.35)

FS

• Wilderness Boundary Sign Request Form (filled out by the Gallatin NF)

Wilderness Sign Policy

Wilderness is designated as an area that is "for the use and enjoyment of the American people" and it "opportunities for primitive recreation". But it is also an area that is undeveloped and in 'contrast to those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape". To meet these mandates, expressed in The Wilderness Act of 1964, agencies have developed policies and guidelines for signs in wilderness that provide necessary information but refrain from allowing wilderness to become developed. The direction for management of wilderness in the national forests is found in FSM 2320 and other directives as noted below.

Wilderness signs can be used at trailheads and entry points to inform visitors about the wilderness resource, provide information on maps, post regulations, and help educate visitors on the use of Leave No Trace techniques.

• 2320.3.10
• 2323.12
• 2323.13f 1.
• 2324.33f

Sign and Poster Guidelines

• EM 7100-15 Chapter 5 - Trail Signing

R2 Trailhead Sign Guidelines

1. Consistent header with the name of the trailhead and the name of the wilderness on the header. (Usually white letters on sky-blue background, but others have tried different color backgrounds.)
2. Consistent wolf logo at the bottom with the words "National Wilderness Preservation System."
3. Consistent "you-are-here" map
4. Consistent LNT and wilderness messages using the   themes messages  that have been developed or the   "icon" with bullet statements  (developed by Dick Ostergaard)

Logos and Symbols

• Agency and Wilderness Logos
• Keep Wilderness Wild - National Wilderness Preservation System