OHV Sign Plan
Template

Simple, Effective, Affordable

This is a comprehensive, 50-page template for effective OHV signing. It includes eight categories of signs with proven messages and techniques that have been incorporated into at least ten trail systems in the United States and Canada.

Signing and mapping are the two primary media for the agencies to communicate with its customers. Once the customers are on site, it is the agency's last chance to communicate rules, regulations, ethics, and expected behavior; therefore, it is essential that this communication be clear, concise, accurate, and consistent.

This template is based on the principle that if we don't effectively tell the public where they should be and how they should be acting, we can't be disappointed when they go where we don't want them to go and do what we don't want them to do. With this sign plan template, you can avoid that disappointment, provide quality customer service, enhance the recreation experience, and protect other resource values.

With this template, you will have all of the basic tools for effective OHV signing. It is easy to cut and paste as necessary to fit the agency, type of trail, and local on-site conditions. This template follows the guidance for sign shapes, colors, sizes, and messages found in the U.S. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and conforms with the USDA Forest Service Sign and Poster Guidelines (EM-7100-15) with particular attention given to Trail Signing in Chapters 5, 5A, and 5B).

The template includes a description and definition of the types of signs and the eight key elements of successful signing. It also includes a sample sign inventory sheet and a sample sign warrant form. Sign warrants can help reduce unnecessary signage, increase signage effectiveness, and help protect the agency in a torte claim situation. The template includes photographs of typical installations and has a drawing of a typical trail with the signs needed for the trailhead, trail junctions, road crossings, etc.

You also get the RecConnect Sign Catalog which has an ID number and photograph for hundreds of signs, decals, and posters.

Each sign in the plan has five subsections:

1. A discussion of the intent of the sign, the need for the sign, the general locations for the sign, and any other pertinent discussion items.
2. A detailed description of the sign message, including any needed logos or decals.
3. An in-depth description of the materials, sign size, letter size, reflectivity, mounting method, hardware, etc.
4. A detailed description of the placement of the sign.
5. A photograph of the sign and a RecConnect Sign Catalog reference number.

Signing is our specialty and over the years, we have seen what works and what doesn't. We have complied those successful, effective signs into this template, so you don't have to waste valuable time and money trying to "re-invent the wheel" and risk failure. Ineffective signs can contribute to compliance problems, user conflict, safety issues, and resource impacts. For your OHV program to be successful, you cannot risk any of these occurrences.