Are trails, bridges, and signs used in wilderness?
Trail systems are managed for the purposes of recreation and wilderness protection. To meet these objectives, existing trails may be expanded, relocated, restored or closed, and new trails may be built if necessary. Bridges are built only when the crossing is unsafe during the heaviest season of public use, where other structures are frequently destroyed or damaged by floodwater, or where unacceptable bank damage, or loss of aquatic habitat or populations will occur from visitors trying to cross. Signs detract from the wilderness character of an area and make the imprint of man and management more noticeable. Only those signs necessary to protect wilderness resources or for public safety are permitted, and must be compatible with their surroundings and be as small as possible. However, accurate maps, route descriptions, and brochures are usually made available for visitors by the local managing agency office.
