Supporting Memo on the Impact of Americans with Disabilities Act

On March 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice promulgated new regulations interpreting the Americans with Disabilities Act. These regulations affect private facility owners and operators, such as land trusts, governments, and landowners, that provide public recreation access. This memorandum addresses: (1) how the new regulations affect entities owning or operating public trails; (2) the steps an entity can take to protect itself; and (3) the steps an entity should take to inform the public of trail use limitations.