ACCESSIBLE FISHING AREAS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Department of Fish and Wildlife believes that fishing is for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race or mental or physical abilities. To help reach that goal, the following information was provided by Rory Calhoun of the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) from a 1990 survey of Department-managed facilities. Since that time, conditions and access may have changed without notice. Some sites have improved their accessibility since then. Accessibility has different meanings to different people, but in general we hope this information will help the physically impaired decide whether or not to use an area. After the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) are established for outdoor recreational areas, a new survey should be done and the results updated to reflect current guidelines and terminology.  These accessibility levels are based on a site's physical characteristics, such as running slope; access ramps; whether parking areas and paths are constructed of gravel, blacktop, grass or dirt; availability and accessibility of docks, piers and bank fishing areas; and safety.  Site characteristics affect people differently. Mobility impaired persons, for example, might have problems at a site that would be problem-free for the visually impaired. These levels are simply a guide to help you judge whether the access is within your ability to use and enjoy. They are not intended to prevent you from trying, nor to encourage you to use the site, but to provide useful information before actually visiting the site so you can make an informed decision. Many sites were purchased to provide boat or shore public access to a water body, and have parking areas of dirt, gravel, blacktop or a combination. There is usually a boat launching ramp of dirt, gravel or concrete ranging from almost level to very steep. A toilet may be uphill from the water or close to it. Toilets marked WCT are accessible to wheelchair users, either by driving or rolling to them, with handrails on walls and a height of 17-19 inches to the top of the commode. WCT toilet doors are 36 inches wide, and space inside allows transfer to a commode. Not all toilets will be accessible, due to permit requirements. Areas at rivers are subject to change due to seasonal flooding. They may require more help to use, or may be unusable part of the year, but some river areas have good accessibility to facilities all year. Also, remember that maintenance may vary from site to site. Weather conditions may also alter accessibility of sites. Because mobility-impaired persons often find the most difficulty in using sites, accessibility levels are based on the needs of disabled persons, especially those who use wheelchairs. The following levels are guidelines, and do not reflect any state or federal regulations.

LEVEL 1. Level 1 sites are designed for use by the greatest proportion of people with disabilities. Generally, these sites should be usable without assistance by all but the most severely impaired.

LEVEL 2. Level 2 sites are more challenging to visitors with disabilities. Pathways and general areas may be sloped and surfaces may be more difficult to traverse. Many disabled persons can use Level 2 areas with occasional inconveniences and possible assistance from able-bodied persons. Some caution should be observed while using these areas. Probably only physically challenged, athletic-type persons can use these areas without help.

LEVEL 3. Level 3 areas tend to be more remote and receive less maintenance. They are not for most disabled persons. The areas tend to be steep, with soft surfaces and often very rough traversing. Athletic disabled persons would find inconvenience and would require help to use Level 3 sites. These areas require cautious use and should not be used by anyone not seeking a challenge.

For information on accessibility for disabled persons, look at the end of the individual lake and stream descriptions marked with the international accessibility symbol. Check the State Parks web site at http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec/ for more accessibility information on specific sites.

Public Fishing Piers

Puget Sound has more than 50 public fishing piers designed for shore-bound anglers. Many of these are state-of-the-art facilities providing access for persons with disabilities. Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in Olympia at fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov or phone (360) 902-2700 to request a pamphlet containing maps of these sites.

Accessible Outdoor Recreation Guide.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife, Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, and State Parks and Recreation Commission have a jointly-produced document titled Washington Accessible Outdoor Recreation Guide. This book is a guide to accessible recreation sites and facilities in Washington managed by state and some federal natural resource agencies. For a free copy, please write, call or visit WDFW headquarters or a WDFW regional office or one of the other agencies involved. This guide is also available online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec/.