Acoustical Environments Survey Available On Sharepoint

The Natural Sounds Program invites you to participate in a recently released survey designed to obtain information about the acoustical resources present at parks, sources of noise, major issues or conflicts associated with noise, and possible mitigation techniques that could be used to minimize noise impacts. The information received from this short four-question survey will help the Natural Sounds Program further NPS understanding of the management issues in parks and strengthen the support the program can offer in assisting parks to effectively protect soundscapes and manage intrusive noise.

Natural sounds are inherent components of "the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life" protected by the NPS Organic Act. They are vital to the natural functioning of many parks and may provide valuable indicators of the health of various ecosystems. Intrusive sounds are of concern to the NPS because they sometimes impede the Service's ability to accomplish its mission. Natural sounds are also intrinsic elements of the environment that are often associated with parks and park purposes.

In addition to the Organic Act and mission statement, NPS Management Policies 4.9 and 5.3.1.7, respectively, require that we “restore to the natural condition wherever possible those park soundscapes that have become degraded by unnatural sounds (noise), and will protect natural soundscapes from un­acceptable impacts,” and that “the Service will preserve soundscape resources and values of the parks to the greatest extent possible to protect opportunities for appropriate transmission of cultural and historic sounds …”.   

DO 47 also directs park managers “to (1) measure baseline acoustic conditions, (2) determine which existing or proposed human-made sounds are consistent with park purposes, (3) set acoustic management goals and objectives based on those purposes, and (4) determine which noise sources are impacting the park and need to be addressed by management. Furthermore, it requires park managers to (1) evaluate and address self-generated noise, and (2) constructively engage with those responsible for other noise sources that impact parks to explore what can be done to better protect parks.”

You can find and complete this survey at: http://nrpcsharepoint/sounds/Lists/Nationwide%20Survey%20of%20Acoustical%20Environments%20in%20Pa/overview.aspx

The results of the survey will be compiled and summarized in a brief report. Once completed, this report will be released to all park units and other interested parties.

For more information please contact Lelaina Marin at 970-225-3552.