NPS
Although it cannot be seen, noise has a presence all its own that can affect park resources. Noise colors the experiences of park visitors, wildlife, and entire ecosystems. It can originate from inside and outside park boundaries. Recent studies have found that more than 60% of protected areas are exposed to noise that masks more than half of the natural sounds that would otherwise be heard. This loss of natural sounds detracts from visitors’ enjoyment and interferes with wildlife communication and behavior.
Since parks were created in part for people's enjoyment, a certain degree of noise in parks is appropriate. Some activities, however, are noisier than others. For example, sounds from recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles or aircraft can impact wildlife and visitor experiences. The popularity of such activities requires that managers understand their effects on park resources and work to mitigate impact while allowing for recreational enjoyment.
Visit Why Sounds Matter to understand the importance of natural and cultural sounds in national parks. As background sound increases, the area in which animals can hear important sounds is reduced. Learn about the effects of noise on park resources:
- Effects of noise on wildlife: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/effects_wildlife.htm
- Effects of noise on wilderness:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/effects_wilderness.htm - Effects of noise on visitors:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/effects_visitors.htm - Effects of noise on cultural-historic resources:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/effects_cultural.htm
The NPS monitors sounds in parks to understand the range of sound sources present and improve the quality of the park soundscape.
Last updated: March 23, 2018