Making a Difference

The great thing about soundscapes is that with just one small change, you can make a dramatic difference. Imagine just talking a little quieter the next time you visit a national park. That alone can help to greatly improve a soundscape. Take Muir Woods National Monument for example, where visitors were asked to be quieter (i.e., talk quietly, turn off cell phones) in one zone of the park (see image below). The result was amazing. The sound level in that zone decreased by 3 dBA which equates to a reduction of approximately 1200 people (Stack et al., 2011). Remember, no people were actually limited from entering the zone, they were simply asked to be a little quieter. Now, just imagine what great things you can do to protect and improve soundscapes!

By taking steps to protect park soundscapes, we can hear and see more of our parks including wildlife that might otherwise move away from noise sources. Here are a few simple steps for getting started. Many of these suggestions can be carried forward to protect and improve soundscape in your everyday lives, outside of national park settings. Click here for a printable pamphlet of the information below.

Minimize Your Noise Footprint

• Speak softly when having conversations, especially on hiking trails and at campsites.
• Be aware that the noise you make could affect other visitors, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
• Be considerate of campground quiet hours.
• Look for mute options on electronic equipment such as cell phones, watches, or cameras.
• Turn off cell phones / avoid using speakerphones.
• Consider leaving iPods and or personal radios in the car or at home.
• Avoid using external speakers that others can hear.
• Participate in non-motorized recreational activites (i.e., hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, canoeing)
  

Enjoy a Quieter Ride

• Turn off car alarms and disable sounds on electronic door locks (check your vehicle owner's manual on how to do this).
• Use alternative transportation such as shuttles.
• Turn off vehicle engines when stopped at wildlife traffic jams, overlooks, or roadside pullouts. Idling vehicles create unnecessary noise.
• Keep car radio volume at a low level to avoid disturbing other visitors.
• Turn off radios and open windows to hear interesting park sounds.
• Drive at posted speed limits (driving faster creates more noise).
• Don't rev it up! Ride motorcycles respectfully in parks.

Plan for the Future

• Reduce unwanted exhaust noise by replacing faulty mufflers or installing quieter models.
• Check for Environmental Protection Agency noise certifications especially for motorcycle exhaust systems.
• To achieve a more pleasant ride and a quiet environment, install quiet tire models. Check tire noise ratings at Consumer Reports.
• Rent a hybrid vehicle while on vacation.
• Reduce and repair vehicle rattles and other problems that cause excessive noise.

What You Can Do At Home

In addition to some of the strategies listed above, the following steps can be used to improve your soundscape at home.

• Consider noise when purchasing home appliances and yard equipment (manufacturers typically provide sound level information in product manuals).
• Be considerate of neighbors when operating motorized equipment.
• Use mass transportation.
• Join a carpool or ride your bike to work.

 

References

Stack, D. W., Newman, P., Manning, R. E., & Fristrup, K. M. (2011). Reducing visitor noise levels at Muir Woods National Monument using experimental management.Journal of Acoustical Society of America, 129(3), 1375-1380.