Zion Announces Approval of the Soundscape Management Plan

Zion Announces Approval of the Soundscape Management Plan
Date: September 22, 2010
Contact: Ron Terry, 435-772-0160

The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Zion National Park Soundscape Management Plan was signed by the National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director on September 17, 2010.

The purpose of the Soundscape Management Plan is to protect and improve the soundscape at Zion National Park (ZNP). The 2001 ZNP General Management Plan (GMP) provided direction for the SMP with the identification of an overall desired condition for natural sounds at the park: Natural sounds predominate in ZNP. Visitors have opportunities throughout most of the park to experience natural sounds in an unimpaired condition. The sounds of civilization are generally confined to developed areas.

The SMP describes appropriate and inappropriate sound sources and how the sound sources can be mitigated to lessen their effects; provides soundscape management objectives that more specifically address how to achieve the desired condition outlines in the GMP; identifies soundscape indicators and standards to be use in monitoring; outlines monitoring approaches and protocols; and offers methods for modifying the SMP using an adaptive management approach.

One reason people come to National Parks is to be able to hear the sounds of nature – wind in the trees, water babbling over rocks, or the song of the canyon wren. Park management looks forward to working with federal, state and local agencies; the general public and park visitors in implementing this plan. Together we can protect the soundscape resource for present and future generations to enjoy.

For more information on soundscape protection and management visit the NPS website www.nature.nps.gov/naturalsounds. To obtain a copy of the FONSI or the SMP, visit the NPS planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/zion.