Zion National Park Begins Soundscape Planning
Date: March 8, 2010
Contact: Kezia Nielsen, 435-772-0211

According to Zion National Park Superintendent Jock Whitworth, the park is beginning a Soundscape Management Planning and Environmental Assessment Process. The purpose of this plan is (1) to link soundscape management to the existing park management direction, (2) to define the existing ambient soundscape, (3) to provide objectives and standards for future management of the sound environment, and (4) to identify potential management actions designed to ensure that soundscape objectives and standards are met so that natural soundscapes are protected for present and future generations.

The public is invited to become part of this planning effort by assisting the park in identifying concerns, issues, and alternatives to be addressed in the environmental assessment. The park will be accepting comments until April 9, 2010. If you wish to comment, please visit the National Park Service planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/zion or by mailing comments to: Zion National Park, Soundscape Management Plan/EA, Springdale, UT 84767.

The public is also invited to participate in open house sessions where park staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the natural sound environment in Zion and soundscape management planning. The first meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2010 at the Kanab City Library, 374 N. Main. The second meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday March 16, 2010 in Springdale at the Canyon Community Center, 126 Lion Blvd.