Public Scoping for Soundscape Management Planning

Date: September 21, 2011
Contact: Sabrina Henry, 435-719-2135

The Southeast Utah Group parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep, and Natural Bridges) are beginning a process to develop a soundscape management plan and associated environmental assessment. The general purposes of this plan are to (1) protect the acoustic experience of park visitors and ensure that natural sounds continue to play an important role in the enjoyment of park resources and values, (2) protect natural soundscapes and acoustic conditions for wildlife, ensuring healthy and dynamic ecosystems, and (3) provide an approach to managing the natural soundscape that is consistent with National Park Service policy.

You are invited to become part of this planning effort by assisting us in identifying concerns, issues, and alternatives to be addressed in the environmental assessment. We will be accepting comments until October 14, 2011. If you wish to comment, please visit the National Park Service planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/cany or by mailing comments to: Southeast Utah Group, National Park Service, Attn: Planning and Compliance, 2282 S. W. Resource Blvd. Moab, Utah 84532.

You are also invited to participate in an open house session where park staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the natural sound environment in the Southeast Utah Group parks and soundscape management planning. The meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Grand Center, 182 N. 500 West, Moab, UT.

To learn more about natural sounds and the National Park Service soundscape management program, please visit www.nature.nps.gov/naturalsounds.