NPS and Leave No Trace Partner to Develop Dark Sky and Soundscape Guidelines

Brilliant stars rise above a camping site along Baker River, North Cascades National Park.

Photo by Andy Porter

The National Park Service (NPS) is a founding partner in the national Leave No Trace (LNT) outdoor ethics program and has maintained a formal cooperative relationship with the non-profit LNT organization for 30 years. The NPS Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division and NPS Wilderness Stewardship Division collaborated with LNT to develop guidelines for recreationists that help protect dark night skies and soundscapes. Visitors often come to national parks to enjoy the starry night sky, escaping the bright lights of the city and urban environments. Visitors also come to experience the natural quiet, sounds of wildlife, and silence that can be found in many national parks. Research shows that natural sounds and naturally dark skies are critical components of the natural environment, vital for wildlife survival and ecosystem health, and are important for restoring human health.

Wolf howling

World Entertainment News Network

When preparing for a trip to a national park, wilderness area, or other outdoor recreation area, it is important to consider the seven principles of LNT. The sounds of nature, and dark sky and artificial lighting guidelines complement these principles very well. For example, one LNT principle is Be Considerate of Others. Using the LNT Soundscape Guidelines, you can be a considerate recreationist by letting nature's sounds prevail, and reducing your noise footprint on the trail and at camp so that others can experience the sounds of nature, seek solitude, and have a positive outdoor experience. When these guidelines are applied before and during your recreation visit, you are helping protect the night skies and soundscapes of these special places.

To learn about these recreation guidelines and download a copy of each guideline for your own use, please click on the links below.
Protecting the Sounds of Nature Guidelines
Dark Sky & Artificial Lighting Guidelines

To learn more about the NPS Natural Sounds and Night Skies Programs, and the Wilderness Stewardship Program, please click on the links below:
Natural Sounds
Night Skies
Wilderness