NPS
PROJECT SUMMARY
Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Cooperative Agreement Modification
FUNDING AGENCY: National Park Service
MODIFICATION NO.: TO-05-04
CESU COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO.:
CA H2380040002
FUNDING AMOUNT: $ 48,737
INVESTIGATORS’ Contact Information: Dr. Peter Newman – 970/491-2839
PROJECT TITLE: Research to Support Development of Visitor-based Soundscape Indicators and Standards
EFFECTIVE DATES: 08/15/05 through 05/31/06
PROJECT ABSTRACT: The mission of the National Park Service Natural Sounds Program Center (NPS NSP) is to determine the effects sound
have on biological resources and visitor experience in the units of the NPS. In order to properly manage soundscapes in national parks,
scientifically credible and standardized approaches are essential for measuring and managing soundscapes. However, creating standards can be
challenging when trying to reach goals that are defined with subjective terms such as undesirable, inappropriate, or excessive. Therefore, the
purpose of this cooperative research effort between the NPS Natural Sounds Program and CSU is to work towards the creation of reliable
indicators and visitor informed standards that meet desired management objectives pertaining to the visitor experience and natural sounds.
However, there are several initial steps that must be taken before any larger efforts can be made. This initial phase of the proposal consists of
acoustic monitoring, creation of a sound study instrument, a workshop, data collection and analysis, and related tasks.
Agency Representative: Ron Hiebert, NPS Research Coordinator, CPCESU, Northern Arizona University, P.O. Box 5765,
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5765; Tel: (920)523-0877; Fax (928)520-8223; Ron.Hiebert@nau.edu
Agency Contracting Representative: Contracting Officer, Administrative Program Center, P.O. Box 25287,
Denver, CO 80225; Tel: (303)969-2748; Fax (303)969-2795
Agency Administrative Representative: Debi Cox, Program Analyst, Water Resources Division, 1201 Oakridge Dr., Suite 250,
Fort Collins, CO 80525; Tel: (970)225-3510; Fax (970)225-9965; Debi_Cox@nps.gov
Investigator: Peter Newman, Colorado State University Department of Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, 970-491-2839
Partner Administrative Contact: Carmen Morales, Colorado State University, Sponsored Programs, 970-491-6684
List of Key Words: Noise Surveys/Monitoring, Noise Reference Materials, Noise Protocols, Noise Management and Applications, Noise Impacts on Visitor
Experience
Agency Manager/Technical Representative/Key Official from National Park - Insert contact information @ specific Park or NPS Office:
NPS Natural Sounds Program
Vicki McCusker
1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970)267-2117
Annual Report Received:
Final Report Received:
Publications on File:
This Modification is subject to all the provisions included in the Cooperative Agreement, dated 6/18/04.
Attach any supporting material as necessary.