Sun Road noise study begins
<p>A motorcyclist passes a decibel reader installed on the eastbound side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park just past the east entrance to Apgar Campground on July 20. The meter pegged in the red when the four motorcycles in the group were about 100 feet away and then came down to yellow.</p>
A vehicle-noise education and outreach project along Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road will take place through mid-August as part of the Sun Road Corridor Management Plan development process.
Two roadside noise meters were placed along the Sun Road to collect decibel level data as part of an effort to reduce vehicle noise and preserve natural soundscapes. Driver education and outreach efforts will also take place.
The meters were placed near the St. Mary and West Glacier entrance stations. Information about how to minimize vehicle noise will be available at the Park’s visitor centers.
Natural sound is an important natural and cultural resource that the National Park Service is mandated to protect. Maintaining natural soundscapes is critical for the preservation of wildlife habitat, wilderness character and cultural heritage. Wildlife use natural sounds to establish territory, find mates, protect young and communicate.
Vehicle-noise disturbance is a common complaint from Park visitors, as many people seek solitude and quiet experiences in the Park’s backcountry. Numerous comments regarding noise disturbance were received during the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Plan public meetings last year.
The study will address noise from a variety of sources, including Park operations, construction, maintenance and transportation. Other National Park Service units are conducting similar noise study and education programs this year.
While all vehicles and visitors contribute to increased noise, the low-frequency sound from motorcycles travels further than typical passenger cars and trucks. Noise modeling at the Park has shown that some motorcycle noise reaches far into the backcountry at several locations along the Sun Road.
A brochure will be provided to motorcycle users with suggestions on how to ride respectfully through national parks. For example, motorcycle users are discouraged from revving their engines because the additional noise can disturb animals and other visitors.
Information about natural sounds is available at the Park’s visitor centers and online at www.nature.nps.gov/sound_night.