Grand Canyon: Restoration of natural quiet (current status)

Abstract

Mandated restoration efforts to reduce extensive aviation noise intrusions into the wild soundscape of Grand Canyon National Park will be reviewed, in context of underlying, protracted political controversy. This is timely, for the approaching, presidentially directed due date is 22 April 2008, under the National Parks Overflights Act of 1987, for the ‘‘substantial restoration’’ of ‘‘natural quiet,’’ pursuant to noise standards/specifications of the National Park Service, with due consideration to the FAA for ensuring safety of aircraft operations. The draft EIS and ‘‘Preferred Alternative’’ (release due spring 2007) will therefore vigorously resurface scientific review of primary and supplemental noise indicators and standards appropriate to national parks. Grand Canyon, having large wilderness/backcountry areas and renown, is a particularly iconic focus for scrutiny. The restoration will be viewed against actualities of (1) the large number/types of aircraft operations at all altitudes above the park; (2) demanding management objectives and large size of Grand Canyon; and (3) its extremely quiet natural soundscape (which characterizes most desert and Colorado Plateau national parks.) Visitor experience values, including ‘‘wilderness character’’ and sound as resource are offered as ultimate concerns, often clashing with industrial tourism and its associated values of aerial perspective, speed/convenience, and economic return for tour operators.