Human-made noise in America's national parks and public lands is a hotly debated topic, and interested citizens are invited to join a panel of experts and advocates looking for solutions during a symposium at the University of Colorado at Boulder on Feb. 20 and 21.
"The Silence of the Lands: Noise and Our National Parks" will be held in the Fleming Law Building on the CU-Boulder campus. The program is co-sponsored by the National Park Service, the CU Center of the American West and the CU Natural Resources Law Center. It is free and open to the public, but seating is limited so registration is required.
Controversy and litigation have escalated in parks across the country where hikers and picnickers encounter the sounds of touring planes and helicopters, snowmobiles, watercraft, off-road vehicles and even the National Park Service's own equipment and concessions. Beyond the parks, irritation from loud and abrasive sound was highlighted recently in a survey of urban residents who said noise was their No. 1 concern, ahead of education and crime.Ìý
"The purpose of this conference is to encourage dialogue among the many parties already concerned with this high-profile issue, and to engage the general public in a way that will moderate emotions and produce workable remedies," said Howie Thompson of the National Park Service Soundscapes Program Center in Fort Collins, Colo.
Members of environmental groups, off-highway vehicle groups, the air tourism industry, tribal nations and some of the major government agencies that oversee public lands will participate as featured speakers or panelists.
Former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams of Montana will give the keynote address on Feb. 21.
Registration materials are available for download from . For more information or to request registration materials by mail call (303) 735-3261.