I get a reading of 35 dBA. That’s with the lights and the AC on. Lights off, it’s down to 30 dBA. That’s excellent. It’s reassuring to know that the Park Service officials responsible for soundscape studies and recommendations regarding natural quiet and man-made noise in our nation’s parks spend their working hours in a quiet workplace. The office, however, serves in an advisory capacity. Frank Turina says that last year the program received 12 requests for assistance from Park Service properties and estimates that there have been some three dozen requests in his three-plus years on the job. Clearly, most national parks are not diligently working on soundscape management plans.

Gordon Hempton, John Grossmann, One Square Inch of Silence-…, loc. 851