Hi Jos=C3=A9,=0D
The U.S. National Parks Service has a Natural Sounds and Night Skies Divisi=
on, though they don't really link the two issues except on the front page.=
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http://www.nature.nps.gov/sound_night/index.cfm http://www.nature.nps.gov/s=
ound_night/index.cfm They mention "natural sounds and natural darkness", th=
ough I think "natural quiet" would be the better parallel. They also refer=
to natural "lightscapes," I like that term, I don't think I've heard it be=
fore. =0D
The site has some good references, and it is good to see evidence that som=
e public money is going toward important scientific research. =0D
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There are some rules respecting natural sounds in National Parks, but unfo=
rtunately implementation has not been given priority except in a few specif=
ic cases. And then, the Parks are only a small sliver of the public lands=
where ecosystems with otherwise natural values are compromised by anthropo=
genic noise and light. =0D
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Here in Portland, Oregon I certify yards for Audubon Society of Portland's=
Backyard Habitat Conservation Program. With this program we do address lig=
ht pollution by recommending reduced outdoor lighting during bird migration=
seasons, but we don't (yet) really address noise pollution. In the city, =
it seems noise is heard as a social issue rather than a wildlife habitat is=
sue - even if there is plenty of evidence out there. A good thing is when s=
omeone begins appreciating nature by restoring native wildlife habitat in t=
heir own yard it lends to increased time spent quietly observing the change=
s, and less lawns means less gas powered lawn mowers to be heard. As ecosy=
stems are restored, natural sounds are also restored. Even where anthropoge=
nic noise may always dominate in urban soundscape, the natural sound compon=
ent will remain important to natural ecosystems and human health.=0D
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John Hartog=0D
rockscallop.org=0D
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