Mojave National Preserve - Soundscape / Noise

Soundscape is comprised of everything we can hear in the way that landscape is composed of everything we can see. Hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, trees, and flowers may contribute to the natural landscape, and buildings, bridges, and roads may contribute to the man-made landscape of a particular area. Similarly, the sounds made by wind, rain, rivers, birds, insects, and other animals may contribute to the natural soundscape of a place, and people, aircraft, trains, and automobiles may contribute a man-made component. Natural soundscape is a valuable resource that is an important part of the enjoyment of the preserve, especially wilderness areas.

Staff members are currently in the process of assessing natural soundscape and collecting ambient sound data at several locations throughout the Preserve. A proposed new major international airport near Primm, Nevada, just a few miles north of the preserve boundary, is a concern; the impacts to sound and air quality, as well as to local bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife, are potentially immense. The current study will be useful for the creation of an airspace management plan and future mitigation.