Yosemite Soundscape: An Assessment of Anthropogenic Noise in Tuolumne Meadows

nthropogenic noise, which consists of human and machine-generated sounds, is one of the least understood and most common threats to the “natural quiet” of the National Parks. Anthropogenic noise has the potential to affect human enjoyment of nature. It can be even more noticeable where there is the expectation of quiet and the solitude of nature. Soundscapes are a shared experience between wildlife and human. However, noise can have a greater impact on wildlife, degrading habitat and decreasing breeding success. Soundscapes are a signifier of ecosystem health and have an effect on all living things. This research examined the soundscape at five locations in Tuolumne Meadows of Yosemite National Park to identify and quantify the sources of anthropogenic noise. Based on recordings and analysis, the results indicate that there is no escape from anthropogenic noise in Tuolumne Meadows. The near-constant air traffic overhead spares no part of the Tuolumne Meadows area. This research provides a methodology for evaluating soundscapes and can serve as a baseline for future research.