Chris Wayne adjusts a microphone stand. Scientists at Crater Lake National Park have recorded natural sound for a month at a time at 20 locations in the park.
credit:
Amelia Templeton
Crater Lake, like many national parks, is hoping to preserve a little peace and quiet in spite of the presence of roads and air traffic.
A wildlife camera captures a bear ambling past one of the recording stations.
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Crater Lake National Park
A road circles the rim around crater lake. Cars and motercyles are a major source of human-caused noise immediately around the lake, but their noise doesn't travel far.
credit:
Amelia Templeton
The park's recording kits can gather sound for 30 days straight.
credit:
Amelia Templeton
Solar panels power the backcountry recording equipment.
credit:
Amelia Templeton
In 2000, Congress passed a bill requiring the FAA and the National Park Service to work together to manage the impact of air traffic over National Parks.
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National Park Service's Natural Sounds Program
Commerical and private aircraft are supposed to remain at least 3,000 feet above the park, but park staff say lower flights are common.