Ecosystem services enhanced through soundscape management link people and wildlife

Burgeoning urbanization, development and human activities have led to
reduced opportunities for nature experience in quiet acoustic
environments. Increasing noise affects both humans and wildlife alike. We
experimentally altered human-caused sound levels in a paired study using
informational signs that encouraged quiet behaviours in week-on, week-off
blocks on the trail system of Muir Woods National Monument, California,
USA to test if the soundscape influences both wildlife and human
experiences. Using continuous measurements from acoustic recording units
(n = 13) spatially distributed within the park, we found signs
significantly lowered sound levels by approximately 1.2 decibels
(A-weighted), thereby increasing listening area by 24% and bird
availability by approximately 5.8% for every 1 decibel decrease.
Visitor-intercept surveys (n = 537) revealed that our mitigation increased
the number of birds perceived by visitors, rankings of soundscape
pleasantness, and importantly, preferences for soundscape management. By
lowering human-caused sound levels we created an acoustic environment
equivalent to a ~21% reduction in visitors. The positive feedback cycle we
describe may lead to increased conservation support in a time when the
extinction of nature experience looms.