OpportunityTitle: Informing Acoustic Norms in Frontcountry Settings of Denali National Park and Preserve
Description: This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service (NPS), intention to fund the following project activities without competition. ABSTRACT Funding Announcement P16AS00455 Project Title Informing Acoustic Norms in Frontcountry Settings of Denali National Park and Preserve Recipient The Pennsylvania State University Total Anticipated Award Amount 114,779 Cost Share 0.00 Anticipated Length of Agreement 4 years Anticipated Period of Performance Sept. 15, 2016 &#226;&#191;&#191; Sept. 30 2020 Award Instrument CESU Task Agreement Statutory Authority 54 USC 101702a/54 USC 101702b CFDA # and Title 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs Single Source Justification Criteria Cited Point of Contact Dave Schirokauer OVERVIEW Over the last decade, Denali National Park and Preserve has developed a comprehensive park-wide inventory of the park&#226;&#191;&#191;s acoustic resources. These efforts have largely focused on quantifying the physical properties of Denali&#226;&#191;&#191;s soundscape, and have collected and analyzed sound pressure level, acoustic event, and sound source audibility data. A team of researchers from Colorado State University along with Denali National Park staff conducted a study during the summers of 2011 and 2012 to assess acoustic impacts to visitor experiences within Denali National Park&#226;&#191;&#191;s Backcountry. These data determined that visitors negatively rate anthropogenic sounds emanating from propeller plane, helicopter, and bus- all common anthropogenic sounds in specific, but expanding areas of the Park. However, little is known about the impacts of anthropogenic sound on visitors to front-country areas of the park. A study focused specifically on soundscapes in Denali&#226;&#191;&#191;s front country is needed to fill current knowledge gaps and inform management of the current status in visitor&#226;&#191;&#191;s acoustic experiences and expectations while visiting the visitor center campus, Murie Science and Learning Center, Riley Creek campground and select front country trails. This is especially important to determine because visitors are exposed to louder and more frequent anthropogenic noise events in the front country. The visitor acceptability of noise levels, types of noise, and corresponding support/opposition of proposed management policies from the previous study will be compared to the contemporary study using similar methods. The comparison of the two studies will provide some context of how visitor sensitivity to noise has changed over time, and whether more or fewer visitors support specific management policies aimed at limiting anthropogenic noise in the front country. This study will use a sampling strategy similar to that used during the 2011/2012 study making, a robust approach to analysis of the Denali front country and an attainable management tool. Moreover, both the evaluative and comparative components of this study will have high reliability, due to the similarity of methods and the same Principle Investigator/Co-investigators as the 2011/2012 study (now with Penn State). Notably different from previous work, the proposed study will also produce a sophisticated noise propagation map and model similar to Noise Map Simulation Modeling (NMSIM) maps, which incorporate temporal data as well as quantified visitor experience in specific vector polygons of the Denali front country. Because visitation to the front- country continues to grow both extensively (in visitor diversity and uses) and intensively (in visitors/km2), an adequate map in consort with visitor attitudes and preferences is needed. The findings of this study will help to inform regulation of known noise factors, particularly emanating from the visitor center bus area, airstrip, and train depot, as well as uncovering other confounding acoustic factors of high visitor use. Furthermore, this information will aid in efforts to protect the physical and social environments of Denali National Park that contribute to positive visitor experience. STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN In order to effectively develop standards for the acceptable amount of aircraft, train, and other anthropogenic noise heard in and around the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) campus, we propose a three phase study. Phases 1 and 2 will apply a different methods to capture qualitative and quantitative data. The final phase will bring the separate study strands together in a mixed methods framework to gain a holistic understanding of the front country sound distribution, experience of visitors, visitor sensitivity and attitudes, and dynamic decibel/annoyance temporal map. Phase 1 will comprise an in situ survey. Phase 2 will comprise a dose-response (visitors rate annoyance according to recorded front country sounds) survey, of visitor&#226;&#191;&#191;s acoustic experience in the front country trail system (survey/gps track), and a sound monitoring project in the front country to build the base noise propagation model. The proposed study in Phase 1 will use methods commonly applied in other studies that examine the effects of manmade noise on visitors to protected areas. Subjects will be asked to participate in a listening exercise and will then be administered a survey. The survey will ask if the visitor heard aircraft, whether the aircraft noise caused annoyance or interfered with the enjoyment of their visit. Simultaneously, a recording device will be recording overflight events. The in situ surveys will be coordinated to match the time and location of the two rotating sound stations available for use in 2017. Visitors will be asked in the survey if they heard train noise, and whether that noise caused annoyance or interference with DVC activities (such as interpretive programs). Surveys will be time stamped and correlated with in situ events. This will allow for the research team to compare visitors&#226;&#191;&#191; perceptions with the aircraft and train events actually occurring. When the sound stations are not in use during the sampling days, they will be used throughout the proposed study to gather baseline data for the noise propagation model. Baselines have already been established at the Murie Center for Science and Learning, the Horseshoe and Triple Lakes (south) trails. Computer-based listening survey. In Phase 2, the study will use methods similar to those used in the summer of 2012 to collect data on visitors&#226;&#191;&#191; perceptions of sound heard near the Visitor&#226;&#191;&#191;s Center. Quantitative sound-clip listening surveys will be used to measure visitor&#226;&#191;&#191;s thresholds for anthropogenic sounds. Study participants will be asked to listen to a series of sound-clips with varying numbers of aircraft and train events and their respective sound levels, and subsequently asked to rate annoyance and acceptability of sounds. Additionally, the questionnaire will ask participants&#226;&#191;&#191; perception of acceptable aircraft events that should be heard in the given setting. Walking map. Phase 2 may also apply a new technique of couching visitor experience and rating of annoyance with the precise spatial location where noise events are experienced. Levels of noise can then be compared to the background noise levels captured with a sophisticated dosimeter/GPS tracker. These survey data will be used to overlay in the dynamic noise propagation model. Noise propagation model-temporal acoustic map. Phase 2 will include gathering acoustic data for the creation of a soundscape map of the front country. These data will be collected with the NPS soundscape ecologist and a team from the Penn State acoustics lab. The funding and technical expertise for building the inferential acoustic map will come entirely from Penn State&#226;&#191;&#191;s acoustic lab, faculty, and graduate student. Together, Penn State and NPS will build a dynamic map that will predict likely noise/annoyance areas in the future development of the Denali front country, via collected data, and quantified visitor experience points fitted to survival models or two-part GLMs. This map will not only pin-point hot and cold spots of noise according to type and time of day, it will also provide the statistical power necessary to predict visitor experience according to each raster &#226;&#191;&#191; or patch of pixels &#226;&#191;&#191; on the map. Management would benefit from knowing where visitor positive or negative experience will most likely accrue if no actions are taken. Sampling will take approximately 30 days during the months of June - August of 2017. Potential participants will be adults (18 years or older) visiting the DVC campus during the sampling period. Systematic random sampling will be employed to ensure a random sample of participants. Sampling will be stratified by time of day (AM and PM, not extending beyond the hours of 8AM and 8PM). We estimate collecting approximately 300 (n=300) surveys. Data analysis will result in a suite of social sound standards based on the normative curves as well as the development of front country standards. Milestones Milestone Target Date Scoping Trip- PSU PIs to Denali June 20th &#226;&#191;&#191; June 22nd 2016 Project Start Sept. 15 2016 Survey Development/Study Design November 1st 2016 OMB Submission January 1st 2017 Field Season Planning May 1st 2017 Study set-up/Training/ Launch June 1st 2017 Survey Deployed June 1st- August 31st 2017 Data Cleaning and Analysis September 1st 2017 Draft Report Writing January 1st 2018 NPS Review April 31st 2018 NPS Report Return with Adjustments June 1st 2018 Study Findings Workshop August 1st 2018 NPS Final Peer Review October 1st 2018 Final Report Submission May 1st 2019 Final Wrap-up Session June 1st 2019 Publication in Peer-Reviewed Journal Sept. 30 2020 RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT &#226;&#191;&#162; Collaboratively undertake a study titled: Informing Acoustic Norms in Frontcountry Settings of Denali National Park and Preserve, as described throughout this document. &#226;&#191;&#162; Appoint Peter Newman as the Principle Investigator (PI) &#226;&#191;&#162; Appoint Derrick Taff as the Primary Project Collaborator &#226;&#191;&#162; Appoint PhD student Lauren Abbott as the Secondary Project Collaborator &#226;&#191;&#162; Immediately submit appropriate application materials to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Communicate closely with the NPS regarding status of approval. &#226;&#191;&#162; Submit along with Justification, Research Permit application, and NOI to OMB with the final survey instrument. &#226;&#191;&#162; Cooperate with the NPS ATR to ensure that the conduct of the project complies with the NPS Interim Guidance Document Governing Code of Conduct Peer Review, and Information Quality Correction for the National Park Service Cultural and Natural Resource Disciplines, and any and all subsequent guidance issued by the NPS Director to replace this interim document. &#226;&#191;&#162; Cooperate with the NPS ATR, Project Manager and Technical Experts to ensure the conduct of the project complies with the plan described in the Task Agreement. &#226;&#191;&#162; After OMB approval obtained, print and administer survey instrument. &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide data output and analysis. &#226;&#191;&#162; Analyze and prepare survey results. &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide draft reports to DNPP. &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide collaborative study workshops with DNPP. &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide final report and publication in peer-reviewed journal. &#226;&#191;&#162; Fully acknowledge the NPS and DNPP in all reports and published material. &#226;&#191;&#162; Assist in developing a GIS database or spatial model of acoustics that allows park managers to incorporate social science indicators into subsequent spatial applications. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide Justification for Financial Assistance. &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide Financial Support. &#226;&#191;&#162; Assign Dave Schirokauer as Agreement Technical Representative. &#226;&#191;&#162; Assign Rose Keller as Project Manager and Social Science Technical Expert. &#226;&#191;&#162; Assign Davyd Betchkal as Acoustic Research and Soundscapes Technical Expert. &#226;&#191;&#162; Update and complete WASO Technical Assistance Request. &#226;&#191;&#162; Monitor, collect and analyze acoustic data in the visitor center campus, learning center, Horseshoe, Triple Lakes Trails, and campground. &#226;&#191;&#162; Develop acoustic metrics. &#226;&#191;&#162; Join acoustic metrics with visitor acoustic experience items from survey. &#226;&#191;&#162; Develop typology of soundscapes and visitor use in DNPPs front country that can be applied to different management scenarios. &#226;&#191;&#162; Assist the PI as needed with the OMB approval process for the project, including communication with OMB if needed. &#226;&#191;&#162; Collaborate in making project management decisions throughout the project duration. &#226;&#191;&#162; Collaborate in the creation of the project work plan. When accepted by the PI and Penn State, and ATR, this work plan will be considered integral to this Task Agreement. &#226;&#191;&#162; Inform the PI of the specific activities required to comply with the NPS Interim Guidance Document Governing Code of Conduct Peer Review, and Information Quality Correction for the National Park Service Cultural and Natural Resource Disciplines, and any and all subsequent guidance issued by the NPS Director to replace this interim document. &#226;&#191;&#162; As appropriate, coordinate efforts to comply with the NPS Interim Guidance Document Governing Code of Conduct Peer Review, and Information Quality Correction for the National Park Service Cultural and Natural Resource Disciplines, and any and all subsequent guidance issued by the NPS Director to replace this interim document. &#226;&#191;&#162; Provide equipment and trained personnel for activities requiring the collection of acoustical data. &#226;&#191;&#162; Conduct annual scheduled research workshops. &#226;&#191;&#162; Review research results on an ongoing basis. &#226;&#191;&#162; Review the final report and associated project products providing comments in a timely fashion. &#226;&#191;&#162; Fully acknowledge Penn State in any published or formally presented material developed or derived from this Task Agreement. &#226;&#191;&#162; Collaborate with Penn State, as appropriate, in a 60-day wrap-up period following the due date of the last project product.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Work
GrantorContactText: Erica Cordeiro 907-644-3315&lt;br/&gt;Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov&lt;br/&gt;
CloseDateExplanation: This is a notice to award to Pennsylvania State University.  Application will not be accepted from any vendor other than Pennsylvania State University.