The National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are working to manage how and when air tours occur over Mount Rainier to preserve the character and visitor experience on the mountain.
From now until Aug. 28, the public is invited to comment on the draft plan. A virtual public meeting is also scheduled for Aug. 16 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the plan.
The plan would limit the noise level of aerial tours and prevent aircraft from flying by lower than 3,000 feet off the ground, or outside the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. time frame to protect important sunrise and sunset periods.
To incentivize noise reduction, operators that switch to quiet technology from Oct. 1 to March 14 would be allowed to conduct tours during expanded daytime hours.
“We encourage anyone who is interested in air tours over the park to share their thoughts on the proposed plan for Mount Rainier National Park,” Park Superintendent Greg Dudgeon said in a news release. “The draft plan is based on current operations and reported air tour levels at Mount Rainier and includes measures to help protect wildlife, natural soundscapes, wilderness character, the Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District and visitor enjoyment by managing air tours over the park.”
Find more information on the draft plan, public comment opportunities and upcoming meeting here: tinyurl.com/44vxbjb6.
