QPI Awards Niobrara National Scenic River America’s First Quiet Trail Status on October 20, 2023
On Friday, October 20th, 2023, Quiet Parks International awarded Quiet Trail status to the Niobrara National Scenic River. The Award Ceremony began at 11am CDT at Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, 214 US-20, Valentine, NE 69201. The public was invited to attend.
Nick McMahan, QPI Director of Quiet Trails, presented the Quiet Trail Award to Kalli Kieborz, Executive Director, Niobrara Council, for their assistance to the National Park Service for managing and protecting its natural resources, including natural quiet, since 1997. In attendance were Susan J. Cook, Superintendent, Niobrara National Scenic River, Jenna Bartja, Nebraska Tourism Commission, and others.
This Award culminated a two-year process that included paddling the full length of the designated Niobrara National Scenic River to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic data.
Gordon Hempton, Co-Founder of Quiet Parks International, stated, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree, unanimously and unhesitatingly, that natural quite prevailed throughout the testing period. The Niobrara River’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions, and outstanding wildlife all contributed towards a positive outcome.”
The Niobrara River is renowned for its beauty, ecological importance, and recreational appeal in the northern Great Plains. Six major ecosystems converge in the Niobrara National Scenic River valley, resulting in a special mix of about 160 plant and animal species.
Kalli Kieborz added, “The Niobrara Council is proud to receive the award for the Niobrara National Scenic River. The Council represents members from all four of the counties within the scenic designation.”
“Nebraska is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitor, and adding this Quiet Park award to the list is quite an honor,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “From stargazing to serene natural escapes, it highlights experiences that Nebraska is becoming known for that cannot be enjoyed in many other places.”
“Quiet is rare globally, as 97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like aviation and highways. Destinations where one can experience the pure sounds of nature are becoming increasingly scarce, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this at Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Superintendent Susan Cook.
Rural states offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas amidst a noisy world. Today, as people increasingly become inundated with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden gems of the state of Nebraska.
Niobrara National Scenic Trail became the second Quiet Trail in the world, preceded in 2022 only by Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, Taipingshan National Forest, Taiwan. New Quiet Trails will be awarded next year in both Spain and Sweden.
Photo credit: Quiet Parks International and @nickcmcmahan
Press Contact
Nick McMahan - Director of Quiet Trails | nick@quietparks.org
Jenna Bartja - Adventure Travel Specialist | jenna.Bartja@nebraska.gov
Susan Cook - Niobrara National Scenic River Superintendent | susan_cook@nps.gov
Kalli Kieborz - Executive Director of the Niobrara Council | kieborz@niobraracouncil.org