## 1 Introduction
Additionally, the lack of uniform methodological standards hinders a thorough assessment and monitoring of noise in forest ecosystems, considering the unique characteristics of these regions, which may result in an underestimation of the adverse effects of acoustic disturbances. Existing noise measurement techniques are often ill-suited to the specific conditions in protected areas, complicating the comparison of findings across different studies [41]. In Poland and numerous other nations, there are no specific noise standards aimed at national parks or forests, which poses challenges for implementing effective protective measures and conducting consistent noise monitoring. Noise standards are typically developed for urban, residential, industrial, or recreational areas where noise directly affects human populations [42]. The research conducted is part of a broader research project on the environmental threats posed by traffic noise in the protected area of Roztoczanski National Park. Given the negative impact of noise on ecosystems, noise often hinders or even prevents these areas from fulfilling their protective functions. Monitoring studies of traffic noise levels in the Roztocze National Park were conducted over 20 years ago. Growing automotive pressure is exacerbating environmental pollution, which is why it is necessary to identify, assess, and take action to reduce noise. Research on traffic noise in protected areas can help highlight the importance of this problem on a national and regional scale. This research aimed to assess the acoustic impact of a network of public roads crossing protected areas, using Roztocze National Park (RPN) as a case study, and to characterize noise propagation as a factor that pollutes the environment and disrupts natural forest ecosystems. The research was conducted to answer the following questions: (i) what is the traffic noise load along road routes? (ii) what is the spatial range of this impact (250 m, 500 m)? (iii) what is the nature of sounds at different distances from the road (anthropogenic, natural)? A protected area was selected for the research, given the limited availability of scientific studies and the lack of systematic noise monitoring in such areas in Poland. An aim that supports the main objective of the study was to emphasize the importance of systematic monitoring and protecting these areas from the harmful effects of noise. Field measurements were conducted at various distances from traffic routes to correlate sound intensity values with the proximity to the source. The analysis also accounted for the terrain relief, which, along with the distance from the noise source, affects sound wave propagation. Furthermore, recordings of the soundscape were made and analyzed to determine the relationship between the sources of the identified sound phenomena. It is essential to emphasize the need for systematic noise monitoring and protective measures in protected areas. Research is needed on instrumentation and research methods, as well as on expanding monitoring capabilities. Experimental research should become an integral part of future management plans to identify the most effective and efficient methods. In protected areas such as national parks, noise constitutes environmental pollution and disrupts natural forest ecosystems.