The National Park Service Approves the
Wuksachi Village Wireless Telecommunications Facility Within Sequoia National
Park
March 25, 2019
Dear Interested
Party:
Thank you for your
comments on the Wuksachi Village Wireless Telecommunications System
Environmental Assessment. To provide an update, the National Park Service has
approved the plan and corresponding environmental assessment (EA) for the
issuance of a right-of-way permit to Verizon Wireless to construct, operate,
and maintain a wireless telecommunications facility providing cellular service
near the Wuksachi Village within Sequoia National Park. On February 13, 2019, a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by the NPS Pacific West
Regional Director, Stan Austin.
The FONSI and EA
constitute the record of the environmental impact analysis and decision-making
process for this project. If you would like a copy of the FONSI, and/or a copy
of the EA, electronic copies are available at:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/WuksachiCellTower.
The EA was available
for a 32-day public review and comment period from October 24, 2018, through
November 26, 2018. A total of 42 comments were received during public review of
the EA. Public comments received during the review revealed that those opposed
to the proposal were primarily concerned about visitors' experience of
solitude, self-reliance, natural soundscapes, and the ability to disconnect
from technology, particularly in wilderness. Comments in support cited benefits
to visitor health, safety, and convenience resulting from enhanced
communication. Potential effects on visitor experience and other resources were
identified and evaluated in the EA. Specific responses to substantive comments
were addressed in Attachment C—Errata (Part II) of the EA.
Sequoia National
Park's position is that improved cellular service will provide opportunities to
more easily and quickly communicate park conditions to visitors, including
realtime information on parking, traffic, weather, and hazardous conditions.
Cellular service will also assist the park in providing educational and
interpretive materials to park visitors, information about events and
activities, maps, and other services, which could enhance the visitor
experience and help protect park resources. Many visitors and park staff will
view the service as a welcome benefit for purposes of accessibility, coordination,
communication, and safety. While other visitors may view cell phone service as
an unwelcome intrusion, the NPS is committed to a public education program to
promote considerate use of cell phones in shared public facilities and spaces.
Sequoia and Kings
Canyon National Parks are currently working with the permittee to design the
tower and develop a right-of-way permit. Construction will likely begin in
2020.
Thank you for your
continued interest in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Sincerely,
Woody Smeck
Superintendent
Sequoia and Kings
Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
