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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