[MDOsprey] Rock Creek Cellphone Towers, Again

GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Fri, 25 Jun 99 09:07:21 EDT


Bell Atlantic Mobile has resubmitted their application to construct two
cellphone towers in Rock Creek Park, DC, at the highest points -- one near
the Fitzgerald Tennis Center on the eastern side of the valley and one on
the western side, directly in front of the Maintenance Yard building. This
tower is right in the center of a major migratory pathway for birds through
DC, along the West Ridge, and will be 150' tall on top of a 200' ridge. There
is also a large lightpole next to the tower site (which lights the maintenance
yard at night).

There will be a hearing on July 1 at the National Capital Planning Commission's
offices on Pennsylvania Ave. The initial application was denied, the NCPC
asking for more details on benefits (BAM has stressed visitor safety, i.e.
improved cellphone signals in the valley) and potential threats to natural
and historic elements of the park, which its enabling legislation mandated
to protect all natural features and wildlife "in perpetuity."  The Rock Creek
National Park Service staff are opposed, as could be expected, but higher-up
NPS officials are under considerable political pressure to grant this
application. Thus the Environmental Assessment and the follow-on reapplication
are very slim on impacts to natural resources, and lack input from NPS
biologists or outside experts.

At the initial April 8 NCPC hearing, I as well as many other folks testified
against the application. The birding community spoke about the potential harm
to migrants, esp. under adverse weather conditions when the birds are
flying just above tree line. The presence of nearby lighted structures (which
can confuse migrants) was an added hazard. It seemed perverse that a National
Park would have a structure placed at the most vulnerable point to accomodate
a commercial venture. There is also the real concern that, once one carrier
is permitted, that other carriers will want to be accomodated, leading to
a "forest" of cell phone towers in the park.

Many neighborhood associations and other park users spoke against the BAM
application, citing various concerns. The mayor and other city officials
also asked that the application be denied. NCPC told BAM to come up with a
more compelling application, and to address concerns raised.

One thing that defeated the initial application, according to NCPC staff, was
the number of speakers who were in opposition, and the strong points they
raised.

This is, hopefully, the final chapter. BAM is better prepared this time, so
it is imperative that the "opposed" groups have good representation. If any
MDospreyers want to contribute, there are several options: 1) speak at the
hearing, which will start at 12:30 (but there are other agenda items) -- call
NCPC at 202-482-7200 and ask to be put on the speaker's list for the Rock
Creek cell phone hearing; 2) submit a written statement by fax to 202-482-
7272, attn. Deborah Young; 3) go to NCPC web site at www.ncpc.gov and click
on comment page. If you are a DC resident, be sure and make this known, also
what ward you are in.

Claudia Wilds, in her 1992 book, called this part of Rock Creek Park "the
best migrant trap in the city." She further added that the trees in front
of the Maintenance Building are often "dripping with warblers." All of the NE
warbler species, and over 180 species in all, have been recorded at this
point in the park. We have had days, when typical fall-out conditions
prevailed, when over 4000 warblers of 15 species were observed in one
morning. Just not a very good place for a communications tower!

Thanks for any help you can give, call me or email me if you want more
details.

Gail Mackiernan
Conservation Chair,
MC/MOS
301-989-1828