[MDOsprey] Cellphone towers final chapter?
GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Wed, 4 Aug 99 12:59:59 EDT
Those who have been following the Rock Creek cell phone tower issue (which
has prompted editorials in the Post and Journal opposing the towers) probably
are aware that the Senate version of the DC Appropriations bill carried a
"rider" from Sen Tom. Daschle to exempt construction of communications
towers (not just Rock Creek's) from oversight by local environmental or
planning agencies on any federal land in the DC region, including MD and No.
Virginia. This rider has prompted a large negative response by local govern-
ments (e.g. PG Co.'s Council).
The House version of the bill lacked any such rider, in part because of
local opposition and in part because DC's Representative Eleanor Holmes
Norton has been tireless in lobbying against it.
However, now the DC budget moves to conference committee -- where the final
legislation *could* have the rider placed back into it.
For all of those who have been so good in calling or writing their reps
in Congress, now is the time for the final push. TODAY IF POSSIBLE, call:
DC -- Eleanor Holmes Norton; No. Virginia -- Jim Moran; MD suburbs -- Al
Wynn (PG) or Connie Morella (Mont.) They can also be emailed, reached through
web sites on www.house.gov
Tell them you want to ensure that the DC budget bill DOES NOT INCLUDE any
language that would weaken local oversight and approval of telecommunications
structures on federal property. You should mention that the proliferation
of telecommunications structures represent a growing threat to federally-
protected migratory birds. The West Ridge of Rock Creek is the most
important concentration site for neotropical migrants in DC, as well as
the long-term breeding bird monitoring site for ANS (since 1949). MC/MOS,
ANS, Amer. Bird Conservancy and National Audubon Society and its local
chapter in DC all testified against the construction of a cellphone
tower at this spot.
The National Capital Planning Commission wants to solicit expert advice on
providing wireless phone coverage in areas such as Rock Creek without
structures which derogate important natural or historic values (Rock Creek
is also a National Historic site, being an Olmstead park). Several engineers
who testified at the July 1 hearing said it could be done, and in fact, has
already been done in other parks. The NCPC action thus seems the prudent and
reasonable course, and should be allowed to go forward.
Thanks for everyone's help in the past --
Gail Mackiernan
Conservation Chair
MC/MOS