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Yosemite National Park announces the release of the Communication Data Network (CDN) Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review. The purpose of the proposed project is to upgrade Yosemite’s internal communications system with more reliable, modern technology and create an efficient communications backbone to support all the park communication needs. Public scoping began in November 2008, followed by public site visits in spring 2009. Comments and concerns received from the public, tribes, and other agencies have contributed to the development and refinement of a range of alternatives presented in this EA. The EA describes the “no action” and two action alternatives, presents analysis of the potential environmental impacts of each, and includes mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive resources.

A new data network would consolidate and upgrade the existing system, providing a more efficient platform for such communication needs as computer LAN data, radio, security and safety video, NPS telephones, alarms, traffic data, and telemetry. The park would add some key new sites to the network, including Wawona maintenance yard, Hodgdon maintenance yard, Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station, May Lake junction (underground cable to Tuolumne via Tioga Rd.), and Big Oak Flat Road (Rockefeller Grove Rd. reflector).

A public meeting will be held in Mariposa during this review period, where park staff will be on hand to answer questions, review exhibits, and provide copies of the plan on January 13, 2010, 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Mariposa County Government Chambers.
  
A link to project information is posted on the park's website at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/cdn.htm. Comments may be submitted at public meetings, by mail, fax, email, and through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) system. For full consideration, please submit your comments in writing, by January 29, 2010: Email: e-mail us  (subject: CDN EA), via Fax: (209) 379-1294, or by mail, to: Yosemite National Park Superintendent, Attn: CDN EA, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389.