Public Comment Period Open - Environmental Assessment for Telecommunications Towers, Elk Creek and Sapinero

Date: June 21, 2010
Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 970 641-2337

Commnet Wireless, LLC proposes to construct permanent telecommunications towers at two locations on lands managed by the National Park Service within Curecanti National Recreation Area. Separate environmental assessments have been prepared to evaluate the effects of the proposed actions to the natural and human environment of each area. The proposed locations are co-located with existing National Park Service infrastructure, i.e. an existing water tank and access road at Elk Creek and an existing radio repeater site at Sapinero. The Elk Creek and Sapinero areas are currently being served by temporary telecommunications towers, but prior to 2009, no service existed in the area.

Superintendent Connie Rudd said, "The proposed telecommunications towers will allow many different cellular telephone subscribers to use their phones in this part of Gunnison County, enhancing public safety, comfort and security for users of the area."

The environmental assessments are available for a 30 day public comment period. During this time, the public is encouraged to submit their comments by going to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/cure, then click "Elk Creek Wireless Communications Tower", then click "Open for Public Comment", then click "Comment on Document". Written comments can be sent to: Superintendent, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Re: Elk Creek Wireless Communications Tower, 102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Following the close of the comment period, all public comments will be reviewed and analyzed, prior to the release of a decision document. The National Park Service will issue responses to substantive comments received during the public comment period, and will make appropriate changes to the environmental assessment, as needed.