MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Reversing a lower court, the Minnesota Court of Appeals says AT&T can build a 450-foot cellphone tower with flashing lights that would be visible within parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
A three-judge panel ruled Monday that a Hennepin County judge erred by concluding that allowing the tower east of Ely would have a "materially adverse effect on the environment." It says the district court failed to properly weigh the relative severity of the effects of the proposed tower on the views within the Boundary Waters.
The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness had sued to block the tower, saying it would be visible from several lakes within the BWCA, and arguing that a shorter tower without lights would be sufficient. The group says it's studying the ruling.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
Comments (10)
Add commentWhile I understand that there are those
who don't want a tower for aesthetic reasons, having a cell phone in a remote area is essential.
essential ... really?!? how
essential ... really?!? how did people do it before cell phones ... obviously everyone died.
Here's why...
There is no reason other than making it easier for fire response teams, to have it there. And, in thinking about it, ok, I want the fire response teams to have that communications available to each and every person in there!!!
So disciple, ready to give up your phone?
Ever hear of 911, or do you think that emergencies only happen in cities?
I would have no problem
I would have no problem giving up my cell phone .... I realize that emergencies happen everywhere, but it is not essential. Food is essential, shelter is essential you might even to convince me that human contact is essential, however a cell phone is not essential.
If I understand correctly, cell service was formerly pretty poor
If I understand correctly, cell service was formerly pretty poor to non-existant in the BWCA. The tower goes part way to changing that. But I can also sympathize with those that want no part of it; If you get hurt, you were irresponsible, and if there is cell coverage, it might encourage some to be MORE irresponsible. Not to mention the blinking lights in the night sky and the dead birds piling up like cordwood
I just wonder
How fish & ward are going to handle this? The sky is falling!
Veryyyyyyyyyyyyyy Interesting!
Always a hoot to see who supports personal responsibility and who supports hand holding and expansion of government!
Self-sufficient, personally responsible, fiscally concerned people might think that maybe a person who desires to enter a wilderness area should plan to take care of himself without being provided with all of the amenities of home?
Truth is that the problem--if you agree there is one--could be resolved with a few shorter strategically placed towers rather than such a tall one.
Another fact--tall cell towers are an aviation hazard! Especially an issue during any efforts to battle wildfires in the area.
Rino
Is it true you are the light bulb changer for that tower? Speaking of wildfires I just laugh at the tree huggers about keeping the BWCA remote & no motors on some lakes then spend millions & millions of dollars & every piece of modern equipment possible to put out a fire.
Rino reminds
me of the splinter lady.