Narrow Band Radio Environmental Assessment complete

Date: July 27, 2007
Contact: Cathi Jones, 360-854-7314

Comments Sought on Environmental Assessment for

Conversion of Radio System to Narrowband Digital and Analog

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex is seeking public review and comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) to convert its radio system to narrowband digital/analog. A series of laws, regulations, and Department of Interior mandates requires that all units of the National Park Service replace their non-public wideband analog radio systems with narrowband digital and analog technology. In order to maintain adequate two-way radio coverage throughout North Cascades National Park Service Complex for park operations, an increase in the number of mountaintop repeaters and base stations would be required. The EA considers the following two alternatives:

Alternative 1 (No Action)

Under this alternative, the current wideband analog system would remain in place. The current system consists of three mountaintop repeaters and three base stations that are located within NPS boundaries. All of the mountaintop repeaters are located within the Stephen Mather Wilderness, and none of the base stations are located within designated wilderness. This alternative addresses the consequences of continuation of the current conditions.

Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative)

Under Alternative 2, the current system would be removed and replaced with new infrastructure and narrowband technology. One additional repeater site would be located on Desolation Peak, and two additional base stations would be located at Hozomeen and Colonial Creek Campground. Desolation Peak is located within the Stephen Mather Wilderness, and neither of the new base station sites is within designated wilderness. Infrastructure at all of the existing repeater sites would increase in size.

Comments on this Environmental Assessment must be postmarked (surface mail) or sent (on-line or fax) no later than August 27, 2007.

You may submit your comments by any of the following methods:

Via the internet: We encourage you to comment on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). At the website select "Convert Radio System to Narrowband Digital/Analog." You will find the full text document, an on-line comment form and instructions for submitting on-line comments under the Documents and Links tab.

By mail or hand delivery: Superintendent

North Cascades National Park Service Complex

810 State Route 20

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

By fax: [phone]

Copies of the EA are also available at area libraries or by calling Cathi Jones at 360-854-7314.