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Case Digest Fall
2004 Wyoming: Construction of a Cell Tower in Old Faithful Historic District, Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming: Construction of a Cell Tower in Old Faithful Historic District, Yellowstone National Park
Agency: National Park Service
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More than 150 million Americans subscribe to a mobile phone service, which relies on nearby antenna towers to transmit calls. The location of one such tower adjacent to the Old Faithful Historic District in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, however, has preservationists concerned. Because the cell tower was not constructed to the specifications agreed upon by the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Officer and the National Park Service, its existence intrudes upon the historic district. The National Park Service is working to mitigate the tower’s adverse effects on its surroundings. |
Situated next to the Old Faithful Geyser in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, the Old Faithful Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district is dominated by the Old Faithful Inn, which was built in 1903 and 1904 and is one of the premier rustic structures in the United States.
Cell tower, Old Faithful Historic District, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As part of the Section 106 review process, the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) determined that the construction of a cell phone tower would not adversely affect the historic district if the tower adhered to a certain height, number of antenna, and color to blend in with its surroundings.
The cell tower that was built, however, was inconsistent with the conditions that had been agreed upon by the National Park Service (NPS) and the SHPO. In May 2004, the ACHP advised NPS that the effect of the cell tower on the Old Faithful Historic District diminished the integrity of its setting.
To address the issue, the ACHP has requested that NPS examine measures to reduce the cell tower’s adverse effects on the historic district. The ACHP has also asked NPS to consult with the ACHP and the SHPO on its findings to demonstrate a good faith effort to groups such as the nonprofit organization, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which has shown concern over the cell tower’s location near the Old Faithful Historic District.
Staff contact: Alan Stanfill
Posted December 17, 2004