After facing criticism for moving forward with a plan to boost wireless coverage in its vast landscape without proper historical preservation reviews and public involvement, Yellowstone National Park is accepting public comments on a proposed new structure that would surround three sides of the historic fire lookout atop Mount Washburn.

The structure would be built from steel lattice supports around the east, north, and west sides of the fire lookout. Antennas would be removed from the tower and placed on the new structure. In addition, two vaults would be constructed nearby to conceal newly installed microwave antennas. As the park has determined that the fire tower is eligible for nomination to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the project could have adverse effects per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The new comment period comes after the proposed facilities on 10,243-foot Mount Washburn, the telecommunications hub for Yellowstone, and elsewhere in the park were criticized by groups like Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, who said park officials moved forward without required environmental and historical preservation reviews, violated NPS policies protecting scenery and soundscapes, and ignored requirements for public notice and involvement.

The broader telecommunications proposal includes installing new equipment at Old Faithful, Canyon, Fishing Bridge, and Grant.

“Some of Yellowstone’s most scenic spots are being transformed into hideous hives of microwave and cellular arrays to accommodate perceived consumer demand,” PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch, who thinks smartphones are the driving factor for vastly expanding Yellowstone’s wireless footprint, said earlier this year.

Yellowstone officials say the telecommunications project will address a “severe shortage” of bandwidth that limits park operations, visitor safety, and visitor experience; mitigate concerns about too much infrastructure attached to the history fire tower; and improve safety of personnel who maintain the equipment. Parts of Mount Washburn would be closed during construction.

Some say efforts by Yellowstone and other parks to improve access to Wi-Fi sours the wilderness experience, where some people go to “disconnect.”

“Yellowstone’s leadership has lost its way, sacrificing the possibility of solitude for signal strength,” Mr. Ruch said. “National parks are supposed to allow us to momentarily escape the clutches of civilization rather than to enable commercial carriers to ceaselessly chase customers into the deepest reaches of nature’s cathedrals.”

To comment

• Deadline: June 22, 2017
• Online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=70097
• Mail: Yellowstone National Park, Compliance Office; Attention: Mount Washburn Determination of Effect; P.O. Box 168; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190
• In person: Albright Visitor Center; Attention: Mount Washburn Determination of Effect; Mammoth Hot Springs; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190