Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, Jim Brandenburg, and Jerry Raedeke submitted an amicus brief (or “friend of the court” brief) to the Minnesota Court of Appeals in support of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is seeking to protect the Boundary Waters from a 450-foot blinking cell phone tower proposed by AT&T Corporation.  

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is arguably Minnesota’s most precious natural resource. This unique place and its wilderness characteristics hold significant value for current and future generations of Minnesotans. The wilderness is different from any other place in the State because of its isolation and the absence of any permanent human encroachment.  

We support the continued preservation of the Boundary Waters wilderness. Minnesota law protects wilderness areas from impairment or destruction. AT&T would impair the iconic and scenic views of the Boundary Waters with a 450-foot tower that would be visible from multiple campsites and lakes. The corporation proposes the tower even though a shorter, unlit tower would provide similar cell phone coverage.  

The Minnesota Court of Appeals will rule on the matter in spring 2012.

MCEA Documents

Amicus Brief

Media

BWCA cellphone tower fight is back in court, Star Tribune, April 5, 2012

Fight over BWCA cell tower in appeals court, Minnesota Public Radio, April 4, 2012

Judge says no to 450-foot cell tower near BWCA, but 199-foot tower OK, Star Tribune, August 3, 2011