BLM seeks input on proposed Broadband Communications Site in Morongo Valley

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the draft environmental assessment and land use plan amendment for the proposed Morongo Canyon Highway 62 Multi-Tenant Wireless Broadband Communications Site project in San Bernardino County. If approved, the project would improve telecommunication and broadband connections for Morongo and Yucca valley communities.

The applicant, InterConnect Towers LLC, proposes to construct, operate, and maintain a broadband communication site with an access road and ancillary facilities on just over two acres of public lands in Morongo Valley in southeastern San Bernardino County.

"The BLM will consider potential site-specific effects the proposed communication site may have on visual resources," said California Desert District Manager Shelly Lynch. "We want to hear from the community on this project."

The BLM, as the lead federal agency for National Environmental Policy Actreview, drafted an environmental assessment that considers scoping comments, issues, planning criteria, potential effects, alternatives, and mitigation measures.

Implementation of the proposal would require a BLM decision to amend the California Desert Conservation Area Plan, as amended by the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Area Plan, to modify the proposed action area visual resource objectives from retaining the existing character of the landscape to partially retaining the existing character of the landscape.

The BLM will hold an in-person public meeting with a virtual option on Thursday, Sept.5 at 5:30 p.m., at the Community Services District Multipurpose Room in Covington Park, located at 11165 Vale Drive in Morongo Valley, CA 92256. Advance registrationis required to attend virtually.The 30-day public comment period will close Sept. 16.

Public comments may be submitted through the "Participate Now" function on the BLM National NEPA Register(preferred); emailed to [email protected]; or delivered to"Morongo Communication Site Project EA," Attn: Matt Toedtli, Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive in Palm Springs, CA 92262.

For additional information, please email: [email protected].