New Cell Tower Proposal Raises Concern

A fresh cell tower location has been proposed to serve the Devil’s Lake State Park area which is known for irregular cell service due to the hilly landscape. This new 300-foot tower would be located about a mile north of the park.

In October of 2019, there was quite a controversy locally surrounding a proposed 180ft cell tower (Over 100 feet shorter than the new proposal.) that was proposed to sit just outside of Devil’s Lake State Park’s north shore entrance. While everyone generally agreed that the park needed better cell reception for the public and emergency services, the location just outside the entrance was not a popular one. In fact, we wrote about this issue a couple of times, here and here. In late October of 2019, the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Committee denied a permit.  

The map below shows the approximate new location according to local residents familiar with the proposal.

This time around, the proposed tower is further away from the park but still meeting a chilly reception with some locals. Concerned folks are now circulating a petition against this new location. (See below.) The issues are much the same today as they were in 2019. While it’s understood that better communication is needed within the park, tall cell towers can lower property values, carry various health concerns, and are a recognised hazard to migratory birds which is a standout issue in a community with a growing outdoor economy.

What Can You Do?

The next meeting to discuss the tower proposal will be held in Baraboo on Jan 26th (2021) at 9 am on the 3rd floor of the Sauk County West Square Building. (In the board room.) Here is the meeting agenda. For more information contact Nancy Madland at [email protected] or David Armstrong at [email protected].