Lake County filed a “friend of the court” brief in Hennepin County District Court this week siding with AT&T Mobility in the cell tower suit brought against the company by Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. The advocacy organization objects to the 450-foot tower due to its impact on scenic beauty in the Boundary Waters.
The Lake County News-Chronicle has the full story HERE.
In the brief filed by county attorney Russ Conrow, Lake County asserts that, with its suit, the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is attempting to define a buffer zone around the BWCAW. The county insists that only Congress, not the courts, has the authority to expand the borders of the wilderness area.
The Friends’ suit alleges a violation of the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. The suit asks the court to stop construction of the proposed tower and declare that the construction of the proposed tower would indeed violate Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. The group says the AT&T tower, which will be lighted, will be visible from within the BWCAW.
Arguments in the case will be heard Wednesday, August 4th. An immediate ruling is not expected.