The documents in PDF format require Adobe Reader to view or print them. Click on the Adobe graphic to download it for free. ATC members are encouraged to attend public meetings and speak first-hand to the potential impacts of antenna towers near the Appalachian Trail. ATC has asked each Appalachian Trail club to designate a member willing to deal with each local land planning jurisdiction along the Trail. The buffer of public land that protects the Trail averages only 1,000 feet wide, so wireless facilities located on adjacent lands could have a significant cumulative impact on those walking on the footpath and on their experience.
Telecommunications companies can minimize the impacts of their facilities on hikers.
For example, wherever appropriate, Towers and other supporting structures for antennas could be limited to a height at or near that of the forest canopy. Antenna facilities could be placed on downslopes, rather than at the highest possible elevations, to prevent their being silhouetted against the sky. Height limitations could alleviate the need to adhere to Federal Aviation Administration lighting requirements. Removal of towers could be required in case of disuse or noncompliance with standards. Antennas could be placed on existing structures, such as electric-transmission towers or water tanks.