Project Overview
In the rugged terrain of Mount Ashland, the highest peak in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, a new tower owned and operated by Day Wireless Systems (DWS) stands tall. To many it may appear only to be a necessary piece of infrastructure to provide various communications services in today’s unwired world. The new tower is more than that, however; it is also a symbol that demonstrates the DWS Tower Sites Division’s exceptional problem-solving skills and commitment to infrastructure development. Throughout this tower replacement and site refurbishment project, which spanned multiple years, DWS successfully navigated many complex obstacles, involving numerous stakeholders, build restrictions, and environmental concerns.
The Initial Challenge
The project began in early 2022 with a critical need to replace aging communication infrastructure. The existing site, while fully functional, was not sufficient for the high standard of modern communication requirements set by Motorola for expansive radio networks. Emergency Services County Office (ECSO), to upgrade their county-wide radio system, needed a taller, more robust infrastructure solution to ensure reliable communication in the region to protect and serve the residents and visitors of Jackson County, Oregon.
Navigating Regulatory Landscape
From the outset, the project faced multiple regulatory hurdles. The site was located on National Forest land, which typically presents complex challenges for communication infrastructure development due to pre-established restrictions and operational parameters. Day Wireless Systems leveraged its strong and pre-existing relationships and extensive experience with government land management to streamline the process.
Key regulatory challenges included:
- Comprehensive environmental reviews
- Coordination with a ski resort also using the space
- Strict USFS site management plan requirements
- Visual impact assessments
- Tribal and historical preservation considerations
The Franklin’s Bumble Bee: An Unexpected Obstacle
Perhaps the most unique challenge came in the form of a small but significant inhabitant: the Franklin’s Bumble Bee. During the environmental review, the team discovered the bee’s habitat in the proposed construction area, which required meticulous planning and execution.
The solution involved:
- Identifying specific flowering periods for the bee habitat
- Conducting soil moisture and temperature assessments
- Carefully timing vegetation removal to minimize environmental impact
- Waiting for verification that the habitat would not be permanently disrupted
This process relied on Day Wireless Systems’ commitment to communicating with important stakeholders and nurturing acceptable environmental preservation in the fastest time frame possible.
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Franklin’s Bumble Bee (Bombus franklini): A Rare Inhabitant of Oregon’s Mountain Landscapes
The Franklin’s bumble bee, a critically endangered species native to southern Oregon and northern California, navigates through delicate mountain flora. Its intricate relationship with local flowering plants – particularly those blooming in late summer – underscores the ecological sensitivity that made the Mount Ashland tower project so complex. These small pollinators require specific environmental conditions, with precise soil moisture levels and carefully timed vegetation management crucial to their survival.
Photo courtesy: Oregon Conservation Strategy
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Technical Pivots and Problem-Solving
The project was riddled with technical challenges that required innovative solutions, which included:
1. Foundation Modification: Initial geotechnical assessments indicated a rock anchor foundation would be ideal. However, when excavation commenced, on-site conditions revealed unexpected and extensive rock formations much closer to the surface than anticipated, forcing the team to quickly pivot to a slab foundation. This modification is an example of DWS commitment and ability to identify issues before they become a bigger problem and create solutions that help keep timelines for stakeholders.
2. Tower Height and Coverage: ECSO’s new system required a specific elevation to achieve coverage and line of sight objectives. The existing USFS Communications Site Plan provided for a maximum hilltop tower height of 80 feet, forty feet less than needed for communications equipment requirements. The team successfully negotiated a site permit increase from 80 to 120 feet, ensuring proper microwave clearance and improved communication capabilities. This was accomplished via a timely application request process that required among other things, engineering studies, public scoping and comment, and visual impact review.
3. Multi-Purpose Infrastructure: The new tower and site refurbishment incorporated:
- Space for existing equipment migration
- Additional capacity for wireless carriers
- Provisions for backup generator and fuel tank
- Improved electrical and HVAC systems
- Snow vestibules for easier access during winter
- The on-site ski area’s relocated chair lift
Stakeholder Coordination
The project’s success hinged on exceptional stakeholder management, involving:
- Multiple departments within Forest Service
- Emergency Services County Office (ESCO)
- Wireless carriers
- Motorola (equipment supplier)
- Existing tenants, Mt. Ashland Ski Area
The team maintained consistent communication with all involved parties throughout the process. DWS found solutions to obstacles as they arose and pivoted when needed, demonstrating flexibility along the way. The process to migrate existing customers to the new structure was extensive and well-managed.
The Tower Sites Division partnered with numerous teams on this project including:
- DWS Tower Construction
- DWS Service Department
- Motorola Systems Design and Engineering
- DWS Engineering and Project Management
Project Outcomes
After years of persistent effort, Day Wireless Systems successfully:
- Replaced outdated infrastructure
- Expanded communications coverage
- Preserved local environmental habitats
- Met ECSO’s critical communication needs and timeline for colocation
- Made space available for future tenants including wireless carriers
Key Takeaways
The Mount Ashland Tower project exemplifies Day Wireless Systems’ core strengths:
- Premier provider of infrastructure
- Technical expertise
- Environmental sensitivity
- Regulatory navigation
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Wide breadth of DWS expertise and capabilities
- Long-term commitment to project success
This project represents a significant investment in regional communication infrastructure and our commitment to providing the best solutions for our customers.
Are you a public safety agency with a new system to build out? Do you need to expand or relocate your system’s coverage? Lease space on one of our 200+ towers to help meet your coverage requirements! We own the sites that customers need. Contact us to get the conversation started today!