There are several telescopes on the mountain that have federal funding and that didn't stop the protests. Federal funding doesn't mean the feds can overrule state actions...or inactions.
randomq - I don't think the decadal survey is open to public opinion - it's a survey amongst US scientists and organizations and the final results are presented as a recommendation to the government. I'm sure you can imagine what would happen if those recommendations were influenced by the general public. We'll be chasing UFOs and having to demonstrate the Earth is flat if some had their way. I suggest you look up the Haldane Principle if you have the time.
I think sensible public input would be beneficial to the whole process, but I think the only way of doing that is through your political representative and they will likely not have any influence on the process.
randomq - I don't think the decadal survey is open to public opinion - it's a survey amongst US scientists and organizations and the final results are presented as a recommendation to the government. I'm sure you can imagine what would happen if those recommendations were influenced by the general public. We'll be chasing UFOs and having to demonstrate the Earth is flat if some had their way. I suggest you look up the Haldane Principle if you have the time.
I think sensible public input would be beneficial to the whole process, but I think the only way of doing that is through your political representative and they will likely not have any influence on the process.