[CTSARA] National Parks on the Air - Wilton Weir Farm

[Paul Lourd]

Just an update. I have been in touch with the park ranger at Weir Farm, and
as you might expect they have already received 8-10 calls from people
wanting to operate from the park.

They are not granting approval for anyone at this point. You could just
show up and park your car with a mobile antenna and operate, but would
likely be asked to leave if they are open. It is a small park with a very
small parking lot. Mid-week you could probably pull it off.

Since (believe it or not) there IS NO FORMAL AGREEMENT between ARRL and the
National Park Service on this program, there is no document from NPS you
can refer the local rangers to. ARRL has been in contact with NPS (see
quote below from the web site).

If you want to really setup a station, you might also need an NPS special
use permit, which is government terminology for "its going to cost you $50."

And remember if you want to officially activate a park so it counts, you
MUST setup a special station location in your LOTW account. If you don't
use LOTW, don't even bother doing this.

I will keep you all posted if I hear more.

Paul
WB2JVB

"ARRL has no formal partnership with NPS for this event, nor does a
Memorandum of Understanding exist between ARRL and NPS. However, ARRL has
been in communication with NPS, The NPS Centennial Office and the National
Parks Foundation concerning National Parks on the Air since early 2015. We
have worked with these groups to ensure as many NPS staff in the field as
possible are aware this event exists and there will be increased activity
from Amateur Radio operators in NPS units throughout 2016."