[KCDXC] Midway

[Kevin Schavee]

* Amateur Radio Operations to Begin Again on Midway Atoll: The US Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced on Monday, January 26 that they
would once again allow Amateur Radio operators the opportunity to
operate from Midway Atoll. This the first time that USFWS has allowed
amateurs to operate from the wildlife refuge since 2002. The USFWS
started a program earlier this month to encourage visitors to experience
Midway's wildlife, history and culture, as well as
non-wildlife-dependent activities -- including Amateur Radio To ensure
the safety of the wildlife on the Refuge, the USFWS said that Amateur
Radio operations will be permitted for two weeks only, from October
5-19, 2009. "Radio operation will be allowed only within a designated
area on the north side of Sand Island and the use of portable generators
will not be permitted," said Midway Atoll Refuge Manager Matt D. Brown.
"There is 120 V power available at the operation site. Any modifications
to the island power grid/infrastructure must be approved in advance and
be paid for entirely by the radio operators. Although determined to be a
wildlife-compatible activity," Brown said, "this [Amateur Radio]
opportunity is being conducted on a trial basis." Brown has the
authority to discontinue the activity at any time, based on wildlife
protection and conservation goals. For more information, please contact
Brown via e-mail <Matt_D_Brown at fws.gov> or by phone at 808-954-4818.
Lodging arrangements can be made with Darlene Holst via e-mail
<dholst at chugach-ak.com> or by phone at 808-954-4801. Midway Atoll is
located in the North Pacific Ocean, approximately 1250 miles northwest
of Honolulu.

The ARRL Letter
Vol. 28, No. 4
January 30, 2009