Visitors on Midway Atoll- KH4
Highlights:
- Amateur Radio use will be allowed.
- The first visitors will be allowed sometime between November and January. (hello…Topband season)
- You will be expected to pull some weeds, clear the marine debris while you are there… (hey I have chores at home too)
The much talked about Midway Atoll KH4 will soon be expecting visitors and Volunteers. In an effort to help maintain the fast growing flowers and such on the island, as well as clean up some of the marine life debris, Carolyn Bohan the Regional Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge Pacific Region (US Fish and Wildlife Service) approved the visitors plan on May 23,2007.
There will be compatibility determinations evaluated for the purpose of Amateur Radio operations on the site. According to the documents they have determined that they will “allow amateur radio use from Midway Atoll in accordance with stipulations that
make the use compatible.
“Because of potential bird strikes on amateur radio antennae, limitations will be placed on this use. FWS will work with amateur radio enthusiasts to implement a compatible program, as long as it does not displace wildlife-dependent visitors wanting to visit Midway Atoll. Placement of the outdoor antennae must be approved by the refuge manager”
This is all very good news for the Amateur Radio community, since January 2002 all visitation by the general public has been banned.
Additional Links
- Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
- The visitors plan was approved on May 23, 2007
- Wikipedia link to Midway
Link to the Full Yahoo News Story
Thanks to Don N1DG for the story tip…
click on the play button below to practice your CW copying ability