National Wildlife Refuge Week 2010

Sharing the Good News via Amateur Radio

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Getting Organized

  1. Find a Refuge near you using the NWR Locator or the NWR List by State. Note that some refuges are closed to the public. Feel free to contact the NWR Week-Amateur Radio coordinator to ask questions:



  2. Visit the refuge to determine how best to set up and operate a station (e.g. portable station using battery or solar panels, portable station using commercial power available at refuge, mobile station in parking area).


  3. You must obtain permission from the refuge manager to operate within the boundaries of a NWR. Start planning now by reviewing the Guidance page.


  4. Contact the refuge manager to request authorization to operate from the refuge and explain what it is you want to do. In meeting with refuge officials, it is critical that you remain dignified, respectful and deferent to their concerns. Some refuge managers are not familiar with Amateur Radio. Understandably, they may need time to consider your proposal to operate in refuges they are responsible for and to complete the authorization process. Consider several options for operating from the refuge and clearly outline them in a proposal to the refuge manager.


  5. Be patient and flexible. You should be willing to amend your operating plan to accommodate the refuge manager's concerns and requirements. The refuge manager has the last word on how your proposed operation will be conducted within the boundaries of the refuge. Comply with the manager's authorization and instructions to the letter.


  6. Once your operation has been authorized by the refuge manager, please register your operation with nwrweek-radio.info.