FWS Seeks Comments on Allowing Baker Island DXpedition

Brown boobies are among 11 bird species that make their
homes on Baker Island in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of a
US National Wildlife Refuge. (US Fish & Wildlife Service photo)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is asking for public review and comment on a "Draft Compatibility Determination for Amateur Radio Operation" on Baker Island (KH4), a Pacific island some 1800 miles southwest of Honolulu. According to the ARRL Letter, "(a)mateur radio operation is an existing use at Baker Island NWR (National Wildlife Refuge); however, it is not a common use." 

The statement notes that operations there offer value "as a source of public information about wildlife resources and to bring public attention to the refuge." Baker Island is the fourth-most-wanted DX entity, according to ClubLog. The most recent operation there, in 2002, generated 96,000 contacts. 

Comments should be submitted via e-mail to Monument Superintendent Laura Beauregard and include "Baker Amateur Radio Comments" in the subject line. Beauregard's e-mail address is <laura_beauregard@fws.gov>.