Due to the partial US Government shutdown, the National Wildlife Refuge Week Amateur Radio special event October 12 until October 20 has immediately suspended rules that confine NWR Week stations operations within the boundaries of national wildlife refuges and wildlife areas. The government shutdown has closed some, if not all, federal wildlife refuges, so stations may operate from any location for this year’s event. Although rules 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been suspended; all others remain in effect.

“The action was taken to allow participants to begin planning now for alternative locations, if they decide it’s necessary, since it is unclear how long the government shutdown will last,” said 2013 NWR Week special event coordinator Brad Farrell, K4RT. “While we are disappointed that refuges have closed, we believe that the suspension may encourage individual hams and clubs who wish to help celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week to operate from their home or club stations,” Farrell said. “During QSOs, hams may share information about the features of a refuge or wildlife area in their state or province as a way to mark National Wildlife Refuge Week.”

The goal for participants is to combine their communication skills with their enjoyment of the outdoors to help others learn about the National Wildlife Refuge System. Contact the NWR Week Amateur Radio coordinator for more information.