[Mldxcc] NAVASSA IS/DESECHO IS

[Gary Stilwell]

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about an upcoming appeal for a landing permit from the Fish & Wildlife Service to be rendered from their regional office in Atlanta, GA.  The permits are for Navassa Island, KP1 and Desecho Island, KP5.

During the past 10 years, FWS has denied 16 applications for landing permits, effectively BANNING Amateur Radio from these US islands.  Permits have been denied on the grounds of safety issues in relation to Desecho and environmetal issues with respect to Navassa.

Applicants feel decisions by FWS have been capricious and arbitrary and that facts indicate opposite conclusions.  This matter has now been referred to Mr.S. Hamilton, Regional FWS Director in Atlanta, GA.    Applicants now indicate the 30 day appeal clock for FWS review has  started.  They support 'periodic' use by amateur radio operators under acceptable guidelines as developed by FWS.   We seem to have a good relationship in these matters out in the Pacific Ocean.

The APPEAL can be read at http://www.dxer.org.12557.pdf

Applicants ask that if you live within Congressman Richard Pombo's District, that you write asking him to request favorable review in Atlanta.  If not in the District, a request to California Senators asking they pursue this thru a Senator on the Senate FWS OR a letter to your own Congressman asking to pursue matter with Mr. Pombo.

Do not think attachments can go thru our system here, so if you are interested, please let me know and I can e mail attach these items to you:

KI6T Notes
Letter from NA5U explaining matters
Sample letter
Congressman & Senators on FWS            Committees

Gary Stilwell, KI6T



In the past