About Parks on the Air

Parks on the Air ®

Welcome to the Parks on the Air ® (POTA) site for international portable amateur radio operations that promote emergency awareness and communications from national/federal and state/provincial level parks.

ABOUT PARKS ON THE AIR Parks On The Air (POTA) is a non-profit organization that supports the use of amateur radio in our state and national parks. Through promotion by Parks On The Air, more people will discover and enjoy our park system. This also directly helps amateur radio meet its charter of providing communications support in times of emergencies, such as after natural disasters, POTA provides a website where amateur radio operators, often called "hams", can find nearby parks. Hams then set up temporary portable radio stations and attempt to contact as many fellow hams as possible. Visiting a park and getting on the air is called an "activation" and after each one, the hams will submit a list of their contacts to POTA. The goals are to activate as many parks as possible and to talk to as many stations as possible. Certificate awards are then given for a number of categories. Hams, like other park visitors, must obey all park regulations and generally leave no trace of their operation after they leave. Some hams have radios in their car and simply operate from the parking lot. Some hams enjoy backpacking and hiking and may explore throughout the park setting up operations almost anywhere. The majority of hams will locate an available picnic or similar area and operate from there.

What is Amateur Radio?

There are over 730,000 Amateur Radio operators in the US, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. They are trained in communications techniques and basic electronics theory. During emergencies and other times of need, Amateur Radio operators have provided worldwide public service. Amateur Radio has been recognized by FEMA and the American Red Cross as elements of the critical communications network needed during natural disasters and other emergencies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT Parks On The Air Home Page: https://parksontheair.com