Parks on the Air

Over the past few years a number of RATS members have become involved in Parks on the Air (POTA).  POTA started in 2017 as a replacement for the ARRL's now-defunct National Parks on the Air program.  Stations may participate as an activator by operating from a recognized State or National Park facility, or as a hunter working from anywhere, seeking out contacts with POTA activators.

A few nearby POTA sites that are popular among RATS members:

Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County
Powhatan State Park in Powhatan County
Powhatan Wildlife Management Area
Amelia Wildlife Management Area
Shenandoah National Park

Click here for a map of POTA Entities

The Parks on the Air Web Site has some detailed guides to help you get started.  Listen on our 146.88 MHz repeater for POTA activation announcements.  Club members may announce their POTA activities during the weekly RATS net, or "as it happens."  Look for announcements of club-sponsored POTA events on our front page.

Want more information about local POTA events?  Contact Jeff Walton KN4SYE.

Photo above:  Club member Mike Friedman W4MAF operates a radio at the club's POTA activation in February 2022 at Pocahontas State Park.  Click here to see more photos from this event.