DX news flash from OPDX

Over the past few weeks there has been speculation of an upcoming operation to Descheo Island (KP5) to take place in November.

This bulletin is to provide the DX community with the actual facts on what has been going on and what will possibly happen.

Several DX publications were notified about two months ago that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
had decided to allow certain amateur radio operators who have made an inquiry about operating from Desecheo in the recent past an opportunity to submit a proposal (approximately 20 individuals).

OPDX and others were told to NOT publish anything in fear of jeopardizing the process. As of this time, "NO ONE" has been selected to operate from KP5.

The following information was provided by an "informed source" to bring everyone up-to-date and explain what events took place:

There is a tentative agreement to facilitate access to the Desecheo Island National Wildlife Refuge by Amateur Radio operators in conjunction with future USFWS management activities in the refuge. The plan would allow Amateur Radio activation of Desecheo for up to 14 days under strict
guidelines and close USFWS supervision.

USFWS expects to grant a Special Use Permit (SUP) for amateur radio operations to one group selected from among large number of prior applicants. These applicants have recently been contacted by the agency and provided a number of stringent requirements that must be met. They
were told that if they are still interested in operating from Desecheo they had 45 days to submit a proposal. The letter was dated June 30, 2008, with an August 14th deadline.

The final selection will be made based upon which proposal best satisfies USFWS requirements. The timing of this
operation is still uncertain but is likely to be in the September through December 2008 time frame. The actual dates of the operation are dependent on a number of variables, but the team and Dxers should have a minimum
of 30 days notice.

We are not sure, but we believe as many as a dozen proposals have been submitted. Apparently, the final selection will be made by a three person panel. Continue to remain patient as the selection process proceeds.

Apparently, Dxers worldwide can look forward to the first USFWS-authorized activation of Desecheo Island in many years.

• Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network and "informed source" for the above DX information