By all accounts, the ARRL’s National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) program has been a huge success. As I write this, there have been more than 400,000 contacts made, and that number will easily exceed a million before the year is up. Unfortunately for hams here in SE Michigan, we have few sites that we can easily activate.
Then, yesterday, I got the following e-mail from my friend Rich, KA8BMA:
I’ve been day dreaming again. My brilliant idea of the day: What about SPOTA (State Parks On The Air)?
Michigan now boasts 101 state parks. I would think that Pure Michigan (the state agency that promotes Michigan tourism) would jump at the chance of sponsoring this event. An SPOTA might also put “elevation-challenged” states like Michigan on a more even footing with states like Colorado and California when it comes to programs like Summits on the Air (SOTA).
There could even be a “state park hunters” organization, like “county hunters.”
This sounds like a pretty good idea to me. Anyone else interested?
Dan KB6NU says
No sooner did a notice of this blog hit Twitter when Matthew, KK4FEM, replied:
Matthew KK4FEM @kk4fem_radio
@hamradio360 @kb6nu Florida’s already started! Just announced on Monday. Check out flspota.org @flspota
Thom W8TAM says
http://www.hamparks.org/
Some reddit folks already started that page a few years back. Might be worth updating it.
Don, KB2YSI says
I feel NY is in the same boat. However there are many State parks within a 30 minutes drive.
John w7jkc says
I guess Ohio has had a program for a while.
http://www.ospota.org/ospota/index.php
NPOTA has been a lot of fun for me, both chasing and activating. I am also dabbling in WWFF as well.
Chris KQ2RP says
http://www.hamparks.org/
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks for all the links. Running a program like this takes a lot of work, so it’s no wonder that I haven’t heard of these groups before. I’d love to do what I can to get the word out.
Ed B. says
Dan,
Here is yet another one! National Pizza Ovens on the Air (NPOOTA) !!
http://hamhijinks.com/nrrl-promotes-npoota/