Radiomercato.com

Distributed via QRZ DX, the following info is made public concerning future amateur radio operations on Palmyra Island. Not all detail is published but rather the most relevant part pertaining to access, dates, interested groups:

"Aloha,

You are receiving this email because over the last year you have inquired about Amateur Radio operations/HAM Radio operations on Palmyra Atoll. Working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service we have developed a plan to accommodate these requests and are able to offer a maximum of two such trips in Winter 2016.

Our goal is to facilitate access to The Nature Conservancy’s preserve on Cooper Island at Palmyra Atoll in a manner that is fair, and with minimal impact to the preserve and station operations. Please see the attached application for trip dates, application and deposit due dates and guidelines.

Please contact me with any questions. If you are no longer interested in a trip to Palmyra Atoll but know of a group that is, please feel free to forward this email and application.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Aloha,

Laurie Moore
Director, Palmyra Program
923 Nu`uanu Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96818"

Working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has "developed a plan to accommodate" amateur radio DXpeditions to Palmyra Atoll (KH5), and is able "to offer a maximum of two such trips in Winter 2016". The available spots are 11-26 January and 1-16 February; participants are limited to 12 operators with "up to six radio antennae of 50 feet and 5 inch in diameter or less". The deadline for completed applications is 16 January 2015; notification of acceptance will be on 30 January 2015 and non refundable deposit of $5,000 for each participant of accepted applicants will be due by 27 February 2015. Total estimated cost for each trip is USD 176,000. [TNX QRZ DX]

April 18, 2015
Press Release #1

Craig (K9CT) and Lou (N2TU) are proud to announce a DXpedition to Palmyra Atoll. Palmyra (KH5-P) ranks in the top ten on the Most Wanted List and #2 in Europe.

After many months of negotiations with US Fish and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy, the Palmyra Island DXpedition Group has been awarded permission to activate Cooper Island in the Palmyra Atoll during January 2016.

Craig is a veteran of many of the "Most Wanted" DXpeditions. He co-led Sint Maarten and Swains and operated from Conway Reef, Midway, Cocos Island, Wake Atoll and Amsterdam Island. Lou was a member of the Swains Team and led the Wake Atoll Commemoration. Craig and Lou have just returned from the Navassa Island K1N DXpedition.

A team of 12 highly experienced operators and veterans of many DXpeditions has been formed. Team members include Craig K9CT, Lou N2TU, Jerry WB9Z, Tom ND2T, Mike K9NW, Ralph K0IR, John K6MM, Bob K4UEE, Hal W8HC, Dick W3OA, Jim N9TK, and Glenn W0GJ.

They plan to operate five stations over a 14 day period, 160 to 6 meters on all modes, using a callsign to be announced at a later date.

Critical to major DXpeditions are the immediate, up-front commitment costs. INDEXA and NCDXF have been most generous in their support of Palmyra 2016 and this support is sincerely appreciated.

Logistical support for this operation is being provided by Kimo, KH7U and Don, N1DG. Joe, W8GEX and Janet, W8CAA have volunteered to assist the team in fund raising. Their experience in this area is highly valued.

Our website, Palmyra2016.org, developed by team member John K6MM, will provide updates as they become available. The Donation page of the website is currently active. The group will also have an OQRS link on the website for easy QSLing.

Craig, K9CT and Lou, N2TU
DXpedition Co-leaders

June 28, 2015
Press Release #2

Lou (N2TU) and Craig (K9CT) previously announced a DXpedition to Palmyra Atoll at the International DX Convention in Visalia, California. Palmyra (KH5) ranks #9 on the Most Wanted List and #2 in Europe.

The Pacific Islands DXpedition Group has been awarded permission to activate Cooper Island in the Palmyra Atoll, 11-26, January 2016.

A team of 12 highly experienced operators and veterans of many DXpeditions has been assembled. Team members include Craig K9CT, Lou N2TU, Jerry WB9Z, Tom ND2T, Mike K9NW, Ralph KØIR, John K6MM, Bob K4UEE, Hal W8HC, Dick W3OA, Jim N9TK, and Glenn WØGJ.

The Team plans to operate five stations, 160 to 6 meters on CW, SSB and Digital modes, using a call sign to be announced at a later date. Antennas dedicated to working Europe will be deployed due to the high need and propagation path difficulty.

Critical to major DXpeditions are the immediate, up-front commitment costs. For instance, most of the equipment (antennas, coax, wire, connectors, and site material) has already been purchased, tested and shipped to Palmyra. These procurement and shipping costs are a significant portion of the overall DXpedition costs. It is estimated this DXpedition will incur costs of over $200,000 USD plus individual and personal expenses.

We are pleased we have received support from so many Foundations, Clubs and Individuals already. We are about $30,000 USD short of our need for the next payment November 1st. Therefore, please donate as soon as possible to help with the upfront costs

Our website, Palmyra2016.org, has a “Donate” link to facilitate your generous contribution. Without your support, this DXpedition would not happen!

Thank you for your support.

Craig, K9CT and Lou, N2TU
DXpedition Co-leaders