Amateur Radio operators with the Haywood County Amateur
Radio Group will be on air in observance of the 2010 National Wildlife Refuge
Week, October 16 & 17th. This special event helps to connect people with
nature at many of the country's more than 500 National Wildlife Refuges. It is
no coincidence that during this time Brownsville residents are enjoying the
Hatchie Fall Fest on the court square, celebrating the regions rich history of
blues, gospel, country and popular music from local and regional musicians. The
Hatchie Fall Fest also celebrates the rich cultural heritage and significance
of the Hatchie River's impact on Haywood County's early development.
The Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in Haywood County was
established in 1964, and has more than a dozen natural and manmade lakes. The
Oneal lake facility, which is part of Project Fish, has handicap accessible
fishing docks, as well as wildlife viewing areas. The Hatchie Scenic River
serves as the northern border of the refuge. Game fishing on the refuge
consists of crappie, blue gill, catfish, and bass. In recent years the Hatchie
Refuge has served as home to several Bald Eagles, nesting at Oneal Lake, and
producing offspring. Several species of owls, hawks, geese, and ducks frequent
the refuge every year.
Combining Amateur Radio's communication capabilities with
enjoyment of the outdoors to help others learn about the National Wildlife
Refuge System is the goal of the amateur stations participating in the nine-day
event. Hams are operating from a number of wildlife refuges under guidelines
established in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov). Only those ham radio operations
authorized by refuge managers are sanctioned by this event.
Check the National Wildlife Refuge Week Ham Radio website
(www.nwrweek-radio.info) for more information and a list of participating ham
radio stations.