loading . . . POTA Operators need to Be more Respectful There have been many interactions between POTA activators and portable operators and local park officials—or sometimes even law enforcement.
Those interactions can be uncomfortable, and in some cases downright stressful, especially during the later hours of the day when a lone operator, a mast, and some wire can look “suspicious” to someone who doesn’t understand amateur radio.
The main concern from park staff—whether it’s a conservation authority, land trust, city parks department, or a field ranger—is usually perceived damage to the environment. Ground disturbance, trees, grass, plants, or anything that looks permanent or invasive tends to raise red flags.
What makes perfect sense in Nevada may be a violation in California. Different parks, different rules. Which rules? Do we need to research regulations for every single park before activating? In theory, yes—but in practice, that’s not always clear or even possible.
And honestly, some concerns are fair. A wire over soft bark can cause damage. A ground spike pushed into the soil might be an issue in a protected area. I get that.
Then there are the moments that feel straight out of a sitcom. You’re at a city park, well away from foot traffic, running QRP on batteries, when a bylaw officer appears out of nowhere—like he’s been hiding in the trees.
I explain that I’m operating a guyed mast for safety, using low-voltage wire, low power, and battery operation. I mention emergency communications, military preparedness, even propagation testing.
The response?
“Sir, please refrain from what you’re doing. This activity violates park bylaws.”
I ask—politely—what the specific concern is.
He waves his arms in a big circle.
“All of this. All of this is not allowed.”
So I thank him, let him know I’ll follow up with the city parks department to better understand the rules, and explain that my teardown takes about five minutes. Then I pack up and leave. No arguing. No escalation. He sits in his truck and follows me out.
I didn’t break any laws. I wasn’t damaging anything. My setup was stealthy, low-impact, and well away from public use areas. But he didn’t like it—and that was enough.
That experience leads directly to a few practical guidelines that help keep things smooth for everyone:
Keep your footprint small. Skip large antenna fields or elaborate setups. Simple, low-impact stations work best. Vehicle-based setups like hamsticks or mag-mounts are often ideal.
One way to operate within a parking spot is to use a drive on mast support with a mast and use a wire going up and down for best efficiency over mag mount antennas. A 9:1 with a 29 ft wire is a workhorse antenna as well.
Be mindful of timing and impact. Think about the season, sensitive habitats, and the primary purpose of the land you’re operating on. Some conservation areas are super restricted while others are nothing more than a few acres and trees and some trails.
Stay respectful in all interactions. Most officials aren’t familiar with amateur radio, and a calm, friendly encounter reflects well on all of us.
If you’re asked to pack up, don’t argue. You can show permits or documentation if you have them, but don’t escalate. One bad interaction can create long-term problems—for you and for others who activate after you.
Showing papers has been useful with paranoid civilians but for the aggressive, law enforcer will not want to look at anything for a chance he gets caught out.
In the field, discretion and respect go a long way—and sometimes packing up quietly is the smartest move you can make.
VE3IPS John
Sometimes operating quietly out in the field in a stealthy manner can be even more rewarding
### Share this:
* Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
* Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
*
Like Loading...
### _Related_ https://ve3ips.wordpress.com/2025/12/22/pota-operators-need-to-be-more-respectful/
