Public Comment Period Open for Draft Compatibility Determination for Amateur Radio Operation, Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is accepting comments for a Draft Compatibility Determination for refuge access for amateur radio operation at Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Service has prepared a Draft Compatibility Determination (CD), which provides the assessment and guidelines for this refuge activity. The draft CD is open for public comment from September 29 through October 13.
A compatible use is a proposed or existing wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a National Wildlife Refuge that, based on sound professional judgment, will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the purposes for which the refuge was established and the National Wildlife Refuge System mission. The Service develops a compatibility determination to facilitate evaluation of proposed uses, including anticipated impacts and stipulations necessary to ensure compatibility.
The National Wildlife Refuge System mission is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
The draft CD found that amateur radio operation will not detract from the refuge’s core mission to protect and preserve the natural character of fish, wildlife, plants, coral reef communities, and other resources associated with the tidal lands, submerged lands, and waters of Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge.
All comments should be in writing and should be received no later than October 13, 2023. Comments should specifically articulate how the proposed activity would, or would not, materially interfere with or detract from the Refuge purposes or Refuge System mission. Comments may be sent via email to Pacific_reefs@fws.gov. Please place the words “Compatibility Determination Comments” in the subject line and your comments in the body of the text. Please do not include attachments because they will not be opened due to the potential for computer viruses.
See the draft compatibility determination here.
Visit Us
Because of its remoteness and the important role it plays in wildlife conservation, Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public and entry is only allowed through a Special Use Permit when the activity is deemed appropriate with purposes to the refuge establishment.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 and is located 1,305 nautical miles south of Honolulu. The refuge includes submerged lands out to 200 nautical miles from the island, encompassing 429,853 acres, with 1,273 acres being terrestrial and 428,580 acres being submerged. On January 6, 2009, the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument was established, which includes Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge within its boundaries.
What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with our partners at NOAA monitor the island for seabird activity and nesting, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species , and the overall health of the surrounding reef.
Our Organization
There are many ways to support your national wildlife refuges. There are non-profit organizations that support wildlife and restoration projects within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Volunteer opportunities can also be found at volunteer.gov.
Our Species
Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous species of unique wildlife. The low coral island is surrounded by beaches on all sides composed of sand and coral shingle. Biodiversity teems throughout the refuge, ranging from birds and reptiles to crabs and coral.
