Ham Radio & the Government Shutdown: POTA Rules You Must Know

The U.S. government has officially entered a shutdown — and that raises a big question for ham radio operators: Can you still activate Parks on the Air during a shutdown?

In this video, I break down:
✅ What happens to National Parks when funding lapses
✅ The Department of the Interior’s official guidance
✅ How the POTA rulebook defines “open” vs. “closed” parks
✅ Real-world examples (National Mall vs. Yellowstone)

Whether you’re planning a weekend activation or curious how federal closures impact ham radio operations, this guide will help you navigate shutdown rules and avoid problems in the field.

 

Should be plenty of state parks to operate from which aren't affected by the shutdown.

 

Government shutdown? I haven't noticed.

I think POTA will be just fine.

 

Last weekend I heard a ton of stations on the air, and I suspect I'm going to hear them this weekend also.