The Radio Association of Western New York (RAWNY) will undertake a one-time activation of Motor Island in the Niagara River on August 6 for the US Islands Awards Program, using the club’s W2PE call sign.

“This small island, also known as Pirate Island, is under the protection of the New York Department of Conservation and has never been activated by any Amateur Radio activity,” said RAWNY Secretary Aaron Heverin, N2HTL. Heverin said the NYDEC granted the club a permit to operate from Motor Island (NY049).

“This permit was granted for a “one-time use” only, which means that no other Amateur Radio group or individual will be allowed on the island after us,” Heverin said. “As far as I know, not since 1971 has an island on the Niagara River been activated in the time the USI Award program has been keeping records.”

A team of eight will undertake the August 6 outing, operating on battery power and running 50 W or less, Heverin said. Plans call for five stations on the air, one strictly on CW.

An ARRL-affiliated Special Services Club, RAWNY will celebrate its centennial in 2017.