be5f5cb8-9839-4827-98b3-c519aa546acc

## Drone Rules - Everglades National Park

**Drone use is prohibited** throughout Everglades National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within park boundaries
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration
- Manatees, alligators, and nesting birds are highly sensitive to aerial disturbance


### Source
- Everglades NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Everglades National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's four UNESCO/international designations make wildlife disturbance protection a global priority.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Miami International (KMIA) Class B outer ring begins ~20 miles north
- Homestead ARB (KHST) Class D lies on the north park boundary
- Florida Keys Class E and G airspace extends south; Key West airport (KEYW) Class C
- Park spans 1.5 million acres of sawgrass marsh, mangrove estuary, and Florida Bay

### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park boundaries including Florida Bay
- Florida panther (ESA endangered) has 20-50% of population in and near Everglades
- Cape Sable seaside sparrow (ESA endangered) nests in the marl prairies
- American crocodile (ESA threatened) nests along Florida Bay shores

### Source
- NPS Everglades: https://www.nps.gov/ever

## Drone Rules - Big Bend National Park

**Drone use is prohibited** in Big Bend National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within park boundaries
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- The Rio Grande corridor and dark-sky designation make drones especially unwelcome


### Source
- Big Bend Rules: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Big Bend National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Border security TFRs and military operations may overlap with the park's airspace.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport (KALPN) Class G ~60 miles north
- Park is one of the most remote NPS units in the lower 48; CBP operates surveillance drones
- Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River designation adds further protection
- Sierra del Carmen mountains rise 7,500 ft across the border in Mexico

### Key Rules
- No civilian drone operations within park; CBP sovereign airspace use near the border
- International boundary with Mexico means drone crossings create diplomatic incidents
- Mexican black bear and Black-capped vireo (ESA delisted 2018, sensitive) in the park
- Colima warbler nests only in the US in the Chisos Mountains — sole US nesting location

### Source
- NPS Big Bend: https://www.nps.gov/bibe

## Drone Rules - White Sands National Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at White Sands National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within park boundaries
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- Proximity to White Sands Missile Range creates additional airspace restrictions beyond NPS policy


### Source
- White Sands Things to Know: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/things-to-know.htm

## Drone Rules - White Sands National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park is completely surrounded by White Sands Missile Range, making unauthorized drone flight an immediate DoD security concern.

### Airspace / Site Context
- White Sands Regional Airport (KTCS) Class D lies ~45 miles south
- White Sands Missile Range restricted airspace R-5107 surrounds the park
- US-70 highway through the park closes 2-3 times per week for missile tests on the range
- Holloman AFB (KHMN) Class D lies ~20 miles east; F-16 and T-38 operations adjacent

### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park; missile range restricted areas adjacent are equally off-limits
- Missile test TFRs may encompass park airspace; NOTAM checks mandatory
- White gypsum sands ecosystem is unique; Bleached earless lizard endemic species
- Apache and other Tribal connections to the region make cultural sensitivity important

### Source
- NPS White Sands: https://www.nps.gov/whsa

## Drone Rules - Carlsbad Caverns National Park

**Drones are not allowed** in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration
- Brazilian free-tailed bat colony of over 400,000 bats is highly sensitive to disturbance


### Source
- Carlsbad Caverns Regulations: https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Carlsbad Caverns NP

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Bat colony disturbance from aerial drone operations would violate MBTA protections and cause severe ecological harm.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Cavern City Air Terminal (KCNM) Class D lies ~5 miles north
- Park elevation 3,596-6,368 ft MSL in the Guadalupe Mountains
- Evening bat flight of 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats is a world-famous natural event
- Lechuguilla Cave (restricted scientific cave) sets world records for cave size and formations

### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park; bat flight observation areas have strict air-disturbance rules
- Brazilian free-tailed bat maternity colony is protected under MBTA
- Cave entrance air currents would carry drone noise directly into roosting areas
- KCNM Class D LAANC required for Part 107 operations near the airport

### Source
- NPS Carlsbad Caverns: https://www.nps.gov/cave

## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain)
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance


### Source
- Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's proximity to Tucson International Airport creates additional airspace complications.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Tucson International Airport (KTUS) Class C airspace lies adjacent to the Rincon Mountain District (east unit)
- Davis-Monthan AFB (KDMA) Class D lies within 5 miles of the Tucson Mountain District (west unit)
- Drone operations near either unit require LAANC authorization for airspace compliance
- Mexican spotted owl (ESA threatened) nests in the Rincon Mountain highlands

### Key Rules
- No drone operations in either park unit (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain districts)
- KTUS LAANC required for Part 107 near the Class C airspace boundary
- Mexican spotted owl nesting season February-August has stricter enforcement
- Arizona state law ARS 13-3729 adds critical infrastructure protection applicable to NPS lands

### Source
- NPS Saguaro: https://www.nps.gov/sagu

## Drone Rules - Pinnacles National Park

**Drone use is strictly prohibited** in Pinnacles National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights anywhere in the park
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- California condor nesting in the pinnacles formations demands zero aerial disturbance


### Source
- Pinnacles Rules: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Pinnacles National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. California Condor nesting makes drone operations an active ESA Section 9 enforcement priority.

### Airspace / Site Context
- King City Airport (KKNL) uncontrolled field ~20 miles west
- Park elevation 824-3,304 ft in the Gabilan Mountains of the Salinas Valley
- One of three primary California condor release sites; 15-30 condors may be in the park at any time
- Peregrine falcon also nests on the volcanic spires

### Key Rules
- No drone operations anywhere within park boundaries
- California condor (ESA endangered) nest site buffers extend beyond park boundary
- Any drone within 1,000 ft of a condor constitutes a potential ESA Section 9 take
- Bat roost caves (talus caves) are sensitive — Townsend's big-eared bat (ESA concern) present

### Source
- NPS Pinnacles: https://www.nps.gov/pinn

## Drone Rules - Channel Islands National Park

**Drone flights are not permitted** in Channel Islands National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use over any of the five islands
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- Threatened island fox and Xantus's murrelet nesting require strict aerial protection


### Source
- Channel Islands Rules: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Channel Islands NP

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects 145 endemic species; aerial disturbance of breeding seabirds and marine mammals is an active enforcement priority.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Santa Barbara Airport (KSBA) Class C lies ~30 miles north of Santa Cruz Island
- Point Mugu Naval Air Station (KNGU) Class D lies ~20 miles east; R-2501 Warning Area offshore
- Islands span 150 miles of the Southern California Bight; Pacific Missile Range adjacent
- California condor (ESA endangered) has been reintroduced on Santa Cruz Island

### Key Rules
- No drone operations on any of the five islands or in park waters
- California condor nest sites are absolute no-fly zones; ESA Section 9 applies
- Brown pelican (ESA delisted but MBTA protected) nests in large colonies on Anacapa Island
- Island Fox (ESA delisted 2016) recovery program sensitive to aerial disturbance

### Source
- NPS Channel Islands: https://www.nps.gov/chis

## Drone Rules - Crater Lake National Park

**Drone use is prohibited** in Crater Lake National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park admin
- The pristine caldera lake environment and wilderness make enforcement a priority


### Source
- Crater Lake Rules: https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Crater Lake National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Crater Lake's extraordinary clarity (Secchi depth 43 m) makes light pollution and surface disturbance from drone operations a scientific concern.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Klamath Falls Airport (KLMT) Class D lies ~55 miles south
- Park elevation 4,406-8,929 ft MSL; Crater Lake sits at 6,178 ft
- Deepest lake in the US at 1,943 ft; water clarity is a primary management concern
- Mazama Village and Rim Drive visitor areas have high tourist density June-September

### Key Rules
- No drone launches, landings, or flights anywhere within the park
- Lake surface overflights would disturb unique thermal stratification research
- Bald eagle nests on the caldera rim (BGEPA protected)
- Heavy snowpack October-May makes winter drone operations physically dangerous

### Source
- NPS Crater Lake: https://www.nps.gov/crla

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Stephen Mather Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
North Cascades National Park is located in Whatcom and
Skagit Counties, Washington, on the Canadian border.
- Total area: ~504,781 acres
- Coordinates: 48.7718° N, 121.2985° W
- Includes Cascade Pass, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, Mount Shuksan
  (9,131 ft MSL), and ~300 glaciers
- Stephen Mather Wilderness: ~634,614 acres (includes recreation areas)
- Nearest city: Sedro-Woolley, WA (~46 miles west)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — Stephen Mather Wilderness
- International border proximity — CBP coordination required
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- CBP border zone penalties for unauthorized overflights
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Glaciological research: NPS + USGS coordination
- CBP coordination mandatory for border-adjacent operations
Submit requests to: North Cascades NP Superintendent,
810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

## Drone Rules - North Cascades National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Grizzly bear and gray wolf recovery operations in the park make drone disturbance an active wildlife management concern.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Bellingham International Airport (KBLI) Class C lies ~30 miles west
- Park elevation up to 9,206 ft (Goode Mountain); glaciers above 5,000 ft
- 300+ glaciers in the park complex; most accessible US glaciers for climate research
- Gray wolf and Canadian lynx (ESA threatened) habitat throughout the Cascades





### Key Rules
- No drone launches or operations within park boundaries
- Grizzly bear reintroduction program (initiated 2024); strict drone prohibition to prevent habituation
- Canadian lynx ESA critical habitat designation in park; aerial disturbance prohibited
- Ross Lake and Lake Chelan NRAs adjacent to the park also prohibit drones under 36 CFR 1.5




### Source
- NPS North Cascades: https://www.nps.gov/noca

##
This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System.
















 
https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm

## Drone Rules - Olympic National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's diversity across coastal, rainforest, and alpine ecosystems makes wildlife disturbance a complex concern.

### Airspace / Site Context
- William R. Fairchild International Airport (KCLM) Class D near Port Angeles
- Park spans the Olympic Peninsula from sea level to 7,980 ft (Mount Olympus)
- Elwha River dam removal (2011-2014) produced one of the largest salmon recovery projects in history
- Northern spotted owl (ESA threatened) old-growth forest habitat throughout the park

### Key Rules
- No drone operations anywhere in the park including beach and coastal wilderness sections
- Northern spotted owl nesting season restrictions apply February-August
- Marbled murrelet (ESA threatened) nests in old-growth canopy; aerial disturbance prohibited
- Wilderness Act designation over much of the park adds supplemental prohibition

### Source
- NPS Olympic: https://www.nps.gov/olym

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Rocky Mountain Wilderness absolute motorized ban
- ESA: ⚠️ Canada lynx threatened — alpine zone restrictions

## Geographic Boundaries
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Larimer and
Grand Counties, Colorado, in the Front Range.
- Total area: ~265,807 acres
- Coordinates: 40.3428° N, 105.6836° W
- Includes Trail Ridge Road (12,183 ft — highest continuous paved
  road in U.S.), Longs Peak (14,259 ft), Bear Lake, and Wild Basin
- Rocky Mountain Wilderness: ~249,339 acres
- Nearest city: Estes Park, CO (~3 miles east)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
  threatened; wolverine (Gulo gulo) candidate species
- MBTA (16 U.S.C. § 703) — Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon
  nesting on alpine cliffs
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations
- Airspace: Class G; Denver Class B TMA ~65 miles southeast

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- ESA Canada lynx: up to $25,000 civil + $50,000 criminal
- MBTA: fines up to $15,000 + 6 months per raptor disturbance
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Canada lynx research: ESA Section 10 ITP required
- Raptor nesting blackout: March–August alpine cliff areas
Submit requests to: Rocky Mountain NP Superintendent,
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517

## Drone Rules - Rocky Mountain National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Gray wolf recolonization makes wildlife disturbance especially sensitive.



### Airspace / Site Context
- Denver International (KDEN) Class B outer ring is ~45 miles east
- Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal (KFNL) Class D lies ~20 miles NE near Estes Park
- Park elevation 7,500-14,259 ft (Longs Peak); storm weather TFRs common
- 265,873 acres spanning the Continental Divide and the Kawuneeche Valley





### Key Rules
- No drone launches, landings, or operations within park boundaries
- Gray wolf pack activity in the park; 10 U.S.C. 130i type authority for wildlife managers to respond to drone disturbance
- Bighorn sheep rut season (November-December) has heightened disturbance sensitivity
- High-elevation thunderstorms create extreme UAS hazards even if operations were permitted







### Source
- NPS Rocky Mountain: https://www.nps.gov/romo

## Drone Rules - Great Sand Dunes National Park

**Drones are not allowed** at Great Sand Dunes National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within park boundaries
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration
- Migrating waterfowl and the Medano Creek corridor require protection


### Source
- NPS UAS Policy: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/uas.htm

## Drone Rules - Great Sand Dunes NP

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The world's only species of Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle is an ESA concern in this unique ecosystem.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Alamosa Airport (KALS) Class D lies ~25 miles south
- Park elevation 7,519-13,604 ft MSL; San Luis Valley floor to Sangre de Cristo peaks
- Dune field covers 30 square miles; Medano Creek creates unique wet-sand environment
- San Luis Valley is a key raptor migration corridor along the Rocky Mountain flyway

### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park boundary
- Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle endemic; any drone disturbance of dune surface potentially harms ESA species
- Whooping crane has been recorded in San Luis Valley during migration
- Surrounding Great Sand Dunes National Preserve (NPS) and Rio Grande National Forest also restrict drones

### Source
- NPS Great Sand Dunes: https://www.nps.gov/grsa

## Drone Rules - Mesa Verde National Park

**Drones are not permitted** in Mesa Verde National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over the park or cliff dwellings
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- Cliff Palace and Balcony House are irreplaceable archaeological sites


### Source
- Mesa Verde Rules: https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Mesa Verde National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Archaeological site protection adds additional federal authority under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Cortez Municipal Airport (KCEZ) Class D lies ~10 miles west
- Park elevation 7,000-8,572 ft MSL on the mesa top; cliff dwellings are in deep canyon recesses
- Over 5,000 archaeological sites including 600+ cliff dwellings
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978; international cultural protection applies

### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park boundary under 36 CFR 1.5
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) prohibits disturbance of protected sites
- Cliff Palace and other dwellings are occupied by bat colonies sensitive to aerial disturbance
- Ute Mountain Ute and Hopi Tribal cultural heritage interests make sensitivity heightened

### Source
- NPS Mesa Verde: https://www.nps.gov/meve

## Drone Rules - Bryce Canyon Amphitheater

**Drone use is prohibited** at Bryce Canyon Amphitheater and all Bryce Canyon National Park lands.







### Key Rules
- No drone flights from Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, or Sunrise Point
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- Thousands of hoodoos in the amphitheater and nesting Utah prairie dogs are strictly protected


### Source
- Bryce Canyon NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/things-to-know.htm

## Drone Rules - Bryce Canyon National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects 35,835 acres of hoodoo-filled amphitheaters on the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Bryce Canyon Airport (KBCE) Class D lies ~5 miles SW of the rim
- Park elevation 8,000-9,115 ft MSL; altitude significantly reduces drone lift and battery life
- Bryce Canyon is one of the world's premier dark-sky parks; nighttime drone operations would disrupt stargazing
- Peregrine falcon nests in canyon walls April-July

### Key Rules
- No drone launches, landings, or operations within the park boundary
- Bryce Canyon Airport Class D requires LAANC coordination for flights in the vicinity
- Peregrine falcon nesting sites have additional protective buffer from March-August
- Utah state law and park concessionaire rules reinforce federal prohibition

### Source
- NPS Bryce Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/brca

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Capitol Reef Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Capitol Reef National Park is located in Wayne County, Utah.
- Total area: ~241,904 acres
- Coordinates: 38.2972° N, 111.2615° W
- Includes Waterpocket Fold (100-mile monocline), Hickman Bridge,
  Fruita orchards, Cathedral Valley, and Cassidy Arch
- Capitol Reef Wilderness: ~194,679 acres
- Nearest city: Torrey, UT (~11 miles west)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
Submit requests to: Capitol Reef NP Superintendent,
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775

## Drone Rules - Capitol Reef National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. No exceptions without a Special Use Permit from the park superintendent.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Remote Wayne County Utah; Richfield Airport (KRCX) lies ~50 miles SW
- Park elevation 3,900-8,960 ft MSL; the Henry Mountains and Boulder Mountain flank the park
- Waterpocket Fold 100-mile monocline is the primary geological feature
- One of the least-visited but most geologically significant NPs in the Colorado Plateau




### Key Rules
- No drone launches or landings anywhere within park boundaries
- Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lion populations are sensitive to air disturbance
- Utah prairie dog (ESA delisted) colonies in open meadows
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument adjacent; BLM rules apply there



### Source
- NPS Capitol Reef: https://www.nps.gov/care

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Canyonlands Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Canyonlands National Park — Maze District is located in San Juan
and Wayne Counties, Utah, on the Colorado Plateau.
- Total park area: ~337,598 acres
- Maze District: ~40,000 acres (westernmost, most remote district)
- Coordinates: 38.1500° N, 110.1833° W
- Includes The Maze canyon labyrinth, Horseshoe Canyon (Great Gallery
  pictographs), Land of Standing Rocks, and Doll House formations
- No paved roads; high-clearance 4WD required for access
- Nearest city: Hanksville, UT (~50 miles northwest)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — Canyonlands Wilderness
- National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 300101) —
  Horseshoe Canyon Great Gallery rock art (Barrier Canyon Style,
  ~2,000–8,000 years old)
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 470aa) —
  protects pictograph panels and archaeological sites
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class E above 700 ft AGL; surface Class G within park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act penalties for motorized equipment violations
- ARPA fines up to $20,000 + 2 years imprisonment for rock art disturbance
- NHPA penalties for prehistoric rock art site disturbance
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required (extremely limited approvals)
- Archaeological research with NPS + SHPO + ARPA federal permit
- All access requires self-sufficiency; no rescue guarantees in Maze
Submit requests to: Canyonlands NP Superintendent,
2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532

## Drone Rules - Canyonlands National Park




**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park spans 527 square miles of Utah canyon country divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Canyonlands Field Airport (KCNY) Class D near Moab
- Park elevation ranges from 3,900 to 7,180 ft MSL; severe downdrafts in canyon terrain
- Colorado River and Green River confluence is the park's geographic and ecological center
- California condor (ESA endangered) has been observed in the Canyonlands region




### Key Rules
- No drone operations anywhere within park boundaries
- Narrow canyon walls and mesa tops create severe radio signal issues for drone control
- California condor flyover routes make drone operations an active ESA concern
- Wilderness Area designations within the park add USFS Wilderness Act drone prohibition equivalent








### Source
- NPS Canyonlands: https://www.nps.gov/cany

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Crater Lake Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Crater Lake National Park is located in Klamath County, Oregon.
- Total area: ~183,224 acres
- Coordinates: 42.9446° N, 122.1090° W
- Includes Crater Lake (deepest lake in U.S. — 1,943 ft),
  Wizard Island, Rim Drive, and Pinnacles
- Nearest city: Klamath Falls, OR (~57 miles south)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit
Submit requests to: Crater Lake NP Superintendent,
Rim Village, Crater Lake, OR 97604

## Drone Rules - Arches National Park

**All drone launches, landings, and operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. No exceptions for recreational, commercial, or scientific use without a Special Use Permit.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Canyonlands Field Airport (KCNY) Class D lies ~15 miles west near Moab
- Park elevation 4,085-5,653 ft MSL; thin air affects drone performance
- Over 2,000 documented sandstone arches including Delicate Arch (65 ft tall)
- Desert bighorn sheep, Utah prairie dog, and peregrine falcon nest in the park



### Key Rules
- No drone launches, landings, or operations anywhere in the park
- Peregrine falcon (delisted but protected under MBTA) nests on cliffs; disturbance prohibited
- High visitor density means drone incidents attract immediate ranger attention
- Adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands have different rules but park boundaries are enforced



### Source
- NPS Arches: https://www.nps.gov/arch

## FAA facility airspace restriction















            This area appears in FAA_FS_UAS source data. Drone pilots should verify current FAA requirements, LAANC availability, altitude limits, temporary restrictions, and local conditions before flight.


            This page is based on imported FAA data and may need additional community review.

## Drone Rules - Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant

**All drone operations are prohibited** within Calvert Cliffs' NRC security zone under 10 CFR Part 73 and FAA regulations.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Plant sits on the Chesapeake Bay western shore in Calvert County, MD
- Washington SFRA boundary is approximately 30 miles north
- P-40 National Security Area influenced zone means elevated security awareness
- Naval Air Station Patuxent River (KNHK) lies ~20 miles south; R-4006 nearby

### Key Rules
- NRC prohibited zone extends from shore over the Chesapeake Bay waters adjacent
- Bay-based drone launches from boats are covered under the security perimeter
- Maryland state law prohibits UAS over critical infrastructure
- Proximity to SFRA means any flight plan in this corridor needs careful NOTAM checking

### Source
- NRC: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/cc.html

## Drone Rules - Seabrook Nuclear Station

**All drone operations are prohibited** within Seabrook Nuclear Station's security boundary under NRC 10 CFR Part 73.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (KMHT) Class C lies ~20 miles NW
- Hampton Beach State Park is adjacent; popular beach area creates visibility of any UAS
- Atlantic Ocean lies immediately east; offshore drone launches could penetrate the exclusion zone
- Boston Class B (KBOS) shelf extends south toward the NH coast

### Key Rules
- NRC prohibits UAS access to protected areas; ocean approach routes are also monitored
- New Hampshire RSA 207-A:1 restricts drone operations near critical infrastructure
- Beach-based drone launches during summer are monitored by plant security
- NOTAM-designated TFRs may activate for security exercises

### Source
- NRC: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/sbn.html

## Drone Rules - Three Mile Island Nuclear Station

**All drone operations are prohibited** within Three Mile Island's NRC-regulated security zone under 10 CFR Part 73.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Harrisburg International Airport (KMDT) Class C lies ~10 miles SE
- Plant sits on an island in the Susquehanna River near Middletown, PA
- Unit 1 is being refurbished for restart; construction activity adds safety concerns
- Site gained historical significance after 1979 accident; security posture reflects this

### Key Rules
- NRC security plan prohibits any UAS within the protected area perimeter
- Harrisburg Class C LAANC required for Part 107 operations in the region
- Pennsylvania state law 18 Pa. C.S. 3505 prohibits UAS over critical infrastructure
- River-based drone launches also covered under NRC security perimeter

### Source
- NRC: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/tmi.html

## Drone Rules - Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant

**All drone operations are prohibited** within Diablo Canyon's security boundaries under NRC 10 CFR Part 73.

### Airspace / Site Context
- San Luis Obispo Airport (KSBP) Class D lies ~10 miles north
- Pacific Missile Test Range (Point Mugu) Warning Areas extend offshore nearby
- Plant sits on ocean bluffs above San Luis Bay; security zone includes the adjacent cove
- Plant was scheduled for closure 2025 but received state license extension

### Key Rules
- No UAS within NRC-designated security zone regardless of altitude or intent
- California Penal Code 402.5 and PUC rules prohibit UAS over power infrastructure
- Coastal access restrictions near the plant are enforced by Pacific Gas & Electric security
- FAA coordination required for any special use missions approved by NRC

### Source
- NRC: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/dc.html

## FAA airspace facility restriction















            This area appears in FAA_NS_UAS source data. Drone pilots should verify current FAA requirements, LAANC availability, altitude limits, temporary restrictions, and local conditions before flight.


            This page is based on imported FAA data and may need additional community review.

## Drone Rules - Palo Verde Nuclear Station

**All drone operations are prohibited** within Palo Verde's security zones under NRC 10 CFR Part 73 regulations.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (KPHX) Class B inner shelf begins ~30 miles east
- Buckeye Municipal Airport (KBXK) Class D lies ~15 miles SE
- Plant generates 3,937 MW — largest nuclear power output in the US
- Three pressurized water reactors; security zone extends outward from each reactor building

### Key Rules
- NRC requires facility to use all available means to prevent UAS access to protected areas
- FAA NOTAM may designate temporary flight restrictions over the plant
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3729 prohibits UAS over critical public infrastructure
- Armed security forces on site 24/7 with authority to disable or shoot down threatening UAS

### Source
- NRC: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/pvn.html

## Drone Rules - Turkey Point Nuclear Plant

**All drone operations are prohibited** within the nuclear power plant security boundary under Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations and FAA restrictions.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Miami International (KMIA) Class B inner shelf begins ~25 miles north
- Homestead ARB (KHST) Class D lies ~10 miles west; military operations adjacent
- Plant sits on Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County; NPS Biscayne National Park adjacent
- NRC 10 CFR Part 73 prohibits unauthorized access to protected areas including airspace above

### Key Rules
- No UAS within protected area (fenced perimeter) or within 1,000 ft altitude overhead
- NRC regulations require nuclear facilities to report and deter UAS intrusions
- Florida Statute 934.50 prohibits UAS over critical infrastructure
- Biscayne NP NPS rules apply to Bay waters adjacent to the plant

### Source
- NRC: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactors/tpn.html

## Drone Rules - Grand Coulee Dam

**All drone operations are permanently prohibited** over Grand Coulee Dam and immediate vicinity under Bureau of Reclamation critical infrastructure security protocols.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Grand Coulee Airport (KGUE) Class G uncontrolled airspace ~5 miles south
- Dam is 550 ft tall and 5,223 ft wide; generates 6,809 MW — largest US hydroelectric facility
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake (Lake Roosevelt) extends 150 miles behind the dam
- Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area NPS boundaries adjacent

### Key Rules
- Permanent FAA no-fly zone over dam structure; violations are federal crimes
- Bureau of Reclamation law enforcement on site 24/7
- NPS 36 CFR 1.5 applies to Lake Roosevelt NRA portions
- Washington state critical infrastructure law prohibits UAS over power-generating facilities

### Source
- Bureau of Reclamation: https://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee

## FAA facility airspace restriction















            This area appears in FAA_FS_UAS source data. Drone pilots should verify current FAA requirements, LAANC availability, altitude limits, temporary restrictions, and local conditions before flight.


            This page is based on imported FAA data and may need additional community review.

## Drone Rules - Glen Canyon Dam

**All drone operations are prohibited** over Glen Canyon Dam and within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area boundaries under 36 CFR 1.5 and Bureau of Reclamation security regulations.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Page Municipal Airport (KPGA) Class D lies ~3 miles north
- Permanent FAA no-fly zone covers the dam structure and powerhouse
- Dam spans the Colorado River on the AZ-UT border above Lake Powell
- Glen Canyon NRA NPS boundaries extend for miles around the dam

### Key Rules
- Bureau of Reclamation and NPS jointly enforce drone prohibition
- Lake Powell recreational boaters must launch drones from shore, never over the dam
- FAA TFRs may be issued during high-water releases or infrastructure maintenance
- Utah and Arizona state laws add independent critical infrastructure protection

### Source
- Bureau of Reclamation: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/rm/crsp/gc