be5f5cb8-9839-4827-98b3-c519aa546acc

## Drone Rules - Backbone State Park

**Iowa DNR authorization required** for drone flights at Backbone.

### Key Rules
- Iowa DNR requires permits for commercial and recreational drone use in state parks
- The narrow 'backbone' limestone ridge creates confined airspace with GNSS challenges
- Maquoketa River trout streams below the ridge are a special fishing designation
- Commercial filming requires Iowa DNR Special Use Permit

### Source
- Iowa DNR State Parks: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks

## Drone Rules - Turkey Run State Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** at Turkey Run State Park.

### Key Rules
- Indiana DNR prohibits drone use in all state parks without authorization
- Sugar Creek sandstone canyons are extremely narrow -- flight in the gorge is physically dangerous
- Historic Lieber cabin area and covered bridge are popular filming targets
- Lafayette (LAF) Airport Class D airspace is north of the park

### Source
- Indiana DNR Rules: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/

## Drone Rules - Indiana Dunes State Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Indiana Dunes State Park.

### Key Rules
- Indiana DNR prohibits drone flights in all state parks without authorization
- Adjacent to Indiana Dunes National Park (NPS) -- both prohibit drone use
- Piping plover nesting beaches require strict no-fly zone during breeding season (April-August)
- Michigan City Airport (MGC) Class D airspace is east of the dunes

### Source
- Indiana DNR Rules: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/

## Drone Rules - Peninsula State Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** at Peninsula State Park.

### Key Rules
- Wisconsin DNR prohibits drone use in state parks without authorization
- Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is actively operated and a major filming target
- Bald eagle nesting on the limestone cliffs requires strict aerial buffer
- Green Bay shore areas host large concentrations of migratory shorebirds in fall

### Source
- Wisconsin DNR Drone Policy: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/uas.html

## Drone Rules - Devil's Lake State Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Devil's Lake State Park.

### Key Rules
- Wisconsin DNR prohibits drone flights in all state parks without authorization
- Devil's Lake quartzite bluffs are a premier rock climbing destination -- drones endanger climbers
- Baraboo Range glacial topography creates unpredictable wind conditions
- Wisconsin's most-visited state park -- very high visitor density year-round

### Source
- Wisconsin DNR Drone Policy: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/uas.html

## Drone Rules - Starved Rock State Park

**Drones are not permitted** at Starved Rock State Park.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from the Illinois DNR
- The 18 canyons carved by glacial meltwater and seasonal waterfalls attract bald eagles and over a million visitors per year


### Source
- Illinois DNR: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/Park.aspx?trailId=0&parkId=357

## Drone Rules - Starved Rock State Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** at Starved Rock State Park.

### Key Rules
- Illinois DNR prohibits drone use in state parks and recreation areas without authorization
- 18 sandstone canyons with waterfalls -- extremely popular filming destinations
- Illinois River eagle watching from the bluffs is a winter highlight -- no drone disturbance
- Ottawa Airport (OTT) Class D airspace is north of the park

### Source
- Illinois DNR Rules: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/recreation/Pages/DroneUse.aspx

## Drone Rules - Red River Gorge Geological Area

**Drones require USFS authorization** in the Red River Gorge Geological Area.

### Key Rules
- Daniel Boone National Forest (USFS) restricts drone use in Wilderness and sensitive areas
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park (adjacent) requires Kentucky State Parks authorization
- Peregrine falcon nesting on the sandstone arches (spring-summer) requires a seasonal buffer
- Rock climbers on the Red River Gorge's hundreds of routes require aerial separation

### Source
- USFS UAS Policy: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/uas

## Drone Rules - Natural Falls State Park

**Oklahoma State Parks authorization required** for drone flights.

### Key Rules
- Oklahoma State Parks prohibits commercial drone use without authorization
- 77-foot Dripping Springs waterfall in a narrow box canyon creates significant GNSS signal issues
- Forest canopy overhead makes visual line-of-sight difficult to maintain
- Recreational drone flights in the open picnic areas may be permitted with state parks permission

### Source
- Oklahoma State Parks: https://oklahoma.gov/tourismdepartment/state-parks.html

## Drone Rules - Hilton Head Island

**Drone flights require LAANC authorization** near Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH).

### Key Rules
- Hilton Head Airport (HHH) Class D airspace covers the island
- Town of Hilton Head requires commercial drone operators to obtain a business license
- Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches (April-October): 150m aerial buffer required
- Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines, and other private resorts prohibit drone overflights without permission

### Source
- FAA B4UFLY App: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/b4ufly

## Drone Rules - Guadalupe River State Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Guadalupe River State Park.

### Key Rules
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department prohibits drone flights in state parks
- Guadalupe River canyon supports bald eagle and black hawk nesting
- Golden-cheeked warbler (federally endangered) habitat in surrounding juniper woodlands
- Commercial filming requires TPWD Special Use Authorization

### Source
- TPWD UAS Policy: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-rules-regulations

## Drone Rules - Garner State Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** at Garner State Park.

### Key Rules
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department prohibits drone use in all state parks
- Garner is consistently the most-visited Texas state park -- massive summer crowds
- Frio River swimming areas have thousands of tubers and swimmers -- no drone overflight
- Commercial filming requires TPWD Special Use Authorization

### Source
- TPWD UAS Policy: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-rules-regulations

## Drone Rules - Frozen Head State Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Frozen Head State Park.

### Key Rules
- Tennessee State Parks prohibits drone flights in all state parks without authorization
- Frozen Head Mountain (3,324 ft) summit fire tower area is especially restricted
- Dense hardwood forest canopy makes GNSS signal unreliable
- Adjacent Morgan County Correctional Complex -- no drone flights near correctional facilities

### Source
- Tennessee State Parks Rules: https://tnstateparks.com/about/rules-regulations

## Drone Rules - Fall Creek Falls State Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

### Key Rules
- Tennessee State Parks prohibits drone use without a Special Use Permit
- Fall Creek Falls (256 ft) is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies -- very popular filming target
- Piney Creek Gorge and Cane Creek Cascades are also frequently targeted by drone pilots
- Rules are actively enforced at the overlooks during peak visitor hours

### Source
- Tennessee State Parks Rules: https://tnstateparks.com/about/rules-regulations

## Drone Rules - Ohiopyle State Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Ohiopyle State Park.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from Pennsylvania DCNR
- The Youghiogheny River gorge, Ohiopyle Falls, and Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area are protected


### Source
- Pennsylvania State Parks: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/OhiopyleStatePark

## Drone Rules - Ohiopyle State Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Ohiopyle State Park.

### Key Rules
- Pennsylvania DCNR prohibits drone flights in all state parks without authorization
- Youghiogheny River whitewater rafters and kayakers create aerial safety concerns
- Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls are major filming targets -- rules actively enforced
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (nearby) has separate private property restrictions

### Source
- PA DCNR Drone Policy: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/Pages/Drones.aspx

## Drone Rules - Ricketts Glen State Park

**Drones are not permitted** at Ricketts Glen State Park.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from Pennsylvania DCNR
- Twenty-two named waterfalls and a National Natural Landmark old-growth forest are strictly protected


### Source
- Pennsylvania State Parks: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/RickettsGlenStatePark

## Drone Rules - Ricketts Glen State Park

**Drone flights are prohibited** at Ricketts Glen State Park.

### Key Rules
- Pennsylvania DCNR prohibits drone use in all state parks without a Special Use Authorization
- 21 named waterfalls on the Falls Trail are among Pennsylvania's most photographed natural features
- Narrow gorge trails create serious collision risk between drones and hikers
- Commercial filming requires Pennsylvania DCNR Special Use Authorization

### Source
- PA DCNR Drone Policy: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/Pages/Drones.aspx

## Drone Rules - Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

**Drone flights are not permitted** in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use over any of the park's six units
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from NPS
- Barataria Preserve and New Orleans French Quarter cultural landscape require protection

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

## Drone Rules - Natchez National Historical Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Natchez NHP.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over the park properties
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- Antebellum plantation sites and Mississippi River bluffs are protected cultural landscapes

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

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Military: ⚠️ Eglin AFB + NAS Pensacola restricted airspace adjacent
- ESA: ⚠️ Loggerhead sea turtle and Snowy Plover nesting beaches

## Geographic Boundaries
Gulf Islands National Seashore spans Santa Rosa and Escambia
Counties, Florida, and Harrison and Jackson Counties, Mississippi.
- Total area: ~65,817 acres
- Coordinates: 30.3500° N, 87.0000° W
- Includes Fort Pickens, Ship Island, Horn Island Wilderness,
  Perdido Key, and Davis Bayou
- Adjacent to Eglin AFB (largest U.S. Air Force base by area)
  and NAS Pensacola (birthplace of U.S. Naval aviation)
- Nearest city: Gulf Breeze, FL (Florida headquarters)

## 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
- Military airspace: Eglin AFB restricted areas R-2914/R-2915
  and NAS Pensacola Class D overlap park boundaries
- ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — Loggerhead sea turtle and
  Snowy Plover threatened nesting habitats
- MBTA (16 U.S.C. § 703) — colonial waterbird nesting
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — Horn Island Wilderness
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations
- Airspace: Class G within park; military R-areas and Class D adjacent

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Military airspace violation: federal criminal prosecution
- ESA Section 9: up to $50,000 + 1 year per species incident
- MBTA: fines up to $15,000 + 6 months per bird disturbance
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by NPS rangers and/or military security

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Eglin AFB and NAS Pensacola military coordination mandatory
- Sea turtle nesting blackout: May–October beaches
Submit requests to: Gulf Islands NS Superintendent,
1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

## Drone Rules - Gulf Islands National Seashore





**Drone flights are banned** at Gulf Islands National Seashore.










### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use over the islands or Gulf waters within the seashore
- Covers both the Florida (Pensacola area) and Mississippi (Ocean Springs area) units
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- Snowy plover nesting beaches require strict aerial disturbance limits








### Source
- Gulf Islands Rules: https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

**Drone flights are banned** in Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use within the preserve
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit from the NPS
- One of the largest undisturbed salt marshes on the Atlantic Coast; Timucua Native American shell middens dating back 5,000 years are protected

### Source
- Timucuan NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/timu/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Drone Rules - Timucuan Preserve

**Drone use is prohibited** in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over preserve lands or marshes
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- Ancient Timucua shell middens and coastal marsh ecosystems require protection

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

## Drone Rules - Fort Matanzas National Monument

**Drone flights are not permitted** at Fort Matanzas National Monument.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use over the fort island or Matanzas Inlet
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from NPS
- Historic Spanish colonial fortification requires aerial protection

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

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Launch TFRs: ⚠️ Kennedy Space Center — TFRs issued without notice
- ESA: ⚠️ Loggerhead and Leatherback sea turtle nesting beaches

## Geographic Boundaries
Canaveral National Seashore is located in Brevard and Volusia
Counties, Florida, on the Atlantic coast.
- Total area: ~57,662 acres
- Length: ~24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline
- Coordinates: 28.7336° N, 80.7531° W
- Includes Playalinda Beach, Apollo Beach, Mosquito Lagoon,
  and Klondike Beach (no vehicle access)
- Adjacent to Kennedy Space Center + Cape Canaveral SFS
- Nearest city: Titusville, FL (~5 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
- FAA TFR framework (14 CFR § 91.143) — Kennedy Space Center
  launch TFRs issued without advance notice; ALL operations
  must check tfr.faa.gov before flight
- ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — Loggerhead and Leatherback sea
  turtles threatened; nesting beaches critical habitat
- MBTA (16 U.S.C. § 703) — colonial waterbird nesting
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- KSC TFR violation: immediate federal prosecution + certificate action
- ESA Section 9: up to $50,000 + 1 year per sea turtle incident
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by NPS rangers and/or Space Force security

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- KSC TFR: mandatory tfr.faa.gov check before every flight
- Sea turtle nesting blackout: May–October beaches
Submit requests to: Canaveral NS Superintendent,
212 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796

## Drone Rules - Canaveral National Seashore





**Drone use is strictly prohibited** at Canaveral National Seashore.










### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over the seashore or adjacent barrier island
- Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station create permanent restricted airspace nearby
- Commercial filming requires both NPS Special Use Permit AND FAA NOTAM coordination
- Sea turtle nesting beach closure areas further restrict low-altitude flight







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

## Drone Rules - De Soto National Memorial

**Drones are not permitted** at De Soto National Memorial.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over the memorial grounds or adjacent Manatee River
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- West Indian manatee habitat along the river requires aerial protection

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

## Drone Rules - Castillo de San Marcos

**Drone flights are banned** at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use over the fort or adjacent Matanzas Bay
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit from NPS
- The oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. is a protected cultural landmark

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

## Drone Rules - MLK Jr. National Historical Park

**Drone use is prohibited** at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over the Sweet Auburn neighborhood park area
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit from NPS
- Urban Atlanta airspace -- check for Hartsfield-Jackson airport restrictions

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

## Drone Rules - Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

**Drone flights are not permitted** at Tuskegee Airmen NHS.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use over the historic site
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- Proximity to Tuskegee University Airport requires coordination with FAA

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