be5f5cb8-9839-4827-98b3-c519aa546acc

## Drone Rules - Forest Park (Portland)

**All drone operations are prohibited** in Forest Park under Portland City Code 20.08.060 and Oregon Revised Statutes 837.310.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Portland International Airport (KPDX) Class C lies ~5 miles east
- Hillsboro Airport (KHIO) Class D lies ~10 miles west
- Park spans the Tualatin Mountains along Portland's northwest boundary
- Spotted owl (ESA threatened) presence in old-growth Douglas fir sections

### Key Rules
- Portland City Code 20.08.060 prohibits UAS in parks without permit
- Oregon state law ORS 837.310 prohibits drone interference with wildlife
- KPDX Class C LAANC required for Part 107 operations; approvals not granted over the park
- Bald eagle (BGEPA) nests along the lower Willamette River adjacent to the park

### Source
- Portland Parks: https://www.portland.gov/parks/rules

## Drone Rules - Griffith Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** in Griffith Park under LARC Rules and Regulations Section 4.03 and California Penal Code 402.5.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR) Class C lies ~5 miles north; Class C extends over the park
- Los Angeles International (KLAX) Class B outer rings also influence the airspace
- Griffith Observatory on the hill creates LOS issues and is a frequently photographed target for illicit drones
- Park spans 4,310 acres — the largest urban park with natural areas in the US

### Key Rules
- KBUR LAANC required for Part 107 in the Class C; prohibited over city parkland
- LARC Rules prohibit drone launches from all city recreational areas
- Mountain lion P-22 territory within the park; mountain lion harassment is a state crime
- Hollywood Sign TFR may activate for special events, further restricting the area

### Source
- LA Recreation and Parks: https://www.laparks.org/rnd/rules

## Drone Rules - Lincoln Park (Chicago)

**All drone operations are prohibited** in Lincoln Park under Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-440 and Illinois state law HB 4001.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Chicago O'Hare (KORD) Class B outer ring extends over North Side Chicago
- Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) Class D lies ~15 miles NW
- Lake Michigan coastline adjacent to the park; over-water drone flights still require LAANC
- Lincoln Park Zoo has open gorilla, lion, and large mammal habitats sensitive to drone noise

### Key Rules
- Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-440 prohibits all UAS in city parks
- Gorillas at Lincoln Park Zoo are known to react aggressively to drone sounds
- Illinois HB 4001 independently prohibits UAS over public areas and sporting events
- Chicago Police Aviation Unit enforces drone ban; drones confiscated on sight

### Source
- Chicago Park District: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/park-rules

## Drone Rules - Balboa Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** in Balboa Park under San Diego Municipal Code 63.0101 and California Penal Code 402.5.

### Airspace / Site Context
- San Diego Lindbergh Field (KSAN) Class B surface area covers Balboa Park
- MCAS Miramar (KNKX) Class D lies ~8 miles north; F/A-18 approach corridors nearby
- San Diego Class B floor is at very low altitudes over the city
- Park includes San Diego Zoo; animals in open-top enclosures react to drone overflights

### Key Rules
- KSAN LAANC required at all times in the Class B; virtually no approvals granted over the park
- San Diego Municipal Code prohibits launching drones from city parks
- San Diego Zoo's bird aviaries and open exhibits make drone overflights an animal welfare issue
- California state law reinforces local prohibition

### Source
- City of San Diego Parks: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation

## Drone Rules - Golden Gate Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** in Golden Gate Park under San Francisco Recreation and Parks Code and California Penal Code 402.5.

### Airspace / Site Context
- San Francisco International (KSFO) Class B extends over San Francisco
- San Francisco Bay Area Approach Control manages airspace over the city
- Oakland (KOAK) Class C lies across the bay; shared approach corridors
- Park spans from Haight-Ashbury to Ocean Beach; western end near Pacific coast

### Key Rules
- SF Parks Code Section 3.12 prohibits drone launches in city parks
- KSFO LAANC required for Part 107 in the Class B; authorization denied over park areas
- California Penal Code 402.5 makes drone interference with public events a misdemeanor
- Peregrine falcon pair nests on cliffs adjacent to the park

### Source
- SF Rec and Park: https://sfrecpark.org/rules-and-regulations

## Drone Rules - Grant Park (Chicago)

**All drone operations are prohibited** in Grant Park under Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-440 and Illinois state law. O'Hare and Midway Class B/C airspace creates additional restrictions.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Chicago O'Hare (KORD) Class B outer shelf extends over the city
- Chicago Midway (KMDW) Class C is ~10 miles SW
- Meigs/Northerly Island area is adjacent; historical significance to Chicago aviation
- Grant Park hosts Lollapalooza, Chicago Air and Water Show, and political events

### Key Rules
- Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-440 prohibits UAS over city parks
- Illinois HB 4001 state law independently prohibits UAS over public gatherings
- Special Event TFRs activate for Lollapalooza and Air and Water Show
- Chicago Police Aviation Unit enforces drone regulations during events

### Source
- Chicago Park District: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/park-rules

## Drone Rules - Prospect Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NYC Local Law 132 (2019) and FAA Class B airspace regulations covering Brooklyn.

### Airspace / Site Context
- JFK International Airport (KJFK) Class B outer rings extend over Brooklyn
- LaGuardia (KLGA) Class B also overlies northern Brooklyn
- Dense residential surrounding neighborhood makes drone accidents high-consequence
- Park features Prospect Lake, which attracts migratory waterfowl October-April

### Key Rules
- NYC Local Law 132 makes park drone flights civil violations ($1,000 first offense)
- KJFK and KLGA LAANC unavailable for NYC airspace; FAA authorization nearly impossible
- NYPD Brooklyn South Aviation patrols respond to drone complaints
- Park has WiFi monitoring infrastructure that detects drone radio signals

### Source
- NYC Parks: https://www.nycparks.org/rules

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without special NYC authorization

## Geographic Boundaries
Central Park is located in Manhattan, New York City, between 59th Street and 110th Street, and 5th Avenue to Central Park West. The entire park area is a restricted zone for drone operations.

## Regulations
- NYC Administrative Code §10-126 prohibits takeoff and landing of drones within city limits
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial drone operations nationwide
- Area is near controlled airspace influenced by LaGuardia Airport


## Penalties
- Fines up to $1,000+
- Possible misdemeanor charges
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500
- Equipment confiscation

## Special Permissions
Drone operations require:
- NYC film permit
- NYPD coordination
- FAA authorization (DroneZone or LAANC)

Approval is extremely limited and rare.

## Drone Rules - Central Park



**All drone operations are prohibited** in Central Park under NYC Local Law 132 (2019) and FAA Class B airspace regulations. The park is within the NYC Class B surface area where LAANC is not available.


### Airspace / Site Context
- LaGuardia Airport (KLGA) Class B surface area covers all of Manhattan
- JFK Airport (KJFK) and Newark (KEWR) Class B outer rings compound restrictions
- New York SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area) applies to the Hudson River corridor
- Central Park spans 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan

### Key Rules
- NYC Local Law 132 makes drone operation in city parks a civil and criminal violation
- FAA Class B airspace requires prior authorization that is essentially never granted over NYC
- NYPD Aviation Unit actively enforces drone laws; confiscation and fines are common
- Red-tailed hawk and Pale Male (famous resident hawk) nests are in the park

### Source
- NYC Parks: https://www.nycparks.org/rules

## Drone Rules - Doi Inthanon NP

**Drone operations are prohibited** within Doi Inthanon National Park under Thailand Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) Drone Regulation 2021 and Royal Forestry Department park rules.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Chiang Mai International Airport (VTCC) Class C lies ~60 km north
- Park summit at 2,565 m MSL; cloud forest habitats require careful approach
- CAAT requires registration, training certificate, and insurance for commercial drone ops
- Royal chedis at the summit are sacred sites where photography/filming is restricted

### Key Rules
- No drone operations in any Thai national park without RFD and CAAT authorization
- CAAT MVID registration and third-party liability insurance mandatory
- Drone flights over royal property (chedis) are strictly prohibited under lese-majeste laws
- Bird biodiversity (over 300 species) is extremely sensitive to drone sound at high elevation

### Source
- Thailand CAAT: https://www.caat.or.th/en

## Drone Rules - Jasper National Park

**All recreational drone operations are prohibited** in Jasper National Park under Parks Canada Policy and Transport Canada RPAS regulations.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Jasper Airport (CJA4) serves the park; Edmonton International (CYEG) Class C ~380 km east
- Park spans 10,878 sq km — largest Rocky Mountain national park in Canada
- Dark Sky Preserve designation means noise and light from drones impacts astronomical research
- Columbia Icefield straddles the Jasper/Banff boundary; icefield drone ops prohibited

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone operations within the park boundary
- Parks Canada commercial permits are rarely issued; environmental impact assessment required
- Woodland caribou (threatened) calving areas are zero-tolerance disturbance zones
- Parks Canada Dark Sky Preserve rules prohibit light-producing equipment at night

### Source
- Parks Canada Jasper: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107/STC): ❌ Not allowed without Parks Canada permit
- UNESCO WHC: ⚠️ Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks transboundary heritage site

## Geographic Boundaries
Banff National Park is located in Alberta, Canada, in the Canadian Rockies.
- Total area: ~6,641 km² (~1,641,000 acres)
- Coordinates: 51.4968° N, 115.9281° W
- Includes Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway,
  Banff townsite, and Columbia Icefield (shared with Jasper NP)
- Nearest city: Calgary, AB (~130 km east)

## Regulations
- Canada National Parks Act (S.C. 2000, c. 32) — Section 16 prohibits
  activities that disturb wildlife or damage park resources
- Parks Canada Drone Policy (2018) — explicit UAS prohibition in all
  national parks without written authorization
- Transport Canada Aeronautics Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. A-2) —
  Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX governs UAS nationally
- CARs 901.71 — Basic Operations certificate required for all UAS
- CARs 901.74 — Advanced Operations certificate for controlled airspace
- Canadian Wildlife Act — protects wildlife from harassment
- UNESCO World Heritage Convention — Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
- Airspace: Class G below 700 ft AGL in rural areas;
  Class E above; Banff townsite within Class E surface area

## Penalties
- Parks Canada fines up to CAD $25,000 per violation under National Parks Act
- Transport Canada fines up to CAD $3,000 (recreational) or
  CAD $25,000 (commercial) per CARs violation
- Criminal prosecution under Aeronautics Act for willful violations
- Equipment confiscation by Parks Canada wardens

## Special Permissions
- Parks Canada written permit for scientific/documentary research
- Transport Canada Advanced Operations certificate for controlled airspace
- Film/media permits via Parks Canada Film Office
Submit requests to: Parks Canada, Banff Field Unit,
PO Box 900, Banff, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Film permits: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/media/permits

## Drone Rules - Banff National Park




**All recreational drone operations are prohibited** in Banff National Park under Parks Canada Policy (2016) and Transport Canada RPAS regulations. BVLOS and commercial operators require Parks Canada authorization.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Springbank Airport (CYBW) near Calgary lies ~80 km east
- Park spans 6,641 sq km in the Alberta Rocky Mountains
- Grizzly bear, gray wolf, and wolverine (all sensitive species) inhabit the park
- UNESCO Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site (1984)

### Key Rules
- Parks Canada drone prohibition applies to all national parks under Canada National Parks Act
- Transport Canada RPAS Basic and Advanced rules apply for operational requirements
- 9 m minimum separation from wildlife; drone approach is more disruptive and prohibited
- Airspace over Banff townsite requires Nav Canada Class F Special Use Airspace coordination









### Source
- Parks Canada Banff: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned without DOC Activity Permit
- Commercial: ❌ Not allowed without DOC Concession
- UNESCO WHC: ⚠️ Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand WHS
- Endangered species: ⚠️ Kākāpō and takahe absolute disturbance ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Fiordland National Park is located in the Southland and Otago regions,
South Island, New Zealand.
- Total area: ~12,607 km² (~3,115,000 acres) — largest NZ national park
- Coordinates: 45.4167° S, 167.7167° E
- Includes Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau,
  Lake Manapouri, Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford Tracks
- Nearest city: Te Anau (~1 hour from Milford Sound)

## Regulations
- National Parks Act 1980 (NZ) — Section 4 preserves park in natural
  state; drones constitute "disturbance" under Act
- Conservation Act 1987 (NZ) — DOC authority to regulate all
  activities within conservation land
- Civil Aviation Act 1990 (NZ) + CAA Rule Part 101 —
  all UAS operations require CAA registration; operations near
  people or in controlled airspace require Part 102 Certificate
- Wildlife Act 1953 (NZ) — absolute prohibition on disturbing
  any protected wildlife including kākāpō (critically endangered),
  takahe, and fiordland crested penguin
- Resource Management Act 1991 — district plan controls on
  low-flying aircraft noise in wilderness zones
- Airspace: Class G throughout most of Fiordland;
  Milford Sound Class C approach corridor

## Penalties
- DOC fines up to NZD $100,000 per violation under National Parks Act
- Wildlife Act fines up to NZD $100,000 + 2 years imprisonment
  for kākāpō/takahe disturbance
- CAA Rule Part 101 infringement: NZD $2,000–$50,000
- Criminal prosecution under Conservation Act for repeat offenses
- Equipment confiscation by DOC rangers

## Special Permissions
- DOC Activity Permit for recreational research
- DOC Concession for commercial operations (multi-agency review)
- CAA Part 102 Certificate for controlled airspace near Milford Sound
- DOC Recovery Group coordination for any kākāpō zone proximity
Submit requests to: DOC Fiordland National Park,
Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand

## Drone Rules - Fiordland National Park

**Drone operations are prohibited** in most of Fiordland NP without CAA New Zealand Part 101/102 authorization and DOC consent. Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area imposes additional protections.



### Airspace / Site Context
- Milford Sound Airport (NZMF) operates under Visual Flight Rules in the fiord
- Park spans 1.26 million hectares in Southland; Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is the primary visitor area
- Narrow fiord walls create severe turbulence; commercial drone operators avoid the area
- Kakapo (critically endangered; ~250 individuals) on Anchor Island require zero disturbance




### Key Rules
- CAA Part 101 rules apply; Part 102 certification required for commercial operations
- DOC permit required within the national park boundary under National Parks Act 1980
- Kakapo recovery island habitats are closed to all drone flights without DOC approval
- Kea (IUCN Endangered) is curious about aircraft and may interact with drones











### Source
- DOC Fiordland: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland

## Drone Rules - Cinque Terre NP

**All drone operations are prohibited** within Cinque Terre National Park and the five villages under ENAC drone regulations and municipal ordinances effective 2019.

### Airspace / Site Context
- La Spezia Airport (LIQL) lies ~10 km east; Italian military naval base at La Spezia
- ENAC prohibits drone flights in urban areas and over crowds of people (< 150 m)
- UNESCO World Heritage coastal terraces are densely populated with tourists
- Ligurian Sea Pelagos Sanctuary (cetacean protection) lies offshore

### Key Rules
- No drone flights within the park or village boundaries
- ENAC VLOS rules and population density rules prohibit most flights without specific authorization
- La Spezia military zone creates restricted airspace to the east
- Italy Ministerial Decree 2.10.2019 updated and tightened UAS regulations

### Source
- ENAC Italy: https://www.enac.gov.it/en

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Not allowed without SANParks + SACAA dual permit
- Anti-poaching: ⚠️ Active military-grade surveillance operations;
  unauthorized UAS may be electronically jammed or physically intercepted
- Rhino/elephant zones: ⚠️ Absolute disturbance prohibition

## Geographic Boundaries
Kruger National Park is located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces,
South Africa, bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
- Total area: ~19,485 km² (~4,815,000 acres)
- Coordinates: 23.9884° S, 31.5547° E
- Includes Skukuza (main camp), Letaba, Olifants River,
  Limpopo River border zone, and Kruger-to-Canyons Biosphere Reserve
- Part of Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (~35,000 km²)
- Nearest city: Nelspruit/Mbombela (~90 km southwest of Skukuza)

## Regulations
- National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004
  (NEMBA) — Section 57 prohibits activities disturbing listed
  threatened or protected species
- South African National Parks Act 57 of 1976 — SANParks authority
  over all activities in national parks
- Civil Aviation Act 13 of 2009 (SA) — SACAA Part 101 regulates
  all RPAS operations; commercial requires RPAS operator certificate
  and remote pilot license
- SACAA Technical Standard Order RPAS 01 of 2015 —
  mandatory registration for all RPAS over 7kg
- National Key Points Act 102 of 1980 — designated ranger
  infrastructure classified as key points; UAS proximity prohibited
- Airspace: Class G throughout park; Kruger Mpumalanga
  International Airport Class D ~40 km from Skukuza

## Penalties
- SANParks: immediate arrest + equipment confiscation + lifetime ban
- NEMBA Section 57: fines up to ZAR 10,000,000 (~USD $540,000)
  + up to 10 years imprisonment for species disturbance
- Civil Aviation Act: fines up to ZAR 50,000 per RPAS violation
- National Key Points Act: criminal prosecution
- Anti-poaching units authorized to use force against
  unauthorized airspace intrusions

## Special Permissions
- SANParks Research & Scientific Services permit (Skukuza office)
- SACAA RPAS operator certificate + remote pilot license
- Anti-poaching coordination clearance (mandatory for all flights)
- Wildlife research requires NEMBA threatened species permit
Submit requests to: SANParks Scientific Services,
Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, Mpumalanga, South Africa
SANParks permits: https://www.sanparks.org/conservation/scientific_services/

## Drone Rules - Kruger National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** without SACAA and SANParks permits under South African Civil Aviation Technical Standard (CATS UAS). Anti-poaching drone surveillance conducted by authorized operators only.




### Airspace / Site Context
- Skukuza Airport (FASX) and Phalaborwa Airport (FAPH) serve the park interior
- Park spans 19,485 sq km of the Limpopo/Mpumalanga lowveld
- Anti-rhino poaching drone operations are conducted by authorized SANParks rangers
- Elephant herds (20,000+ animals) react strongly to overhead drone noise





### Key Rules
- No civilian UAS without SACAA Part 101 approval and SANParks permit
- Unauthorized drones disrupt ranger-managed anti-poaching drone operations
- African elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros disturbance can create lethal hazards for rangers
- South African Aviation Act 2009 Section 155 imposes criminal liability for unsafe UAS ops











### Source
- SANParks: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger

## Drone Rules - Torres del Paine NP

**All drone operations are prohibited** without CONAF (Chile's National Forest Corporation) written authorization under Chilean Civil Aviation Directorate (DGAC) regulations.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (SCNT) in Puerto Natales serves the park
- Park spans 181,414 hectares in the Magallanes Region of southern Chile
- Strong Patagonian winds (80+ km/h gusts common) make drone operations physically dangerous
- Andean condor (IUCN Vulnerable) nests on rock faces throughout the Torres massif

### Key Rules
- CONAF and DGAC dual permit required for any UAS operation in the park
- Andean condor nesting cliffs are closed to all access during breeding season
- Puma hunting and guanaco herding behavior disrupted by low-altitude drones
- Unauthorized UAS operators face Chilean aviation law fines and park exclusion

### Source
- CONAF Torres del Paine: https://www.conaf.cl/parques/parque-nacional-torres-del-paine

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned within sanctuary boundaries
- Commercial: ❌ Not allowed without NOAA + FAA authorization
- MMPA: ⚠️ Gray whale and Steller sea lion critical habitat
- MBTA: ⚠️ 40+ seabird species — tufted puffin, rhinoceros auklet

## Geographic Boundaries
Olympic Coast NMS encompasses ocean waters off the
Olympic Peninsula, Clallam, Jefferson, and Grays Harbor Counties,
Washington.
- Total area: ~3,188 square miles
- Coordinates: 47.8833° N, 124.7167° W
- Includes Protection Island NWR, Flattery Rocks NWR,
  Quillayute Needles NWR, and Copalis NWR
- Adjacent to Olympic National Park coastal strip
- Nearest city: Port Angeles, WA (sanctuary offices)

## Regulations
- National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. § 1431) —
  NOAA authority over sanctuary resources and airspace
- 15 CFR Part 922 Subpart L — Olympic Coast NMS regulations;
  prohibit UAS operations within sanctuary boundaries
- Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 1361) — gray whale,
  humpback whale, and Steller sea lion critical habitat
- MBTA (16 U.S.C. § 703) — tufted puffin, rhinoceros auklet,
  common murre, and pigeon guillemot nesting colonies
- ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — blue whale and Southern Resident
  killer whale critical habitat
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over sanctuary

## Penalties
- NOAA NMS civil penalties up to $100,000 per day per violation
- MMPA: civil fines up to $10,000 per marine mammal incident
- MBTA: fines up to $15,000 + 6 months per seabird disturbance
- ESA killer whale: up to $25,000 civil + $50,000 criminal
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day

## Special Permissions
- NOAA sanctuary permit required
- Scientific research: NOAA + USFWS joint permit
- NWR island operations: additional USFWS permit required
Submit requests to: Olympic Coast NMS Superintendent,
115 E Railroad Ave, Suite 301, Port Angeles, WA 98362

## Drone Rules - Olympic Coast NMS

**Drone operations require caution** and must comply with NOAA 15 CFR Part 922 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Seabird nesting colonies on coastal rocks are particularly sensitive.



### Airspace / Site Context
- William R. Fairchild International Airport (KCLM) Class D serves the Olympic Peninsula
- Sanctuary spans 3,188 sq miles offshore from the Olympic Peninsula coast
- Adjacent to Olympic National Park wilderness coast (separate NPS drone prohibition)
- Northern sea otters (ESA threatened WA population) have expanded range into sanctuary






### Key Rules
- MMPA 200 ft altitude / 1,000 ft horizontal rule applies to all marine mammals
- Cassin's auklet, tufted puffin, and rhinoceros auklet nesting rocks have additional buffers
- Steller sea lion (ESA threatened eastern DPS) haul-out rocks are strictly protected
- Tribal treaty fishing rights areas require additional cultural sensitivity









### Source
- NOAA Olympic Coast NMS: https://olympiccoast.noaa.gov

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wildlife: ⚠️ Free-roaming bison herd — disturbance prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Theodore Roosevelt National Park consists of three units
in Billings, McKenzie, and Mercer Counties, North Dakota.
- South Unit: 46.9791° N, 103.5388° W (~46,158 acres)
- North Unit: 47.5877° N, 103.3388° W (~24,070 acres)
- Elkhorn Ranch Unit: 47.1500° N, 103.4667° W (~218 acres)
- Total area: ~70,446 acres
- Includes Painted Canyon, Little Missouri River (WSR),
  and free-roaming bison, wild horse, and elk herds
- Nearest city: Medora, ND (adjacent to South Unit)

## 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
- Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. § 1271) — Little Missouri
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — protects
  ferruginous hawk and other raptor species
- 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
- WSR Act civil penalties for river corridor disturbance
- 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
- Bison herd operations subject to additional park review
- WSR corridor: additional BLM coordination required
Submit requests to: Theodore Roosevelt NP Superintendent,
315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645

## Drone Rules - Theodore Roosevelt NP

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Wild horse herds and bison are particularly reactive to overhead drones in open badlands terrain.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (KDIK) Class D lies adjacent to the South Unit
- Park spans North and South Units plus the Elkhorn Ranch Unit along the Little Missouri River
- Oil field activity in surrounding areas creates intermittent helicopter traffic
- Elevation 2,200-3,000 ft MSL; high plains winds common






### Key Rules
- No drone launches, landings, or operations in any of the three park units
- KDIK Class D LAANC required for Part 107 operations near the South Unit boundary
- Wild horse (free-roaming) herd management area; drone pursuit is prohibited under NPS policy
- North Dakota state law prohibits UAS over national park units





### Source
- NPS Theodore Roosevelt: https://www.nps.gov/thro

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- CRPA: ⚠️ World's densest boxwork formations — rarest cave type

## Geographic Boundaries
Wind Cave National Park is located in Custer and Fall River
Counties, South Dakota, in the Black Hills.
- Total area: ~33,851 acres
- Coordinates: 43.5569° N, 103.4785° W
- Includes Wind Cave (over 150 miles mapped — 6th longest in world),
  boxwork formations, and mixed-grass prairie above
- Free-roaming bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dog herds
- Nearest city: Hot Springs, SD (~11 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
- Cave Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 4301) — boxwork
  and rare cave formation protections
- MBTA (16 U.S.C. § 703) — raptor nesting in Black Hills
- 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
- CRPA: fines up to $10,000 + imprisonment for cave disturbance
- 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
- Cave research: CRPA federal authorization required
Submit requests to: Wind Cave NP Superintendent,
26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

## Drone Rules - Wind Cave National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Bison herd disturbance from drone overflights triggers dangerous stampedes in this enclosed park ecosystem.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Hot Springs Airport (KHSR) Class G uncontrolled ~10 miles south
- Rapid City Regional (KRAP) Class C lies ~55 miles NW
- Park is adjacent to Custer State Park; combined bison herds total 1,000+ animals
- Black Hills National Forest surrounds the park; USFS drone rules apply outside





### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park; bison stampede risk from overhead drones is documented
- Cave entrance airflow is sensitive to surface disturbance; drones at the natural entrance prohibited
- Black-footed ferret (ESA endangered) may use grassland areas
- South Dakota state law prohibits UAS over state and national park units





### Source
- NPS Wind Cave: https://www.nps.gov/wica

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- ESA: ⚠️ Black-footed ferret — world's most endangered mammal
- PRPA: ⚠️ Oligocene fossil beds — richest in the world

## Geographic Boundaries
Badlands National Park is located in Pennington, Jackson,
and Shannon Counties, South Dakota.
- Total area: ~242,756 acres
- Coordinates: 43.8554° N, 102.3397° W
- Includes Badlands Wall, Sage Creek Wilderness,
  Palmer Creek Unit, and Stronghold Unit (Pine Ridge Reservation)
- Home to reintroduced black-footed ferret population
- Nearest city: Wall, SD (~8 miles north)

## 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
- ESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)
  endangered; UAS disturbance constitutes Section 9 harassment
- PRPA (16 U.S.C. § 470aaa) — Oligocene fossil bed protections
- Oglala Sioux Tribe sovereignty — Stronghold Unit on Pine Ridge
  Reservation requires tribal coordination
- 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
- ESA Section 9 black-footed ferret: up to $50,000 + 1 year
- PRPA: fines up to $10,000 + imprisonment for fossil disturbance
- Oglala Sioux tribal penalties for Stronghold Unit violations
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- ESA Section 10 ITP for black-footed ferret research
- Stronghold Unit: Oglala Sioux Tribe coordination mandatory
Submit requests to: Badlands NP Superintendent,
25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750

## Drone Rules - Badlands National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Black-footed ferret reintroduction makes nighttime drone operations especially sensitive.



### Airspace / Site Context
- Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP) Class C lies ~70 miles west
- Elliott Airport (KIEN) private strip near Wall, SD; uncontrolled airspace
- Park elevation 2,400-3,238 ft MSL; high plains winds frequently exceed 40 mph
- Ellsworth AFB (KRCA) B-1B operations west of the park; Warning Areas nearby





### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park boundaries
- Black-footed ferret (ESA endangered) reintroduction active; nocturnal surveys by rangers use spotlights
- Bighorn sheep and bison herds are stress-sensitive; drone pursuit is a federal violation
- High-wind conditions in the Badlands make drone flight dangerous even outside park







### Source
- NPS Badlands: https://www.nps.gov/badl

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Airspace: 🚫 Chicago Class B (ORD) — most restrictive FAA category

## Geographic Boundaries
Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the southern shore
of Lake Michigan in Porter and LaPorte Counties, Indiana.
- Total area: ~15,349 acres
- Coordinates: 41.6516° N, 87.0528° W
- Includes Mount Baldy (126 ft dune), West Beach, Cowles Bog
  (National Natural Landmark), and Calumet Trail
- Located within Chicago O'Hare (ORD) Class B airspace
- Nearest city: Chicago, IL (~40 miles west); Gary, IN (~15 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
- FAA Class B Airspace (ORD/MDW) — strictest FAA category;
  ALL aircraft including UAS require explicit ATC clearance
  before entering Class B airspace regardless of altitude
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- LAANC: check FAA UAS Facility Map — most grid cells show 0 ft AGL

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- FAA Class B violation: most severe civil penalties up to
  $27,500/day + immediate certificate suspension/revocation
- Criminal prosecution for willful Class B intrusion
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- FAA Class B ATC clearance mandatory — no LAANC auto-approval
- DroneZone waiver required for any Class B operations
Submit requests to: Indiana Dunes NP Superintendent,
1100 N Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304

## Drone Rules - Indiana Dunes National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Chicago O'Hare Class B airspace creates an additional hard ceiling on any drone operations in this area.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Gary/Chicago International Airport (KGYY) Class D lies adjacent to the park boundary
- Chicago O'Hare (KORD) Class B shelf descends over the Indiana Dunes area
- Chicago Midway (KMDW) Class C lies ~20 miles west across Lake Michigan
- Park spans 15,349 acres along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline





### Key Rules
- No drone launches or operations within park boundaries
- Gary LAANC required for airspace compliance; O'Hare Class B may require additional authorization
- Piping Plover (ESA threatened) beaches are posted and patrolled May-August
- Indiana state law prohibits UAS over state and national park units





### Source
- NPS Indiana Dunes: https://www.nps.gov/indu

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- ESA: ⚠️ Piping Plover critical nesting habitat — absolute seasonal ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Benzie
and Leelanau Counties, Michigan, on Lake Michigan.
- Total area: ~71,199 acres
- Coordinates: 44.8744° N, 86.0567° W
- Includes Sleeping Bear Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive,
  North and South Manitou Islands, and Glen Lake
- Critical Piping Plover nesting beaches (May–August)
- Nearest city: Traverse City, MI (~25 miles northeast)

## 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
- Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — Piping Plover
  (Charadrius melodus) threatened; nesting beach UAS overflight
  constitutes ESA Section 9 harassment
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — protects
  all migratory species on lakeshore
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over lakeshore

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- ESA Section 9 Piping Plover: up to $25,000 civil +
  $50,000 criminal + 1 year imprisonment
- 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 park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Piping Plover nesting blackout: May–August absolute ban
- Wildlife research: USFWS ESA + MBTA permits required
Submit requests to: Sleeping Bear Dunes NL Superintendent,
9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630

## Drone Rules - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore




**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Piping Plover ESA enforcement has been active at this park, with fines issued for drone disturbance of nest sites.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Cherry Capital Airport (KTVC) Class D lies ~20 miles north in Traverse City
- Lake Michigan over-water flights are Class G; park boundary extends to the OHWM
- Sand dunes rise 450 ft above Lake Michigan; thermal updrafts create drone hazards
- Part of the Great Lakes shoreline ecosystem critical for migratory shorebirds



### Key Rules
- No drone launches or landings anywhere in the national lakeshore
- Piping Plover (ESA threatened) nest sites are clearly posted and actively patrolled
- Bald Eagle (BGEPA) nests in the forest sections of the lakeshore
- Michigan state law MCL 259.322 restricts drone operations over parks







### Source
- NPS Sleeping Bear Dunes: https://www.nps.gov/slbe

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Airspace: ⚠️ Cleveland Class C (CLE) + Akron Class D (CAK)

## Geographic Boundaries
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Summit and
Cuyahoga Counties, Ohio, between Cleveland and Akron.
- Total area: ~32,572 acres
- Coordinates: 41.2808° N, 81.5678° W
- Includes Cuyahoga River gorge, Brandywine Falls (65 ft),
  Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, and Beaver Marsh
- Located between Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) ~15 miles
  and Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) ~15 miles
- Nearest city: Cleveland, OH (~15 miles north)

## 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
- FAA Class C Airspace (CLE) — mandatory ATC authorization
- FAA Class D Airspace (CAK) — mandatory ATC authorization
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- LAANC availability: check FAA UAS Facility Map (CLE/CAK grid)

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- FAA Class C/D violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day
  + possible certificate suspension
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- FAA LAANC or DroneZone authorization mandatory
- Coordination with both CLE and CAK approach controls
Submit requests to: Cuyahoga Valley NP Superintendent,
15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141

## Drone Rules - Cuyahoga Valley NP

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's location in the Cleveland-Akron metropolitan area creates high enforcement visibility.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Cleveland Hopkins International (KCLE) Class B outer ring is ~15 miles north
- Akron-Canton Regional (KCAK) Class C lies ~10 miles south
- Cuyahoga County Airport (KCGF) Class D lies ~10 miles north
- Park spans 32,861 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron






### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park boundaries
- Cleveland LAANC or Akron LAANC required for Part 107 operations in adjacent airspace
- Bald eagle (BGEPA protected) nests along the Cuyahoga River within the park
- Ohio state law prohibits drone operations over state and national park lands




### Source
- NPS Cuyahoga Valley: https://www.nps.gov/cuva

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

## Geographic Boundaries
Congaree National Park is located in Richland County,
South Carolina, southeast of Columbia.
- Total area: ~26,476 acres
- Coordinates: 33.7948° N, 80.7820° W
- Includes Congaree River floodplain, Weston Lake, Cedar Creek
  canoe trail, old-growth loblolly pine and bald cypress,
  and Congaree Wilderness (~11,000 acres)
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Nearest city: Columbia, SC (~20 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) — Congaree Wilderness
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — protects
  prothonotary warblers and neotropical migrants in old-growth
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; Columbia Metropolitan Airport Class C
  ~20 miles northwest; check UASFM grid values

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- 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 park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Wildlife research requires USFWS MBTA Scientific Collecting Permit
- FAA LAANC check recommended for Columbia Class C proximity
Submit requests to: Congaree NP Superintendent,
100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061

## Drone Rules - Congaree National Park

**All UAS operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation and synchronous firefly events make light and noise disturbance a management priority.


### Airspace / Site Context
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) Class C lies ~20 miles north
- McEntire Joint National Guard Base lies ~10 miles east; A-10 operations nearby
- Park elevation ~100-120 ft MSL; dense forest canopy makes drone operation risky
- Flood cycles regularly inundate the forest floor to depths of several feet






### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park boundaries
- Synchronous firefly season (late May) has expanded ranger patrols
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker (ESA endangered) nests in longleaf pine on park borders
- South Carolina law prohibits UAS over state and national parks






### Source
- NPS Congaree: https://www.nps.gov/cong

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Airspace: 🚫 Miami Class B (MIA) — most restrictive FAA category
- Marine: ⚠️ Coral reef ecosystem — ESA + Marine protection layers

## Geographic Boundaries
Biscayne National Park is located in Miami-Dade County,
Florida, between Miami and the Florida Keys.
- Total area: ~172,971 acres (95% water)
- Coordinates: 25.4824° N, 80.4170° W
- Includes Biscayne Bay, Elliott Key, Convoy Point,
  and northernmost Florida Reef tract
- Within Miami International Airport (MIA) Class B airspace
- Nearest city: Homestead, FL (~9 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
- Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. § 1531) — manatee, sea turtle,
  and smalltooth sawfish critical habitat
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — seabird colonies
- FAA Class B Airspace (MIA) — ALL UAS require explicit ATC clearance
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- LAANC: most grid cells show 0 ft AGL under Class B floor

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- ESA Section 9: up to $50,000 + 1 year imprisonment per species
- FAA Class B violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day
  + immediate certificate suspension/revocation
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- FAA Class B ATC clearance mandatory — no LAANC auto-approval
- Marine wildlife research: USFWS + NMFS permits required
Submit requests to: Biscayne NP Superintendent,
9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033

## Drone Rules - Biscayne National Park

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's 95% water coverage means boat-launched drones are the primary enforcement concern.



### Airspace / Site Context
- Miami International (KMIA) Class B inner shelf overlies the northern bay
- Homestead ARB (KHST) Class D lies at the park's northern boundary
- Opa-locka Executive Airport (KOPF) Class D lies ~15 miles north
- Park encompasses 172,924 acres of Biscayne Bay and offshore coral reefs





### Key Rules
- No drone operations within park waters or over the coral reef ecosystem
- Coral reef disturbance from low-altitude drone wash violates park resource protection laws
- West Indian manatee (ESA delisted to threatened 2017) forages throughout the park
- American crocodile (ESA threatened) nests on the northern bay shores






### Source
- NPS Biscayne: https://www.nps.gov/bisc

## Drone Rules - Dry Tortugas National Park

**Drones are not permitted** in Dry Tortugas National Park.







### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights over islands or surrounding waters
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration
- Sooty tern and frigatebird colonies are highly sensitive to overhead disturbance


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

## Drone Rules - Dry Tortugas NP

**All drone operations are prohibited** under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The Sooty Tern colony (80,000+ nesting pairs) is the largest seabird colony in the continental US; drone disturbance would cause catastrophic nest abandonment.

### Airspace / Site Context
- Key West International (KEYW) Class C lies ~70 miles east
- Park accessible only by seaplane or ferry; Bush Key has the seabird colonies
- Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico shipping lanes surround the islands
- ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone) extends through this region of the Florida Straits

### Key Rules
- No drone operations on any of the park's islands or in park waters
- Sooty Tern and Brown Noddy colonies on Bush Key closed to all access April-September
- Magnificent Frigatebird (first US nesting record in 1988) is MBTA protected
- Loggerhead sea turtle (ESA threatened) nests on beaches throughout the park

### Source
- NPS Dry Tortugas: https://www.nps.gov/drto