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Drone Rules for Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

Cotton Plant, Arkansas (AR) • United States
Cotton Plant, AR 72036, USA
Lat: 35.0606 • Lng: -91.3168
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Cache River NWR. The bottomland hardwood forest is significant for Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designation and was the site of a disputed ivory-billed woodpecker sighting.

Drone Rules - Cache River NWR, Arkansas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1989; 58,000 acres of bottomland hardwood, swamp, and backwater sloughs
  • The 2004-2006 ivory-billed woodpecker searches (Cornell/Auburn) established the refuge as a high-sensitivity research area; any aerial disturbance is scrutinized
  • Little Rock Adams Field (LIT) Class C is ~65 NM southwest; Jonesboro Municipal (JBR) Class D is ~30 NM northeast

Key Rules

  • Bottomland hardwood canopy is dense; GPS signal is intermittent below the canopy -- return-to-home failures are common
  • Wood duck nest boxes throughout the refuge attract spring and summer visitors; drone overflights during duckling emergence cause duckling scatter
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research permits go to USFWS Cache River manager

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