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Drone Rules for DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge and Museum

Missouri Valley, Iowa (IA) • United States
1434 316th Ln, Missouri Valley, IA 51555, USA
Lat: 41.5409 • Lng: -96.0309
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on DeSoto NWR. The oxbow lake refuge on the Missouri River hosts one of the largest snow goose concentrations in the interior US during fall migration.

Drone Rules - DeSoto NWR, Iowa/Nebraska

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Up to 600,000 snow geese and 100,000 lesser scaup stage on DeSoto Lake and the Missouri River backwaters in October-November
  • Eppley Airfield (OMA) Class C is ~30 NM south; Council Bluffs Municipal (CBF) Class D is ~30 NM south
  • Missouri River corridor has active barge traffic; drone/barge radio interference is documented at the river crossing

Key Rules

  • LAANC check for OMA Class C outer ring for flights in the southern portion of the refuge
  • Peak snow goose staging (October-November): one of the busiest drone-citation locations in the USFWS Midwest Region
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research applications go to USFWS DeSoto manager

Source

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