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Drone Rules for Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Bonners Ferry, Idaho (id) • United States
287 West Side Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
Lat: 48.7159 • Lng: -116.404
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Kootenai NWR. The Kootenai River bottomland in the Idaho Panhandle is one of the most productive waterfowl nesting areas in the Pacific Northwest.

Drone Rules - Kootenai NWR, Idaho

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • 2,774-acre refuge at 1,750 ft MSL in the Kootenai River Valley; Canada geese, mallards, and teal nest in the managed impoundments
  • Boundary County Airport (BDY) Class G; Spokane International (GEG) Class C is ~75 NM south
  • The Kootenai River is within 1 mile of the Canada-US border; BC Parks and the Ktunaxa Nation territory begin immediately across the border

Key Rules

  • Proximity to Canada border means Canadian border services may monitor unusual aircraft activity; notify CBSA if UAS flight path approaches the border
  • Greater sandhill crane migration (March-April, September-October) uses the Kootenai Valley -- no UAS during crane stopover periods
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; Idaho Panhandle research permits go to USFWS Pacific Region

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