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Drone Rules for Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Nampa, Idaho (id) • United States
13751 Upper Embankment Rd, Nampa, ID 83686, USA
Lat: 43.561 • Lng: -116.666
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Deer Flat NWR. The Snake River island units host the largest white pelican nesting colony in the Pacific Flyway; the reservoir unit sits below Boise's Class C airspace.

Drone Rules - Deer Flat NWR, Idaho

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210; Boise Airport (BOI) Class C airspace extends over the Lake Lowell (Deer Flat) unit.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Lake Lowell unit is ~30 NM southwest of Boise; BOI Class C outer ring extends ~25 NM and covers the refuge
  • Snake River islands host the largest American white pelican colony in the Pacific Flyway (~8,000 breeding adults); any drone approach to a colony triggers mass flush with documented chick mortality
  • Bureau of Reclamation manages Deer Flat Dam; dam structure is critical infrastructure

Key Rules

  • LAANC required under BOI Class C for Lake Lowell unit; most grid squares authorize 0-100 ft AGL
  • White pelican breeding colony (April-August): absolute no-fly zone within 0.5 miles of Snake River islands; violations have resulted in chick deaths and federal charges
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; pelican colony permits require USFWS Pacific Region biologist sign-off

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