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Drone Rules for Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

Hartford, Kansas (KS) • United States
530 W Maple Ave, Hartford, KS 66854, USA
Lat: 38.3121 • Lng: -95.964
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Flint Hills NWR. The reservoir refuge on John Redmond Reservoir is a migration stopover for interior least tern and a wintering site for bald eagles along the Arkansas River corridor.

Drone Rules - Flint Hills NWR, Kansas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Interior least tern (ESA endangered) nests on sandbars in the Neosho River below John Redmond Reservoir June-August
  • Bald eagles winter on the reservoir December-February; Bald Eagle Protection Act applies
  • Coffeyville Regional (CFV) Class D is ~30 NM south; Wichita Eisenhower (ICT) Class C is ~60 NM west

Key Rules

  • Least tern sandbar nesting sites (June-August): USFWS closes specific sand bars to all access; drone overflight of closure areas violates ESA Section 9
  • US Army Corps of Engineers manages John Redmond Reservoir; COE also restricts UAS near dam structures under the Water Resources Development Act
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; least tern season permits go to USFWS Kansas Ecological Services Field Office

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