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Drone Rules for Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

Kirwin, Kansas (KS) • United States
702 E Xavier Rd, Kirwin, KS 67644, USA
Lat: 39.6544 • Lng: -99.1733
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Kirwin NWR. The Kansas reservoir refuge is a primary stopping point for whooping cranes during spring migration on the Central Flyway.

Drone Rules - Kirwin NWR, Kansas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 and ESA protections for whooping crane.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Whooping cranes stop at Kirwin Reservoir March-April during northward migration from Aransas NWR to Wood Buffalo NP (Canada)
  • Salina Regional (SLN) Class D is ~75 NM south; Concordia Municipal (CNK) Class G is the nearest local airport
  • US Bureau of Reclamation manages Kirwin Dam; dam structure is critical infrastructure with 500-ft no-fly buffer

Key Rules

  • Whooping crane stopover (March-April): USFWS zero-tolerance no-drone policy during confirmed crane presence; contact refuge office for daily crane status
  • Bureau of Reclamation dam: 500-ft no-fly buffer from dam structure independent of USFWS refuge rules
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; whooping crane presence triggers Whooping Crane Recovery Team involvement in permit review

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