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Drone Rules for Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse

Newbury, Massachusetts (MA) • United States
Refuge Rd, Newbury, MA 01951, USA
Lat: 42.7908 • Lng: -70.8099
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Parker River NWR (Plum Island). The refuge is one of the most popular birding sites on the East Coast and lies under the Newburyport/Beverly Class D approach corridor.

Drone Rules - Parker River NWR, Massachusetts

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Plum Island barrier bar; piping plover (threatened) and least tern (MA state threatened) nest on the beach April-August
  • Beverly Municipal (BVY) Class D is ~15 NM south; Lawrence Municipal (LWM) Class D is ~12 NM west
  • Frequent New England fog and coastal sea breeze limit practical UAS windows even outside the refuge boundary

Key Rules

  • Plover nesting season (April-August): beach closures make drone overflight especially impactful -- eggs and chicks are invisible from altitude
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required for research; applications must include a piping plover disturbance avoidance plan
  • Launching from public beach access outside the refuge boundary and overflying refuge is a federal violation

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