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Drone Rules for Patuxent Research Refuge

Laurel, Maryland (MD) • United States
National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
Lat: 39.0265 • Lng: -76.7991
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Patuxent Research Refuge. The 12,000-acre federal research facility is the only national wildlife refuge established exclusively for wildlife research and is adjacent to Fort Meade restricted airspace.

Drone Rules - Patuxent Research Refuge, Maryland

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210; Fort Meade (P-40) prohibited area and NSA campus airspace create additional restrictions.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Located ~20 NM northeast of Washington DC; DCA Class B extends northward and the P-40 NSA prohibited area is immediately adjacent
  • The refuge is operated as an active research facility (wildlife disease lab, captive crane program); unauthorized airspace intrusion affects ongoing experiments
  • Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Class B is ~10 NM north; P-40 prohibited area is ~2 NM west

Key Rules

  • P-40 (NSA campus) prohibited area: absolute no-fly at any altitude -- adjacent to the refuge boundary
  • BWI Class B and DCA Class B both reach toward Patuxent; LAANC required and most grid squares authorize 0 ft AGL
  • Research facility: USFWS Special Use Permit required; additionally requires concurrence from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center director

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