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Drone Rules for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Maple City, Michigan (MI) • United States
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Maple City, MI 49664, USA
Lat: 45.0986 • Lng: -86.0093
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, towering sand dunes up to 450 ft, and critical Piping Plover nesting beaches.

Drone Rules - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

All UAS operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Piping Plover ESA enforcement has been active at this park, with fines issued for drone disturbance of nest sites.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Cherry Capital Airport (KTVC) Class D lies ~20 miles north in Traverse City
  • Lake Michigan over-water flights are Class G; park boundary extends to the OHWM
  • Sand dunes rise 450 ft above Lake Michigan; thermal updrafts create drone hazards
  • Part of the Great Lakes shoreline ecosystem critical for migratory shorebirds

Key Rules

  • No drone launches or landings anywhere in the national lakeshore
  • Piping Plover (ESA threatened) nest sites are clearly posted and actively patrolled
  • Bald Eagle (BGEPA) nests in the forest sections of the lakeshore
  • Michigan state law MCL 259.322 restricts drone operations over parks

Source

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Rule sources
  • https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/unmanned-aircraft.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. ESA Section 9 Piping Plover nesting beach protections add federal wildlife restriction layers with seasonal absolute bans.
  • https://www.nps.gov/slbe — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. ESA Section 9 Piping Plover nesting beach protections add federal wildlife restriction layers with seasonal absolute bans.
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