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Drone Rules for Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Mendon, Missouri (MO) • United States
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Mendon, MO 64660, USA
Lat: 39.6109 • Lng: -93.1856
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Swan Lake NWR prohibits all UAS operations under USFWS Director's Order 210. The refuge provides critical staging habitat for up to 400,000 geese and 100,000 ducks during fall migration along the Central Flyway.

Drone Rules - Swan Lake NWR

All drone operations are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 (2015) without a Special Use Permit.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Chillicothe Airport (KCHV) uncontrolled field lies ~15 miles north
  • Refuge encompasses 10,795 acres including Swan Lake and Sumner Lake impoundments
  • Peak staging periods October-November see hundreds of thousands of waterfowl
  • Federally threatened Greater White-fronted Goose uses refuge during migration

Key Rules

  • No UAS without USFWS Special Use Permit
  • Drone disturbance of staging waterfowl violates Migratory Bird Treaty Act
  • Fall hunting seasons make additional safety considerations mandatory
  • Missouri Department of Conservation concurrently manages adjacent state lands

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