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Drone Rules for Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Lima, Montana (mt) • United States
27650B S Valley Rd, Lima, MT 59739, USA
Lat: 44.5999 • Lng: -111.812
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Red Rock Lakes NWR. The refuge saved the trumpeter swan from extinction; nesting swans remain sensitive to disturbance and the refuge is a model conservation site.

Drone Rules - Red Rock Lakes NWR, Montana

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210; the Red Rock Lakes Wilderness (40,000 acres) adds a Wilderness Act prohibition.

Airspace / Site Context

  • The refuge is the historic stronghold that pulled trumpeter swans back from near-extinction in the 1930s (fewer than 100 individuals remained)
  • Nesting pairs are highly sensitive to aerial disturbance during incubation (April-June); drone flush events cause nest abandonment
  • Extremely remote; West Yellowstone (WYS) Class D is ~50 NM east; Dillon (DLN) Class G is ~50 NM west

Key Rules

  • Wilderness designation for the core nesting area provides an independent prohibition beyond USFWS Director's Order 210
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; trumpeter swan research applications are reviewed by the Rocky Mountain Trumpeter Swan Recovery coordinator
  • The refuge road (gravel) is open seasonally; wildlife managers monitor for drone activity at the trailheads

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