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Drone Rules for Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

Swan Quarter, North Carolina (NC) • United States
85 Mattamuskeet Rd, Swanquarter, NC 27885, USA
Lat: 35.4513 • Lng: -76.1766
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Mattamuskeet NWR. Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina and the primary wintering site for tundra swans on the Atlantic Flyway.

Drone Rules - Mattamuskeet NWR, North Carolina

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Up to 35,000 tundra swans winter on the lake November-February; flocks in flight create mid-air collision risk for UAS at low altitude
  • Bald eagle nests are present along the treeline bordering the lake; the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act adds a second federal prohibition
  • Dare County Regional (MQI) is ~40 NM northeast; Kinston Regional (ISO) is ~40 NM west; local airspace is Class G

Key Rules

  • Tundra swan season (Nov-Feb): USFWS enforces zero-tolerance no-drone policy; swan biologist on duty at the lodge
  • Launching from Hyde County roads around the lake and overflying refuge is a federal violation
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required for research; swan population monitoring studies require specific USFWS-Washington approval

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