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Drone Rules for Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District

Funk, Nebraska (NE) • United States
73746 V Rd, Funk, NE 68940, USA
Lat: 40.5171 • Lng: -99.2168
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Rainwater Basin WMDs. The complex of playa wetlands is the single most important spring migration stopover for sandhill cranes and waterfowl in the Central Flyway.

Drone Rules - Rainwater Basin NWR Complex, Nebraska

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 on all Wetland Management District units.

Airspace / Site Context

  • 500,000+ sandhill cranes concentrate in the Platte River Valley (adjacent to the Basin) February-April; whooping cranes also stop here
  • The playa basins are shallow; drone shadow creates panic flights that push birds off the wetlands prematurely before fueling for migration
  • Lincoln Airport (LNK) Class C is ~60 NM east; Grand Island (GRI) Class D is ~20 NM north

Key Rules

  • Crane migration peak (mid-March): USFWS enforcement presence is highest of the year across all Basin units
  • Many WMD units are interspersed with private agricultural land -- confirm parcel ownership before launching near basin edges
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; crane research permit requires USFWS Mountain-Prairie Region approval

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