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Drone Rules for Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Basom, New York (NY) • United States
Casey Rd, Basom, NY 14013, USA
Lat: 43.1128 • Lng: -78.4039
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Iroquois NWR. The western New York refuge is the largest state freshwater wetland complex and a primary staging area for Canada geese on the Atlantic Flyway.

Drone Rules - Iroquois NWR, New York

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • 10,818-acre refuge in Orleans/Genesee County; up to 60,000 Canada geese stage here in October
  • Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) Class C is ~35 NM west; Rochester Douglas (ROC) Class C is ~30 NM east
  • The Tonawanda State Wildlife Management Area (NY DEC, no drones) is adjacent; drone operators must confirm parcel ownership before launch

Key Rules

  • BUF and ROC Class C outer rings: LAANC required for flights within ~25 NM of either airport (check B4UFLY for exact grid boundary)
  • October Canada goose staging is the highest-visitor-use month; USFWS ranger presence is elevated
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research permits go to USFWS Northeast Region

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