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Drone Rules for Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Vian, Oklahoma (OK) • United States
107993 S 4520 Rd, Vian, OK 74962, USA
Lat: 35.4302 • Lng: -94.987
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Sequoyah NWR at the confluence of the Arkansas and Canadian Rivers. The refuge hosts one of Oklahoma's largest white pelican fall staging concentrations.

Drone Rules - Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Located at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Canadian River in eastern Oklahoma; Fort Smith Regional (FSM) Class C is ~15 NM east
  • Up to 6,000 American white pelicans stage on the river sandbars in September-October -- pelicans are colonial and highly sensitive to aerial disturbance
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kerr Lock and Dam is within the refuge; dam is critical infrastructure

Key Rules

  • LAANC required near FSM Class C for any flight in the Sequoyah County area
  • Army Corps dam structure: 500-ft no-fly buffer from the Kerr Dam applies within the refuge
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; pelican research permits go to USFWS Southwest Region

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