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Drone Rules for Channel Islands National Park

California (CA) • United States
California, USA
Lat: 34.015 • Lng: -119.752
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Channel Islands National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The five islands are a biodiversity hotspot with 2,000+ plant and animal species, including 145 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Drone Rules - Channel Islands NP

All UAS operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects 145 endemic species; aerial disturbance of breeding seabirds and marine mammals is an active enforcement priority.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Santa Barbara Airport (KSBA) Class C lies ~30 miles north of Santa Cruz Island
  • Point Mugu Naval Air Station (KNGU) Class D lies ~20 miles east; R-2501 Warning Area offshore
  • Islands span 150 miles of the Southern California Bight; Pacific Missile Range adjacent
  • California condor (ESA endangered) has been reintroduced on Santa Cruz Island

Key Rules

  • No drone operations on any of the five islands or in park waters
  • California condor nest sites are absolute no-fly zones; ESA Section 9 applies
  • Brown pelican (ESA delisted but MBTA protected) nests in large colonies on Anacapa Island
  • Island Fox (ESA delisted 2016) recovery program sensitive to aerial disturbance

Source

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