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Drone Rules for Francis Marion National Forest
Berkeley County, South Carolina (SC)
• United States
Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina 29453, USA
Lat: 33.1668 • Lng: -79.6665
Ground
Not fully verified
Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
USFS Francis Marion NF has no Wilderness designation but is critical red-cockaded woodpecker (endangered) recovery habitat. Drone activity near cavity trees triggers disturbance protocols.
Drone Rules - Francis Marion NF, South Carolina
No Wilderness prohibition, but ESA Section 7 protections for red-cockaded woodpeckers restrict UAS near active cavity clusters.
Airspace / Site Context
- The forest holds one of the largest red-cockaded woodpecker populations in the Southeast; ~500 active clusters
- Cavity trees are marked with white paint bands; USFS policy requires no activity within 200 ft of marked trees
- Charleston International (CHS) Class C airspace southern boundary is ~25 NM south; forest interior is Class G/E
Key Rules
- Avoid flying within 200 ft of white-banded longleaf pines at all times
- April-July breeding season: increase buffer to 600 ft around active clusters
- USFS Special Use Permit required for commercial filming or research flights
Source
- USFS Francis Marion: https://www.fs.usda.gov/scnfs
- USFWS RCW Recovery: https://www.fws.gov