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Drone Rules for Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Columbia, South Dakota (SD) • United States
39650 Sand Lake Dr, Columbia, SD 57433, USA
Lat: 45.7258 • Lng: -98.3045
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Sand Lake NWR. The James River impoundment is one of the most important fall migration staging areas for snow geese and white-fronted geese on the Central Flyway.

Drone Rules - Sand Lake NWR, South Dakota

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Up to 1 million snow geese stage here in October; the refuge holds the record for the largest single-day snow goose count in the Central Flyway
  • Aberdeen Regional (ABR) Class D is ~15 NM west; LAANC required for any flight within ABR surface area
  • Great Plains wind is extreme in October; UAS wind tolerance limits are frequently exceeded during peak migration

Key Rules

  • LAANC check for ABR Class D before any flight in the Brown County area
  • October peak migration: USFWS ranger presence is highest of the year; citations have been issued at the visitor parking areas
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; migration season permits require USFWS Mountain-Prairie Region approval

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