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Drone Rules for Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Alamo, Texas (TX) • United States
3325 Green Jay Road, Alamo, TX 78516, USA
Lat: 26.0823 • Lng: -98.1355
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Santa Ana NWR. Known as the 'Crown Jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System,' Santa Ana hosts 400+ bird species including rare Mexican specialties at the northern range limit.

Drone Rules - Santa Ana NWR, Texas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Subtropical thornscrub habitat in the Rio Grande Valley; 490+ bird species on the checklist including clay-colored thrush and hook-billed kite
  • McAllen Miller International (MFE) Class D is ~15 NM northwest; Edinburg Airport (T23) is ~10 NM west
  • CBP border surveillance aircraft and drones routinely operate below 500 ft AGL in the Rio Grande corridor adjacent to the refuge

Key Rules

  • CBP surveillance drones and FLIR helicopters operate at low altitude along the Rio Grande at all hours; introducing recreational UAS creates deconfliction issues
  • Ocelot and jaguarundi (both ESA endangered) have been documented on camera trap in the refuge; overflight disturbance applies
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research permits here require USFWS South Texas Refuges Complex manager approval

Source

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