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Drone Rules for Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge

Anahuac, Texas (TX) • United States
4318 FM1985, Anahuac, TX 77514, USA
Lat: 29.6576 • Lng: -94.5466
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Anahuac NWR prohibits all UAS operations under USFWS Director's Order 210. The refuge on Galveston Bay is one of the premier shorebird and alligator viewing areas in the Gulf Coast region.

Drone Rules - Anahuac NWR

All drone operations are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 (2015). Special Use Permit required.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Houston Executive Airport (KEFD) Class D and Houston/Ellington Airport nearby
  • Houston Class B airspace (KIAH) shelf extends over refuge at higher altitudes
  • Refuge encompasses 34,000 acres of coastal prairie and tidal marsh
  • American Alligators up to 14 feet are abundant; aerial drones agitate defensive behavior

Key Rules

  • No UAS without USFWS Special Use Permit
  • Mottled Duck (Gulf Coast subspecies, species of concern) nests in dense marsh grass
  • Wintering Whooping Cranes (ESA endangered) from Aransas NWR forage in adjacent areas
  • Houston Class B LAANC authorization required for airspace compliance regardless of NWR rules

Source

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