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Drone Rules for Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Marble Falls, Texas (TX) • United States
24518 Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Lat: 30.5858 • Lng: -98.0398
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Balcones Canyonlands NWR northwest of Austin. The refuge was established primarily to protect black-capped vireo (threatened) and golden-cheeked warbler (endangered) nesting habitat.

Drone Rules - Balcones Canyonlands NWR, Texas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 and ESA protections for golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Located ~30 NM northwest of Austin; Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) Class C outer ring does not extend this far, but Round Rock/Georgetown development creates drone density concerns
  • Golden-cheeked warbler nests exclusively in Ashe juniper/Texas oak habitat in central Texas; the refuge protects ~25,000 acres of prime habitat
  • Black-capped vireo nests in low dense shrubs; drone shadow and noise trigger alarm calls and nest abandonment

Key Rules

  • Warbler nesting season (March-July): USFWS enforces strict no-approach buffer zones near occupied territories
  • Leander/Georgetown area airports Class G; no LAANC required but USFWS refuge boundary must be respected
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required for research; songbird nest monitoring permits require USFWS Texas Midcoast NWR Complex approval

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