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Drone Rules for Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge

Liberty, Texas (TX) • United States
601 Farm to Market Rd 1011, Liberty, TX 77575, USA
Lat: 30.0983 • Lng: -94.7659
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Trinity River NWR. The bottomland hardwood refuge in the Houston metro area sits within George Bush Intercontinental's Class B airspace network.

Drone Rules - Trinity River NWR, Texas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210; George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Class B airspace covers the southern portions of the refuge.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Located ~55 NM northeast of Houston in Liberty County; IAH Class B outer ring extends north toward the Liberty area
  • American alligator, swamp rabbit, and neotropical migratory songbirds use the bottomland hardwood; spring songbird migration (April-May) is peak activity
  • Beaumont Municipal (BPT) Class D is ~30 NM east; IAH Class B outer ring boundary check via B4UFLY is essential

Key Rules

  • LAANC check required for any flight near Liberty County -- IAH Class B outer ring may reach the refuge boundary
  • Alligator nesting season (June-August): USFWS recommends no flights within 500 ft of active nest mounds
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research permits go to USFWS Southwest Region Texas office

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