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Drone Rules for Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Los Fresnos, Texas (TX) • United States
22688 Buena Vista Blvd, Los Fresnos, TX 78566, USA
Lat: 26.229 • Lng: -97.3473
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Laguna Atascosa NWR prohibits all UAS operations under USFWS Director's Order 210. The refuge is the last stronghold of the Ocelot in the US, with a population of only 50-80 individuals.

Drone Rules - Laguna Atascosa NWR

All drone operations are strictly prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 (2015). Special Use Permit required; Ocelot habitat sensitivity makes permits rarely approved.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Valley International Airport (KHRL) Class C airspace lies ~20 miles NW
  • Refuge spans 97,000 acres on the southern Texas coast near the Laguna Madre
  • Less than 80 Ocelots remain in the US, concentrated in this refuge and adjacent private lands
  • Northern Aplomado Falcon (ESA endangered) reintroduced here in 1980s-1990s

Key Rules

  • Absolute prohibition on UAS operations; no exceptions for casual photography
  • Ocelot activity areas are never disclosed to the public to prevent disturbance
  • Aplomado Falcon nest sites closed 0.5-mile buffer radius during breeding season
  • ESA Section 9 take prohibition applies to any drone-induced Ocelot disturbance

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