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Drone Rules for Vale do Shenandoah

Condado de Rockingham, Virgínia (VA) • Estados Unidos
Vale do Shenandoah, Virgínia 22802, EUA
Lat: 38.4835 • Lng: -78.8497
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 29, 2026
Summary
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Drone operations are strictly prohibited in designated wilderness areas of George Washington & Jefferson National Forests under USFS regulations. No recreational or commercial flights are permitted without an explicit USFS Special Use Permit.

Authorization Status

  • Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned in wilderness zones
  • Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without USFS Special Use Permit
  • Wilderness: ❌ Multiple Wilderness Act designations

Geographic Boundaries

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests span Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

  • Total area: ~1,800,000 acres
  • Coordinates: 38.0000° N, 79.5000° W
  • Includes Ramseys Draft Wilderness, Rich Hole Wilderness, Kimberling Creek Wilderness, and Peters Mountain Wilderness
  • Nearest city: Roanoke, VA (forest headquarters)

Regulations

  • 36 CFR § 261.10 — USFS prohibition on motorized equipment
  • 36 CFR § 251.50 — USFS Special Use Permit requirements
  • Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — multiple wilderness designations
  • FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations
  • Airspace: Class G throughout most wilderness areas

Penalties

  • USFS fines up to $5,000 per violation under 36 CFR § 261.10
  • Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
  • FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
  • Equipment confiscation by USFS rangers

Special Permissions

  • USFS Special Use Permit from relevant Ranger District
  • Scientific wilderness research exemption permit Submit requests to: USFS George Washington & Jefferson NF, 5162 Valleypointe Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24019
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Rule sources
  • https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/uaspolicy.htm — USFS regulations under 36 CFR § 261.10, Wilderness Act 16 U.S.C. § 1131, and FAA 14 CFR Part 107 prohibit all drone operations in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest wilderness areas.
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