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Drone Rules for Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

Highgate, Vermont (VT) • United States
Missisquoi Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, Vermont, USA
Lat: 44.966 • Lng: -73.1453
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Missisquoi NWR on Lake Champlain. The delta wetland is the most important waterfowl staging area in Vermont and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Drone Rules - Missisquoi NWR, Vermont

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Located on the Missisquoi River delta where it meets Lake Champlain; the lake is an international boundary with Canada 5 miles to the north
  • Burlington International (BTV) Class C outer ring extends over the refuge; LAANC required for any flight in the Swanton/St. Albans area
  • Up to 50,000 waterfowl use the refuge during October migration; Canada goose staging creates mid-air collision risk

Key Rules

  • BTV Class C LAANC required for flights in the Missisquoi area; the Class C outer ring extends to ~25 NM from Burlington
  • US-Canada international boundary is 5 miles north; drone operations that drift into Canadian airspace violate Transport Canada regulations
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; Vermont research permits go to USFWS Northeast Region

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