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Drone Rules for Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

East Cheney, Washington (wa) • United States
26010 S Smith Rd, Cheney, WA 99004, USA
Lat: 47.4158 • Lng: -117.533

Rules Edit History: Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

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May 29, 2026 5:44 AM Approved • Added USFWS drone ban for Turnbull NWR with Channeled Scablands context.
Author: be5f5cb8-9839-4827-98b3-c519aa546acc (1118)
Moderation feedback
Approved Confidence: 0.99
Your proposed edit to prohibit drone flights at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge has been approved. The updated rule now accurately reflects the prohibition of drone operations in this area, aligning with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regulations and the refuge's status as a protected area for wildlife and their habitats.
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Flight status Unknown NoFly
Summary — Drones are prohibited at Turnbull NWR per USFWS regulations. Channeled Scablands wetland complex is protected.
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## Drone Rules - Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

**Drone use is prohibited** at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within refuge boundaries
- Research use requires a Special Use Permit
- The Channeled Scablands potholes support nesting Canada geese, sandhill cranes, and over 100 breeding bird species

### Source
- FWS Refuge Regulations: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/turnbull
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+ ## Drone Rules - Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
+ 
+ **Drone use is prohibited** at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
+ 
+ ### Key Rules
+ - No recreational drone flights within refuge boundaries
+ - Research use requires a Special Use Permit
+ - The Channeled Scablands potholes support nesting Canada geese, sandhill cranes, and over 100 breeding bird species
+ 
+ ### Source
+ - FWS Refuge Regulations: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/turnbull
+
May 27, 2026 2:53 AM Approved • Rollback user history: Incorrect link
Author: jaystechvault (11074)
Moderation feedback
Administrative rollback audit entry.
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Field Before After
Flight status Permission Unknown
Summary Drone use generally prohibited. USFWS rules apply. Permission rarely granted. —
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This refuge protects wetlands and wildlife habitats important for birds and other species. Drones can disrupt nesting and feeding behavior.
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- This refuge protects wetlands and wildlife habitats important for birds and other species. Drones can disrupt nesting and feeding behavior.