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Drone Rules for Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Othello, Washington (wa) • United States
51 S Morgan Lake Rd, Othello, WA 99344, USA
Lat: 46.8998 • Lng: -119.229

Rules Edit History: Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

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May 29, 2026 5:52 AM Approved • Added USFWS drone ban for Columbia NWR with Scablands pygmy rabbit context.
Author: be5f5cb8-9839-4827-98b3-c519aa546acc (1118)
Moderation feedback
Approved Confidence: 0.99
Your proposed edit to prohibit drone flights at Columbia 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.
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Flight status Unknown NoFly
Summary — Drones are prohibited at Columbia NWR per USFWS regulations. Channeled Scablands lakes and wildlife are protected.
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## Drone Rules - Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

**Drones are not permitted** at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.

### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within refuge boundaries
- Research use requires a Special Use Permit
- Glacially scoured potholes and seeps in the Channeled Scablands support over 180 bird species and reintroduced pygmy rabbits

### Source
- FWS Refuge Regulations: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/columbia
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+ ## Drone Rules - Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
+ 
+ **Drones are not permitted** at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.
+ 
+ ### Key Rules
+ - No recreational drone flights within refuge boundaries
+ - Research use requires a Special Use Permit
+ - Glacially scoured potholes and seeps in the Channeled Scablands support over 180 bird species and reintroduced pygmy rabbits
+ 
+ ### Source
+ - FWS Refuge Regulations: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/columbia
+
May 27, 2026 2:53 AM Approved • Rollback user history: Incorrect link
Author: jaystechvault (11074)
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Administrative rollback audit entry.
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Flight status Permission Unknown
Summary Drone use generally prohibited. USFWS rules apply. Permission rarely granted. —
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This refuge protects wetlands and desert habitat used by migratory birds and wildlife. Drone activity can disturb nesting and feeding behavior.
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- This refuge protects wetlands and desert habitat used by migratory birds and wildlife. Drone activity can disturb nesting and feeding behavior.