Unmanned Aircraft to be Prohibited in America’s National Par
Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2014 12:42 pm
More of a heads up about drones in the NPS: http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1601" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Not sure if the wilderness areas are impacted.
If you want a personal drone, do a search on google for personal drone. I liked the http://www.thepocketdrone.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (gopro camera extra).
more at the link above.WASHINGTON – National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis today signed a policy memorandum that directs superintendents nationwide to prohibit launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service.
“We embrace many activities in national parks because they enhance visitor experiences with the iconic natural, historic and cultural landscapes in our care,” Jarvis said. “However, we have serious concerns about the negative impact that flying unmanned aircraft is having in parks, so we are prohibiting their use until we can determine the most appropriate policy that will protect park resources and provide all visitors with a rich experience.”
Unmanned aircraft have already been prohibited at several national parks. These parks initiated bans after noise and nuisance complaints from park visitors, an incident in which park wildlife were harassed, and park visitor safety concerns.
Last September, an unmanned aircraft flew above evening visitors seated in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheater. Park rangers concerned for visitors’ safety confiscated the unmanned aircraft.
In April, visitors at Grand Canyon National Park gathered for a quiet sunset, which was interrupted by a loud unmanned aircraft flying back and forth and eventually crashing in the canyon. Later in the month, volunteers at Zion National Park witnessed an unmanned aircraft disturb a herd of bighorn sheep, reportedly separating adults from young animals.
The policy memorandum directs park superintendents to take a number of steps to exclude unmanned aircraft from national parks. The steps include drafting a written justification for the action, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and providing public notice of the action.
Not sure if the wilderness areas are impacted.
If you want a personal drone, do a search on google for personal drone. I liked the http://www.thepocketdrone.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (gopro camera extra).