Park Service looks to ban drones

The National Park Service has said no to drones. Director Jonathan Jarvis signed a policy memorandum on June 20 directing park superintendents nationwide to prohibit launching, landing or operating “unmanned aircraft,” commonly known as drones, on land and water administered by the National Park Service. That includes Glacier National Park.

“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 in a prepared release. “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.”

Problems with drones already have been reported. Last September, a drone flew above evening visitors seated in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheater. Concerned for visitors’ safety, park rangers confiscated the unmanned aircraft.

In April, visitors at Grand Canyon National Park gathered for a quiet sunset when they were interrupted by a loud drone that flew back and forth and eventually crashed in the canyon. Later the same month, volunteers at Zion National Park witnessed a drone disturb a herd of bighorn sheep, reportedly separating adults from young animals.

Jarvis’ memorandum does not affect the primary jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration over the National Airspace System — drones fly at low elevations, usually just a few hundred feet above the ground, which gives them a unique perspective.

The policy memorandum is a temporary measure. Jarvis said the next step will be to propose a servicewide regulation regarding drones. That process can take considerable time, depending on the complexity of the rule, and requires public notice and opportunity for public comment.

The policy memo directs superintendents to use their existing authority within the Code of Federal Regulations to prohibit the use of drones, and to include that prohibition in each park’s regulations.

All permits previously issued for drones will be suspended until reviewed and approved by the associate director of the National Park Service’s Visitor and Resource Protection directorate.

The associate director must approve any new special-use permits authorizing the use of drones. Superintendents who have previously authorized the use of model aircraft for hobbyist or recreational use may allow such use to continue.

The National Park Service may use drones for administrative purposes, such as search and rescue, fire operations and scientific study. These uses must also be approved by the associate director for visitor and resource protection.