Drones in Wilderness Areas: Environmental Monitoring and Emergency Response
This Act allows government agencies (Federal, State, local, and Tribal) to use drones in designated wilderness areas, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas. The goal is to enhance environmental monitoring (e.g., invasive species), conduct law enforcement and search and rescue activities, and monitor natural disaster effects. For citizens, this means potentially faster emergency assistance and better protection of valuable natural lands, while introducing an exception to the existing ban on mechanical vehicles in these zones.
Key points
Authorization for public agencies to use unmanned aircraft systems (drones) within designated Wilderness Areas.
Drones will be used for environmental monitoring, including detecting harmful algal blooms and invasive species.
Drone use is permitted for public safety purposes, such as law enforcement, search and rescue activities, and monitoring natural disaster effects.
The change applies to Wilderness Areas, potential wilderness areas, and Wilderness Study Areas.
Introduced
Citizen Poll