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Contact: Eric Veach
INTERIOR, S.D – The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed an air tour management plan for Badlands National Park on November 17, 2023. The plan will prohibit commercial air tours over the park and within one-half mile outside its boundary to protect park resources including natural and cultural resources, Tribal sacred sites and ceremonial areas, wilderness character, and visitor experience. The plan’s operating parameters will be effective within 180 days from the date of signature.
“We appreciate the work and engagement of the many stakeholders that worked with us on the development of the Badlands National Park Air Tour Management Plan. Prohibiting commercial air tours protects the cultural and spiritual significance of these lands to Tribes, and is reflective of the experience desired by visitors,” said Eric Veach, the park’s Superintendent.
The air tour management plan was developed in consultation with Tribal Nations with lands within or adjacent to Badlands National Park, and with Tribes that attach historic and cultural significance to resources within the park.
Badlands National Park is one of the parks in the National Park System for which the agencies are jointly developing an air tour management plan or voluntary agreement. Each air tour management plan is developed to manage commercial air tours in a way that is consistent with the NPS’s mission, the individual park’s purpose, and the FAA’s authority to ensure aviation safety. The plans meet the requirements of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act to reduce or prevent significant adverse impacts from commercial air tours on the park, and meet NPS’s obligation to protect the park's natural and cultural resources, wildlife, and provide for the enjoyment of visitors.
The final air tour management plan is available at ParkPlanning - Badlands Final ATMP, EA and ROD (nps.gov). Please visit NPS Air Tours and FAA’s Air Tour Management Plan site for more detailed information about air tour management plans.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: November 17, 2023