National Park Service Prohibits Unmanned Aircraft

Date: December 23, 2015
Contact: Kathleen Bond, [phone] x13

Natchez, MS - Superintendent Kathleen Bond would like to remind everyone that the use of unmanned aircraft (including drones) within the boundaries of the National Park Service sites are prohibited.  In the Natchez area, this would include the Melrose estate, the William Johnson House, the Fort Rosalie area along Canal Street, and the Natchez Trace Parkway.  Elsewhere in Mississippi, that would also include the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the Ocean Springs unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore on the coast.

"The use of "drones" or unmanned aircraft has become a popular recreational activity," said Superintendent Bond, "And they will be a very hot holiday gift item at Christmas.  I want the public to realize that taking off, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft from all National park sites is prohibited."

In August 2014, National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis issued the interim policy on unmanned aircraft at National Park Service sites.  The directive has been incorporated into the Superintendent's Compendium at Natchez NHP, as well as that of other NPS sites.  This document contains park-specific regulations authorized under the Code of Federal Regulations, (36 CFR 1.5).

This interim policy will be in place until the National Park Service develops a nationwide regulation to address unmanned aircraft through a public rulemaking process.