Vicksburg National Military Park Prohibits Unmanned Aircraft

Date: August 18, 2014
Contact: Michael Madell, Superintendent, 601-619-2902

Superintendent Michael Madell announced today that he has issued a directive, effective immediately, that prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft (including drones) within the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park. The directive has been incorporated into the National Military Park's Superintendent's Compendium, which is a document containing park-specific regulations authorized under the Code of Federal Regulations.

"The use of unmanned aircraft in parks is a relatively new, but quickly growing trend," said Madell. "Although we have not experienced problems here at Vicksburg, we are concerned that flying the aircraft may have negative impacts on visitor experiences and safety, the solemnity of the battlefield, and park resources."

Madell stated that he expects the new directive to be an interim policy until such time as the National Park Service develops a nationwide regulation to address unmanned aircraft through a public rulemaking process.

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The Superintendent's Compendium for Vicksburg National Military Park can be found at https://www.nps.gov/vick/parkmgmt/index.htm