Drones on the Forest

Drone operation is subject to FAA and other regulations

• Drones must stay below 400 feet altitude.

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• Drones must weigh less than 55 pounds including cargo.
• Drones are not permitted in areas with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
• The Forest Service regularly uses low altitude aircraft in its work.
• Apply to use a drone on the Superior National Forest with this drone use worksheet.
• Never fly drones near fire operations. Drones near wildfires are not safe.

The Forest Service regularly uses low altitude aircraft in its work. Any conflict with these official operations can result in fines or confiscation or both. It is your responsibility to be aware of Forest Service flights in your area and TFRs. For more information about drones and flight schedules visit: www.faa.gov/uas

Learn more about Forest Service regulations on unmanned aircraft systems. 

Drones use in the BWCAW is prohibited

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Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Drone operation is prohibited in the BWCA Wilderness

In 1949, Executive Order 10092 established an air space reservation prohibiting the operation of aircraft within and over the BWCAW.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 (Pub.L. 88-577) prohibits motorized equipment in designated Wilderness.

Violations punishable under federal law Executive Order 10092 36 CFR 261.18(a)

Drone Use Worksheet

PDF of Worksheet

• You must comply with all FAA and rules and regulations.
• Commercial filming/photography with a UAS requires operators to possess a FAA Part107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• We require a copy of FAA drone registration, aircraft registrations, flight plan, and flyers contact information for approved proposals.
• If the above conditions are met, a drone may be operated during daylight hours, inline of sight, and less than 400’ above ground level.
• Drones are prohibited from taking off, flying within or landing within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The day before drone use is occurs, you must:

• Contact the Air Desk, Forest Aviation Officer (Blake Freking), and assigned Realty Specialist via email.
• Call the Air Desk to confirm receipt of email.

Utilize the script below to ensure all information is included:

This will provide the information needed in the event of forest fire or other type of emergency in which we would need to deconflict airspace.

Hi, I’m ________________ with the ___________. I received a special use permit with the Superior National Forest. I’m notifying you I will be using a drone tomorrow in the location of ________Lat/Long______ during the hours of ___________. The drone operator will be ________________. Their cell phone number is as follows ___________________.

☐ I have a handheld radio and will monitor 122.9250.
☐ I do not have a handheld radio

After flight is completed, you must:

• Notify Air Desk after completion of flights.

Contact Information

Air Desk, mnmncc_aviation@firenet.gov, 218-327-4582

Forest Aviation Officer, blake.freking@usda.gov, 218-343-9146

Realty Specialist, jessica.haig@usda.gov, 218-626-4311 or roxanne.tea@usda.gov, 218-365-2081

Email to Air Desk, Aviation Officer, and Jessica

Email to Air Desk, Aviation Officer, and Roxanne