Recreational Use of UAS on National Forest System Lands

Hobbyists and Recreational Users of UAS

Individuals and organizations that fly UAS for hobby or recreational purposes are encouraged to visit the Forest
Service UAS responsible use webpage for further guidance on National Forest lands.

There is federal legislation (law) that describes how, when, and where individuals can fly drones for recreational
purposes. All persons are considered a recreational UAS user if they fly the aircraft (Drone) for fun. It is
important to know when and where persons are allowed to fly UAS and how those aircraft must be registered.
Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations provided with the most up to date, to assist
with guidance when communicating with hobbyists.

Recreational use of UAS in Wilderness is prohibited. UAS are considered to be aircraft according to the FAA and
both “motorized equipment” and “mechanical transport” under Section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act. As such they
cannot take off from, land in, or be operated from congressionally designated Wilderness Areas (see also
Aeronautical Information Manual 7-4-6. Flights over Charted U.S. Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service
Areas).

Remember to Check: 

Anyone who wants to fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) on National Forest System lands for fun or recreation must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

Please visit the FAA's website to learn about new changes to recreational drone flying in the United States.

Members of the public may fly UAS for hobby or recreation in many places on National Forest System lands. However, there are areas on National Forest System lands where UAS can’t be flown as mandated by federal law and in accordance with FAA guidelines.  

Please contact the FAA or a Forest Service regional aviation officer for more information about flying a drone for recreational use.

UAS Incursion Reporting in Wildernesses

Attempt to identify drone type and potential launch site. Law Enforcement shall be contacted citing 36 CFR
261.18(a) and 36 CFR 261.18(c) which is illegal UAS use in wildernesses.