Officials warned drone enthusiasts that they aren't allowed to get a spur-of-the-moment bird’s eye view of state parks in one state.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reiterated Wednesday its ban on all drone flights over state park lands with proper authorization.
“Delaware State Parks believes that, in the best interest of wildlife and other park users, the flying of hobby drones is a recreational activity that must be properly managed,” said Parks Director Ray Bivens. “In our management of drones, we would encourage hobbyists to come to us in an organized way with detailed plans of their group activity.”
The ban, which is enforced by state parks police, also includes radio-controlled model aircraft.
“The flying of unmanned aircraft now presents enforcement challenges at national parks ranging from harassment of wildlife, filming of unaware park visitors and even personal injury as a result of crash landings,” said Delaware State Parks Enforcement Chief Wayne Kline.
Officials wanted to make it clear that are not “anti-drone,” rather they asked for the public to be forthcoming with plans to fly drones. Such an opportunity is coming up at an International Drone Day event at Brandywine Creek State Parks on Sunday.
“Event organizers worked closely with park leadership to plan and issue a permit for the event,” said Bivens. “In fact, we would encourage the public to come learn more about this new emerging technology.”
