Yosemite National Park bans drones

YOSEMITE VILLAGE, Calif., May 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Park Service issued a press release Friday advising visitors that all unmanned aircraft systems (drones) are prohibited within park boundaries.

The ban “applies to drones of all shapes and sizes” and cites the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Thirty Six 2.17(a)(3): “delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss, or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit” as meaning “specifically, the use of drones within the park boundaries is illegal under all circumstances.”

With drones increasing in popularity over the last few years, more and more visitors have been taking drones-eye-view videography and photography of the park, often producing beautiful shots of Yosemite’s breathtaking natural scenery, but at what cost?

Drones are loud. Really loud. According to the NPS, “Drones can be extremely noisy, and can impact the natural soundscape. Drones can also impact the wilderness experience for other visitors creating an environment that is not conducive to wilderness travel.”

A buzzing engine does break the spell of being away from it all out in nature, and it seems nature doesn't like it either. The NPS notes that "drones can have negative impacts on wildlife nearby the area of use, especially sensitive nesting peregrine falcons on cliff walls."

The NPS also claims that “The use of drones also interferes with emergency rescue operations and can cause confusion and distraction for rescue personnel.”