Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters within Colorado National Monument is now prohibited and has been posted in the 2014 Superintendent's Compendium.
The term "unmanned aircraft" is defined as any device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device. An interim policy is now in effect for all national park units while a Servicewide regulation is finalized.
There has been dramatic growth throughout the country in the numbers and use of unmanned aircraft during recent months with visitor and staff complaints of noise and nuisance, harassment of park wildlife, and safety concerns. "Simply put, experiencing quiet and solitude is a value that people seek and want protected within their national park units," states Superintendent Lisa Eckert.
A superintendent's compendium is a compilation of restrictions and permit requirements imposed under the discretionary authority of the superintendent. These are determined based on being necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural and cultural resources, aid to scientific research, implementation of management responsibilities, equitable allocation and use of facilities, or the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.
The National Park Service may authorize unmanned aircraft for administrative purposes such as search and rescue, fire operations and scientific study.
More information regarding this ban may be obtained from the Superintendent's Compendium, available from the Colorado National Monument website.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
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