You are here

Home » Drone Grounds Helicopter At Yosemite National Park

Drone Grounds Helicopter At Yosemite National Park

Share

Published Date

August 11, 2017

Despite a ban on drones in the National Park System, people continue to fly them and, in some cases, endanger working aircraft/NPS

Drones can offer incredible vantage points for photographers, but they also can be a danger to aircraft. And so when a drone appeared in the air near Glen Aulin in Yosemite National Park, a park helicopter had to land rather than risk collision.

The helicopter was transporting materials one day last week but had to land because the drone "was flying too close to the helicopter," said park spokeswoman Jamie Richards. 

"We have no information on if the drone pilot was located and any actions that were taken. The incident was reported and the helicopter mission had to be postponed," she said Thursday.

Unauthorized flying of drones in national parks was outlawed in 2014 by the National Park Service over concerns that they can stress wildlife, bother visitors, and interfere with official aircraft.

The ban was announced after several incidents in the park system:

* In April 2014, a drone at Grand Canyon National Park buzzed around more than three dozen visitors gathered to watch a sunset near Desert View Watchtower. "The operator lost control of the unmanned aircraft, which had been loudly flying back and forth over the canyon, and the device crashed into the canyon," Park Service records noted

* In May 2014, officials at Yosemite warned visitors that flying drones in the park was illegal, and a few days later Zion National Park officials said someone had been buzzing bighorn sheep with a drone.

* In the fallof 2013, according to the Park Service, a drone was confiscated at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota after it flew above a crowd of more than 1,000 and in front of the sculpted profiles of presidents Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.

There have been several drone-related incidents in Yellowstone National Park, including a drone that crashed and sank in Grand Prismatic Spring in August 2014. The National Mall in Washington, D.C., also has seen dozens of drone incidents.

Related Stories:

Badger Pass, Yosemite's Ski Resort, Won't Open This Winter
What Does The EXPLORE Act Mean For Wilderness Areas?
Yosemite's Permanent Reservation System On Hold After Changes At Interior

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Teresa Cristina Magro on August 15, 2017 - 3:24pm.

We are curious beings but above all we are vainglorious. We want to see nature in all its angles and our photo has to be much better than ordinary. We are lignin in times where experience is replaced by the image.

 

When all that brings danger to other people's lives, there is something wrong.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.