Drones in Parks: Part 3. Opportunities, Innovative Uses and the Future — Episode 008

In this third and final installment of our series on drones in
parks, we speak with Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President of
Strategic Initiatives on the future of drones in parks.


In part one, we looked at local, state and federal policies as
well as resources for land managers. In part two, we spoke with a
park director and how her agency has handled drones in their
parks system.


Part 1. Policy, Drone Zones and Resources for Land
Managers

Part 2. How Park Managers Manage Drones

Part 3. Opportunities, Innovative Uses and the Future



In today’s episode we cover:


How drones are a disruptive technology for parks and
recreation.

The Drones Are Coming



The evolution of drones and their appeal to the general
public.

How the portability and size of drones make them hard for
park managers to control on their lands.

The legitimate fears about why people are afraid of drones —
number one being privacy. But how much privacy can someone expect
on public lands?

Other fears include flying near crowds, interfering with
aircraft and disturbing wildlife.

How the future of drones is massive — for hobbyists and
commercial use.

Surveying, infrared mapping, reconnaissance of remote
areas, public safety, and search and rescue are all great
possibilities for parks and recreation.

Recreational uses will continue to expand and include
things like drone racing, celebratory displays and contests.



Issues with bringing invasive technology into a “pristine”
park environment and why it depends on context.

Moratorium on drones in National Parks





The takeaway from our series on drones? The use of drones in a
park depends on the context. While there is no “one-size-fits-all
policy” for drones in parks, there should be room to make a safe
place for everyone. Park managers and drone users alike are going
to have to stay nimble in a constantly changing regulatory
environment and it’s beneficial for parks and recreation to work
with the drone community when developing their policies.


As always, we want to hear how this trend continues to affect the
field. Share your stories in the comments or email me at
rsutton@nrpa.org.