I don’t think I am on board with banning drones in nation parks completely (or any parks or place for that matter).  A drone is a tool; like other tools or resources, they can be used for good or bad.  The more I dig into the issue though, it isn’t simple matter.

“Private drone operators are clearly a danger to the public. According to Federal Aviation Administration records, since November 2009, law enforcement agencies, universities and other registered drone users have reported 23 accidents and 236 unsafe incidents. And that doesn’t even count drones flown by amateur hobbyists, who have repeatedly crashed drones into skyscrapers and caused dozens of terrifying near-collisions with commercial airplanes.”

I am not sure it is appropriate to compare the safety records of military-grade drones to these smaller recreational type drones.  Crashing into skyscrapers would be a problem as would interfering with commercial airplanes.  It will likely be an exhausting process to ferret out all the nuances of use.  It is anyone’s guess if there will be any permissible use or not by the general enthusiast.

“Drones are sophisticated unmanned aircraft. They can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars and most are equipped with powerful video cameras. Drones are more than noisy eyesores — they have been used to harass wildlife in national parks, can be used to surreptitiously film park-goers without their consent, and pose a serious safety risk.”

I would not be in favor of anyone harassing wildlife with drones.  I think there is a time and place for drone use in National Parks.  Perhaps on a very limited basis and by permit only and potentially under supervision.  “Surreptitiously film park-goers without their consent” – smartphones have enabled such activities for a while now – up close and even more personal – anywhere, but that is a whole other discussion.  Apples and oranges perhaps.  I get the point, but you are in a public place and not your backyard.  There is no expectation of privacy in a pubic place from what I understand, but there are holes in that theory.

ASMP offers this regarding photographing people in public places:  “Yes, you can photograph strangers in public places, unless you do it to such an extent and in such a way that you become a harasser or nuisance to the public.”  The public may have a case against drone use, but nothing is as cut and dry as it seems.

I wonder if the opposition to drones is considering individuals with physical disabilities?  Nature Valley Trail View is a great projects that immerses you into America’s Nation Parks using Street View technology.  I think drones could play a similar role in bringing wild and wonderful places right into your living rooms.  I can appreciate that part of the point of these parks is to get out and experience them, but not everyone is able to do so.  This notion crossed my mind last summer when I was experiencing a issue with my knee.  My wife and I took a trip up along Minnesota’s North Shore to photograph waterfalls in the state parks just in case my situation worsened and I would not be able to do this in the future.

I wish I had a drone myself, but have held off buying one because of all the controversies surrounding them, current bans and pending laws.  I’ve had my eye on a DJI Phantom 2 for a while now.  Marry one of those with a GoPro and you can capture things from all sort of interesting perspectives.  That is the appeal for me.  It is now possible to see places in a whole new way from an extremely versatile vantage point.  Is there potential for abuse, sure – it isn’t any different than anything else in that regard.

If you are against drones in National Parks, be sure to sign the petition:  Don’t lift the ban on drones in national parks.  I am still on the fence with this issue.  What are your thoughts?

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