By Dixon Stone

The Vicksburg Post

 

Drones are a hot item on many Christmas lists this year, but the Vicksburg National Military Park is having none of them.

The use of drones at any national park site is officially prohibited, said a press release from Kathleen Bond, a National Park Service superintendent stationed in Natchez.

“The use of drones or unmanned aircraft has become a popular recreational activity, and they will be a very hot holiday gift item at Christmas,” Bond said. “I want the public to realize that taking off, landing or operating unmanned aircraft from all national park sites is prohibited.”

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis in August 2014 issued an interim ban on drones and similar aircraft.

The Vicksburg National Military Park also issued a reminder on the policy.

“We would like to remind visitors that the use of unmanned aircrafts (including drones) within the boundaries of any National Park Service site is prohibited. We are concerned that flying the aircraft may have harmful and unacceptable impacts on visitor experiences and safety, the solemnity of site, and park resources,” said a post on the Vicksburg park’s Facebook page.

Vicksburg National Military Parks Superintendent Bill Justice was not available for comment.

Bond explained though drones are a great advancement, she wants parkgoers to be conscious of the National Park’s firm policy on drones.

“Clearly it’s very exciting new technology, but people need to be aware of the policy,” said Bond. “Each park has its own sense of character, and our goal in banning these is not only to keep others safe, but to preserve the quality of the experience in the parks. Our parks here in Natchez have a similar atmosphere of solemnity to that of the park in Vicksburg. Preservation of that atmosphere is our primary goal.”

But Bond has not come across any problems so far concerning drones in their parks. “We haven’t had any issues with drones or unmanned aircrafts in our parks. We are simply being proactive in spreading awareness about this policy, in order to prevent any future problems.”

These reminders come with the possible influx of drone use after the holidays.

When asked if he or any of his deputies have encountered any issues with drones, Warren County Sherriff Martin Pace said, “Thus far, we have had no problems or complaints concerning drones within the county.”

The interim policy will be in place until the National Park Service develops a nationwide regulation to address unmanned aircraft through a public rulemaking process.