The use of drones within the remote Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) Seaside must be approached carefully and considering existing laws, rules, and regulations – many seaside landowners and managers do not allow recreational drones on their property.  Visitors who fly drones may unknowingly disturb sensitive wildlife, put themselves and their drone at risk of being damaged or destroyed by threatened/frightened wildlife, or negatively disrupt or interfere with the experience of other visitors.  Be a good steward, learn the rules of the air for drones, and fly responsibly.

  • Recreational use of drones on property owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy on the ESVA Seaside is prohibited.  Commercial use of drones for research purposes is allowed by permit only and is subject to seasonal and site restrictions to protect sensitive resources – contact the Virginia Coast Reserve office for more information.
  • Recreational use of drones on property owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is prohibited.  Commercial use of drones for research purposes is allowed by permit only and is subject to seasonal and site restrictions to protect sensitive resources – contact the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex office for more information.
  • Drones in National Parks:
    As of August 20, 2014 unmanned aircraft (also known as “drones”) are not permitted to be launched, landed or operated within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service. This includes Assateague Island National Seashore. More info here.
  • As per the Code of Virginia 4VAC5-30-400 // 2010, drones are prohibited from operating in any DCR owned property without a special use permit issued from DCR. Only commercial or research-based drone operations are eligible to request a special use permit. That process can be initiated by submitting a research permit application to the Division of Natural Heritage for Wreck Island. More information regarding special use permits and operational limitations can be found here.