PARK INFORMATION
A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and a choice picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for an afternoon or longer. Located near the Kansas City area, the park has ample fishing opportunities and an abundance of white-tailed deer and wild turkeys to watch. The park is adjacent to Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.According to the Missouri State Department of Natural Resources, "Want to fly your drone? There are no laws prohibiting drones on state park grounds, but we do ask that you keep it to the main, open day-use areas and be respectful of other visitors in the park. If you will be taking photos for professional use or sale, there would be a process to go through to gain approval for that.
Go to https://mostateparks.com/park/watkins-mill-state-park for more information.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site in Missouri is a historic park that offers a deep dive into America's industrial past. It includes the well-preserved Watkins Woolen Mill, built in the mid-19th century, and the surrounding buildings that were part of a self-sufficient farmstead. The park also features amenities such as a visitor center, museum, and walking trails. The Watson Lake within the park provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking, making it a popular spot for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Flying Drones at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park
# Legal Considerations1. State Park Regulations: Generally, Missouri State Parks prohibit the use of drones within park boundaries unless you have special permission. Since Watkins Woolen Mill State Park falls under this category, you'd need specific authorization from park management to fly a drone there.2. Historic Site Restrictions: Being a historic site, additional restrictions may be in place to protect the area's historical and cultural integrity. These restrictions typically make it even more challenging to get permission to fly a drone.
# Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR Part 107)Assuming you get permission from the park management:1. LANCE Authorization: The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system is used to quickly obtain airspace authorizations in controlled airspace. However, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park is not typically in controlled airspace that would require LANCE authorization. You should still check current airspace maps via tools like the FAA's B4UFLY app to be sure.2. General Drone Rules: You must follow FAA regulations for drone flights, which include: - Flying below 400 feet. - Maintaining line of sight with your drone. - Not flying over people or moving vehicles. - Respecting privacy laws and other local ordinances.
Is it Worth Flying a Drone There?While the historic buildings and scenic landscapes would make for beautiful aerial footage, the effort to get the proper permissions may not be worth it unless you have a compelling reason—such as professional photography or a special project. Always weigh the potential legal and logistical hurdles against the benefit you expect to gain from the drone footage.
Additional Tips- Contact Park Management: Reach out to park authorities well in advance to understand the process for obtaining permission. They may need you to fill out forms or provide specific information about your drone and your intended flight. - Stay Updated: Rules and regulations can change. Make sure you have the most current information from both the FAA and state park authorities before planning your visit and drone flight.- Respect Wildlife and Visitors: If you get permission to fly, always ensure your activity does not disturb wildlife or other visitors to the park.In summary, while Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site is a beautiful location worthy of aerial footage, significant legal requirements and potential restrictions make it essential to carefully consider whether it's feasible and worth your effort.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park And Historic Site, 26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO 64062, USA
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