Land Privately Owned By The Organization

UAVs have been banned from all 19 wildlife sanctuaries owned by the Connecticut Audubon Society, which says the ban will protect animals on the properties.

Radio station WNPR reports that Alexander Brash, president of the CT Audubon Society, says the ban will also ensure that people visiting the sanctuaries will also be free from "hovering drones."

Alexander said in announcing the ban that he is concerned that the aircraft could be used to track bears and moose, but his primary concern is drones flying around certain birds of prey. There are "ospreys or bald eagle nests where a drone would absolutely be detrimental to breeding and feeding and the care of young."

The ban prevents people from even carrying their aircraft when they enter the property.

Peter Sachs, an attorney who focuses on UAV law, told the station that while they might be able to prevent a drone operator from launching or landing on the private property, "as far as the sky portion, that's completely out of their jurisdiction, they have no jurisdiction." Sachs said that the FAA controls the airspace over the sanctuaries.

Still, Sachs says he hopes that people will be respectful of the society's wishes and not fly over the properties.

The State of Connecticut has effectively banned UAVs over state parks by preventing their launching or landing in the parks. The state has also enacted general laws governing issues like noise to prevent use of UAVs in state parks.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://ct.audubon.org