Yosemite Park: no drones allowed

The relatively new gadget that has rapidly gained tech enthusiasts worldwide is the unmanned drone.

Photographers, journalists or just curious people make use of such devices in order to have a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape.

However, technology does come with some disadvantages which have put their toll on Yosemite National Park. Starting with Friday, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles is now prohibited in the park.

‘Drones can be extremely noisy, and can impact the natural soundscape. Drones can also impact the wilderness experience for other visitors creating an environment that is not conducive to wilderness travel. The use of drones also interferes with emergency rescue operations and can cause confusion and distraction for rescue personnel and other parties involved in the rescue operation. Additionally, drones can have negative impacts on wildlife nearby the area of use, especially sensitive nesting peregrine falcons on cliff walls,’ stated the brief missive released on Friday. The statement was also posted on the park’s Facebook page.

The decision raised some eyebrows from the public as only this November, US lawmakers and the Federal Aviation Administration lifted a six-years ban on drone use.