The Department of Natural Resources has its eyes on the skies. And it doesn’t like everything it sees.
As part of a recent order, the DNR has banned the use of sky lanterns on all state-managed lands - that includes state forests, parks, recreation areas, and boat launches.
The order also forbids the use of drones in certain areas, most notably at Tahquamenon Falls and at state-managed campsites.
Ron Olson is the Chief of Parks and Recreation with the DNR. He said sky lanterns pose a risk to state lands.
“It’s like a hot air balloon - it goes up and looks cool in the air. The problem is that these float away in the wind and can cause a fire hazard. They can drop down and ignite and create an unintended fire by doing this, especially in dry conditions.”
Olson said the decision to regulate sky lanterns and drones was prompted by complaints from across the state.
The DNR is a financial supporter of WCMU.
Copy of the order: https://www.scribd.com/document/411105512/Drone-Regulation-at-Tahquamenon-Falls#from_embed