Massachusetts Recreational Drone Rules: DCR Parkland Permit Required

The Department of Conservation and Recreation treats a drone as an aircraft or 'any other apparatus' under 302 CMR 12.04(28)(g): unless authorized by a Special Use Permit issued under 302 CMR 12.17(2), no person may take off, land, or cause an aircraft to descend on DCR property, except in an emergency such as a forced landing. That covers state forests, beaches, reservations, and parkways. Permits are issued at the Department's sole discretion, may run up to five years, and can fix the timing, location, duration, and volume of use. Off DCR land, no Massachusetts statute regulates recreational drones; federal 49 U.S.C. 44809 controls. DCR rangers enforce the parkland rule.

Taking off, landing, or operating a drone on DCR property without a Special Use Permit violates 302 CMR 12.00; DCR park rangers can order you off the land, deny or revoke permits, and refer trespass or criminal charges to the district attorney.