Limited uses of such "unmanned aircraft systems" (UAS) would be allowed for scientific and agricultural research and the monitoring of wildlife, natural resources, vegetation, and tenant farmers' crops and livestock, under a policy drafted by the Parks and Open Space Department staff and endorsed by the county's Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee in January.
The county staff would have to give its advance consent for such uses.
Boulder County would also allow drones' use above open space in such emergency situations as search-and-rescue missions, floods or wildfires.
In general, however, the county would continue to prohibit the recreational or hobby use of drones.
Unmanned aircraft systems operators would also have to comply with whatever applicable Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations are in place.
Jeff Moline, a county resource planning manager, wrote commissioners that the proposed policy would allow the county staff "to approve UAS missions that help understand, manage and monitor county open space properties and resources. Special attention and consideration would be given to identified environmental resources and recreational sites."
Moline said, though, that visitors to publicly accessible Boulder County Parks and Open Space lands "expect an outdoor experience with a degree of solitude and freedom. The use of UAS should not detract from our recreational experience or become a nuisance to visitor enjoyment."
The county wouldn't permit scientific or agricultural drone use that could disturb sensitive wildlife species, And it would prohibit drone flights that could have negative impacts on residents or property owners near county-owned open space.
Boulder County would provide public notice about where and when authorized UAS uses will be operating, as well as making an annual public report about the number, location and types of drone operations that were permitted.
Tuesday's meeting will include a public-hearing opportunity for people to comment on the proposed open-space drone policy.
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