WILD Act of 2025
The Wilderness Inclusion for Limited-use Drones Act of 2025 (WILD Act) would amend the Wilderness Act to authorize the use and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) by Federal, State, local, or Tribal agencies within wilderness areas, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas. The allowed drone activities cover environmental monitoring and research (including monitoring harmful algal blooms and invasive species), law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations (including activities carried out by Customs and Border Protection), and monitoring the effects of natural disasters. The bill defines key terms (UAS and natural disaster) and ties the authority to areas identified under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA). In short, it creates a limited, purpose-driven permission to use drones in designated wilderness settings to support conservation, safety, and emergency response. Potential impact includes improved environmental monitoring and faster emergency responses within wilderness areas, while raising considerations about wildlife disturbance, wilderness character, and coordination with existing aviation and safety rules. The bill does not detail funding or overarching procedures, so implementation would depend on agency policies and FAA regulations.
Key Points
- 1New authority to use unmanned aircraft systems (drones) within wilderness areas, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas designated or identified under applicable law.
- 2Authorized activities include: (A) environmental monitoring and research (e.g., harmful algal blooms, invasive species); (B) law enforcement and search and rescue (including CBP activities); (C) monitoring the effects of natural disasters.
- 3Scope of areas covered includes wilderness areas designated by the Wilderness Act, as well as potential wilderness areas and wilderness study areas identified under FLPMA Section 603.
- 4Definitions provided: “unmanned aircraft system” follows the federal aviation definition (49 U.S.C. 44801(12)); “natural disaster” follows the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5195a(a)).
- 5The bill specifies that the use is for the listed purposes and does not appear to create broader or ongoing authority beyond those stated uses.