Effective immediately as outlined in the 2014 TONT Superintendent’s Compendium is a written determination and justification on the Use of Unmanned Aircraft in the Monument.
Unmanned Aircraft: Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Tonto National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: Unmanned Aircraft - The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of UAs within Tonto National Monument will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses including visitor experience of unimpaired view sheds; the disturbance, displacement or harassment of park wildlife, present potential for impacts or damage to sensitive archeological sites, and creation of public safety hazards per operation near roadways or large aggregations of visitors.
Less restrictive measures were not considered sufficient due to the rapidly expanding and evolving use of UAs throughout the world. Section 1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006 provide that a new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made by the park Superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on park resources and values.
Duane C. Hubbard
Superintendent
Tonto National Monument 26260 N. AZ Hwy 188, Lot 2
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Phone: (928) 467-2241 x100
