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ziphius Posts: 911
9/1/2015
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There is an increasing use of drones in ABDSP, particularly by hobbyists with a desire to photograph and video beautiful places. I first noticed this when I saw a post on the Friends of Anza Borrego Desert Facebook page. The post created a little bit of pro- vs anti-drone feather-ruffling. Since that time, I've seen other drone videos and meet-up group types of encouragements (link below) to "bring your drone!" on trips. The park currently prohibits drones as seen in this video. Personally, I don't want to see or hear them in the backcountry. Opinions?
http://scoutfitters.org/trip/the-drones-have-landed-in-anza-borrego/
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kylekai Posts: 82
9/1/2015
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I completely agree about prohibiting them. I go to the desert for the peace and quiet, as well as unspoiled vistas. I would get irritated as hell seeing and hearing drones out there. Around my house in San Diego I probably wouldn't care so much, as there's already a lot of noise and aircraft around. But the desert is my sanctuary.
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
9/1/2015
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There are quite a few discussions about drones, privacy etc in public spaces and my guess is they will continue for some time. ABDSP already has regulations that prohibit using them within park boundaries and I am sure rangers will be citing folks as appropriate or giving warnings.
When I was last at Henderson Canyon photographing the Spring Wildflowers there were 2 drones flying around and yeah, it was very annoying.
Teachers and students at the school where I work fly them around the park nearby and do some pretty cool work with the engineering and photography from them.
I have been at the beach and had them buzz me over and over and over again and I could never see who was flying them...again, very annoying.
They have their place and time, I think they are cool...just not everywhere at any time.
ABDSP is one the few remaining places that is free and open for so much to do outdoor related, I would hate to see it turn into another NP requiring gated entrances and visitation fees.
Lets keep the drones home for now.....
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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ziphius Posts: 911
9/2/2015
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I could imagine limited and controlled drone use for park research, with a permit system. Drones might be an alternative technology for sheep and plant surveys. For example, the park used to use helicopters for bighorn surveys, but due to safety reasons, no longer do this. But drones need to be a rare thing in the park and too many people own them now (like dogs!). I understand the owners' desire to fly them in a beautiful open space where you are seemingly doing no harm. Model airplane clubs have regulations and designated flight zones, which seems to be a needed model for the multitude of drone pilots out there.
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rockhopper Posts: 668
9/5/2015
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It's a BIG park, but.... I wouldn't want one flying around me out on a peaceful desert adventure.
On the other hand, with a park permit, they might be useful for wildlife, archeological and geological research.
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ziphius Posts: 911
9/6/2015
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There was a drone flying over the audience last night at the San Diego Symphony at the Embarcadero. Distracting and annoying to say the least. (Yes, some ABDSP forum members are *that* cultured). 
edited by ziphius on 9/6/2015
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eFMer Posts: 4
9/8/2015
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A drone is one of the worst thing that can happen while hiking in the park. I have the park ranger on speed dial, that is if the phone will work.
We hardly ever encounter other hikers and a drone will sure spoil the park feeling.
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http://www.borregohiking.com/
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anutami Posts: 491
9/8/2015
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Jim, that scoutfitters add is hilarious. Boom boxes and Drones what a combo ,yeah I miss those college days . Have you emailed the leaders letting them know they should not be advertising to bring drones? I have yet to come across a drone and hear how loud they are, but I guess they are loud and annoying. So the question is if you see someone flying a drone do you approach them politely and let then know the policy or call the ranger? I agree with the policy of not allowing them, but it sounds like there is no policy as of yet and it is just the ranger saying they are not allowed. Is this correct? or is There something more concrete and in writing from CA State parks, Would ABDSP have their own policy on this? Do you know if BLM land permits the use of drones? I have come across the rocketeers out by plaster city launching their rockets into the sky, which is pretty cool.
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ziphius Posts: 911
9/8/2015
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Nolan, I haven't passed along that outfitters advertisement to the park, maybe I should. No idea what the BLM regulations are. I suspect that the drone issue has come upon park and land officials so quickly that they've not had time to formalize regulations. Someone on the Friends of the Anza Borrego Desert Facebook page cited a generic regulation (see games and recreational activities) in support of the drone ban. I think the video of the ranger confronting a drone pilot in the Borrego Badlands earlier this year is probably the best insight into the regulations we have without contacting the park directly. Funny thing about that video is that the pilot / narrator at one point wistfully states that "the desert appeared to be undisturbed", which is the very thing that attracts all of us to it. PS - Welcome to the forum eFMer.
edited by ziphius on 9/8/2015
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
10/2/2015
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I'm a flyer,and will be getting a professional videoing system soon for mine and I intend, if it's still allowed, to video some nice spots. I understand though that it's not always wanted and I for one am annoyed with them at times even though I fly them, I think a permit system for videoing via drone would be good. Help to slow the process and limit it to an extent.
Not all drone pilots are idiots. there is a level of respect and knowledge needed, and maybe a course on this should be mandatory.
Let's not group all drone pilots in one bad group. I'm sure if some of you flew one and took some shots you'd see the allure of them.
In any case check out this nice video of a sunrise over the badlands:
https://youtu.be/hs2PE6rYyXE
edited by sddarkman619 on 10/2/2015
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
10/2/2015
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Jim (ziphius) wrote:
Friends of the Anza Borrego Desert Facebook page cited a generic regulation (see games and recreational activities) in support of the drone ban.
I don't' see that as being applicable to drones. I think it would be more applicable to drinking games or dangerous activity like drinking and driving rather than drones.
I don't see anywhere that Drones are prohibited in ABSP
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
10/2/2015
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sddarkman619 wrote:
Jim (ziphius) wrote:
Friends of the Anza Borrego Desert Facebook page cited a generic regulation (see games and recreational activities) in support of the drone ban. I don't see anywhere that Drones are prohibited in ABSP Rangers have told me they are illegal per some blah blah code and they will enforce it as seen in that one youtube video. ABDSP rangers are pretty serious about regulations, they are in general a good bunch but take their duties pretty serious. I would say if you do decide to fly your drone in ABDSP and you do it with some common sense and in a way that does not disturb other folks or fly it in places where there are always people present you will probably be fine...
As I stated in my first post of this topic, drone use is a hot topic and will be for some time, everybody has an opinion about them.....the photos from them are really cool and the tech is amazing but.....
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http://www.sefcik.com
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http://www.carrizogorge.com
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
10/2/2015
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dsefcik wrote:
As I stated in my first post of this topic, drone use is a hot topic and will be for some time, everybody has an opinion about them.....the photos from them are really cool and the tech is amazing but.....
But what? A war drone? hahahaha that's a bit different than what we fly.
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
10/3/2015
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Just got off the phone with Sally out in ABSP and drones are now not allowed. so you will all rest easy tonight.
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Florian Posts: 129
10/4/2015
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sddarkman619 wrote:
In any case check out this nice video of a sunrise over the badlands:
https://youtu.be/hs2PE6rYyXE
Drones are interesting. I've thought about getting one myself but not sure what i'd really do with it. Looking at this video i can see 4 vehicles parked at Font's Point and some people walking up to the viewpoint. Maybe they were all with the guy that was flying and were fine with it. But if i had driven out to Font's Point early in the morning to watch the sunrise and ended up being buzzed by a drone i would not be happy. I really don't think they belong in a wilderness setting. I've no problem with them at public events, sports, concerts, etc.
-Florian
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
10/4/2015
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Florian wrote:
sddarkman619 wrote:
In any case check out this nice video of a sunrise over the badlands:
https://youtu.be/hs2PE6rYyXE
Drones are interesting. I've thought about getting one myself but not sure what i'd really do with it. Looking at this video i can see 4 vehicles parked at Font's Point and some people walking up to the viewpoint. Maybe they were all with the guy that was flying and were fine with it. But if i had driven out to Font's Point early in the morning to watch the sunrise and ended up being buzzed by a drone i would not be happy. I really don't think they belong in a wilderness setting. I've no problem with them at public events, sports, concerts, etc.
-Florian It really does hit an emotional button doesn't it....we are in a new generation, will be interesting to see see where it all settles.
BTW, I tried to watch that (9.28 minutes) video and couldn't, way too long and slow...a few bad ass photographs would have done it for me...but yeah, new generation. I use to think model airplanes and gas helicopters were cool (well helicopters still are).
edited by dsefcik on 10/4/2015
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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ziphius Posts: 911
10/4/2015
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sddarkman619 wrote:
Let's not group all drone pilots in one bad group. I'm sure if some of you flew one and took some shots you'd see the allure of them.
edited by sddarkman619 on 10/2/2015
Definitely not the intention to characterize drone pilots in a bad way. Drones represent very cool technological advances in photography and videography. We use them at work, but even we have to obtain permits for their use over open water, where danger to people is limited. A couple of examples of how we use 'em: Killer whale research and Antarctic research. In a world where it is increasingly difficult to find peace and quiet, the sentiments of those who don't want drones in the park are well understood. But I think there is room for a limited use / time someday, it just has to be regulated, because so many people own them these days.
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Florian Posts: 129
10/4/2015
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dsefcik wrote:
I use to think model airplanes and gas helicopters were cool (well helicopters still are).
Daren,
Have you ever noticed that large "barn" like building along S22 east of the BS airport. It's on the north-south portion of S22 about halfway between the Pegleg marker and the corner where the dump road joins. The guy flies model planes there all the time. I've seen them multiple times. Haven't seen a model helicopter there yet but maybe someday. I was just camping on Friday night out near Arroyo Salado and went for bike ride on Sat and he had a plane up when i rode by.
-Florian
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
10/4/2015
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Florian wrote:
Have you ever noticed that large "barn" like building along S22 east of the BS airport. It's on the north-south portion of S22 about halfway between the Pegleg marker and the corner where the dump road joins. The guy flies model planes there all the time. I've seen them multiple times. Haven't seen a model helicopter there yet but maybe someday.
-Florian
Yeah, I know where you are talking about...I live near a model airplane flying club park and see them all the time, there are always people with helicopters and they are just plain bad ass...dude yesterday was flying that thing with full tail drops at a full stall....I can't imagine a real helicopter could ever fly like that....you'd want to be wearing brown underwear if you were ever in one that could...
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http://www.sefcik.com
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
10/4/2015
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dsefcik wrote:
Florian wrote:
sddarkman619 wrote:
In any case check out this nice video of a sunrise over the badlands:
https://youtu.be/hs2PE6rYyXE
It really does hit an emotional button doesn't it....we are in a new generation, will be interesting to see see where it all settles.
BTW, I tried to watch that (9.28 minutes) video and couldn't, way too long and slow...a few bad ass photographs would have done it for me...but yeah, new generation. I use to think model airplanes and gas helicopters were cool (well helicopters still are).
I couldn't watch the whole thing,either, I skipped around but there was some beautiful shots in there, just an example of what can be done, still would be awesome.
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sddarkman619 Posts: 153
10/4/2015
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BTW I talked to Ranger Steve as well yesterday and dromes were NEVER allowed out there. all these videos are Illegal.
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
10/5/2015
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sddarkman619 wrote:
BTW I talked to Ranger Steve as well yesterday and dromes were NEVER allowed out there. all these videos are Illegal. Yeah, pretty much...Steve is a god guy, stay on his good side though...8-)
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Borregolinda Posts: 69
10/5/2015
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Florian wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
I use to think model airplanes and gas helicopters were cool (well helicopters still are).
Daren,
Have you ever noticed that large "barn" like building along S22 east of the BS airport. It's on the north-south portion of S22 about halfway between the Pegleg marker and the corner where the dump road joins. The guy flies model planes there all the time. I've seen them multiple times. Haven't seen a model helicopter there yet but maybe someday. I was just camping on Friday night out near Arroyo Salado and went for bike ride on Sat and he had a plane up when i rode by.
-Florian
That's Roo's Roost! His house is behind the building.
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ziphius Posts: 911
10/21/2015
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Ram takes down drone and owner. Something tells me this is gonna happen out here one day.
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kylekai Posts: 82
12/11/2015
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Does this look like the air shots were taken with a drone? I think I can see the operator at about 40 seconds into it.
https://youtu.be/ljSsogtMiDg
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/12/2015
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kylekai wrote:
Does this look like the air shots were taken with a drone? I think I can see the operator at about 40 seconds into it.
https://youtu.be/ljSsogtMiDg
Looks like it. Will be an uphill battle for the park for sure. I found an expensive drone with mounted GoPro camera overlooking Anza Borrego a couple of months ago. Checked the video card and the crash wasn't at all dramatic, just a slow descent into a bush. I don't think the pilot could see where it crashed, based on the video and the wicked 60-degree slope it came to rest on. I did my due diligence and checked craigslist, etc. for lost drone postings (there are lots), but no luck. I'm sure it won't be the first drone I find.
edited by ziphius on 12/12/2015
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Borregolinda Posts: 69
12/12/2015
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Heard on the scanner the other day that one was flying over Palm Canyon Trail. Just what I want to hear when I hike up the trail.
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
12/12/2015
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Interesting find Jim.....yes, this is a topic that I am sure will stay current for some time.
My guess is that people will continue to fly them at will until there are genuine financial repercussions.
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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anutami Posts: 491
12/12/2015
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Drone use for me is hiking to the top of the mountain then taking a picture. That's all I need  I can't really justify spending 2 grand.
edited by anutami on 12/12/2015
edited by anutami on 12/12/2015
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Florian Posts: 129
12/13/2015
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kylekai wrote:
Does this look like the air shots were taken with a drone? I think I can see the operator at about 40 seconds into it.
https://youtu.be/ljSsogtMiDg
Definitely a drone. You an even see the drone's carrying case on the ground. DesertUSA.com should know better.
-Florian
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kylekai Posts: 82
12/13/2015
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I noticed on page 6 of the 2016 AB State Park newsletter it states:
The operation of powered unmanned aircraft, including drones, is prohibited in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/park%20magazine%202016_finalweb.pdf
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kylekai Posts: 82
1/27/2018
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I continue to see drone use videos at YouTube. I add a comment about drones being illegal at the park, but is there much else that can be done when I see these videos? Ironically I was pointed to one from the SoCal Off Road Recovery FaceBook page that was referred to me somewhere on this forum: https://youtu.be/1WKfqw_w_-0
Nice video, but I'd hate to hear that thing buzzing around me if I was there.
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Borregolinda Posts: 69
1/27/2018
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kylekai wrote:
I continue to see drone use videos at YouTube. I add a comment about drones being illegal at the park, but is there much else that can be done when I see these videos? Ironically I was pointed to one from the SoCal Off Road Recovery FaceBook page that was referred to me somewhere on this forum: https://youtu.be/1WKfqw_w_-0
Nice video, but I'd hate to hear that thing buzzing around me if I was there.
Been hearing on scanner lately Rangers stopping folks with them. So few Rangers to cover so much though. I don’t want to hear them over me either.
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Britain Posts: 606
2/2/2018
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Recently posted on the park FB page.
We would like to remind all park visitors the flying of any unmanned aircraft including drones is prohibited per California Code of Regulations 4326(a) Posted Order in the Colorado Desert District including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park®, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Picacho State Recreation Area, and Indio Hills Palms Property.
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