As more and more people are taking their drones for a spin in California's open spaces, there's concern that all these flying robots might not be so great for birds and other wildlife. That's why Audubon California is sponsoring legislation that will require the state to create rules for drone use in state wildlife areas. The bill, Assembly Bill 2148 is authored by Assembly Majority Floor Leader Chris Holden.

“One of the biggest threats to birds is human disturbance of nesting and roosting sites, and drones only extent our reach even further into the natural environment,” said Brigid McCormack, executive director of Audubon California. “We clearly need some rules about where the use of drones is appropriate in our most vital habitat areas.”

The bill provides the National Resources Agency the ability to develop regulations regarding drone use on about 1,000,000 acres of publically managed lands in California. By requiring the development of a unified regulatory system, AB 2148 strives to create a cohesive, statewide system of rules governing the use of unmanned drones on public lands.

“There’s no denying the rapidly increasing number of drones in public spaces,” said Holden. “Now is the time to take preventative steps to protect California’s wildlife and natural habitats before it becomes a problem.”

Wildlife agencies in states, such as Wisconson, Colorado, Arkansas, and Montana have already taken steps to reduce drone use on their lands, and the proposed California legislation comes as the federal government is continuing to review the use of unmanned recreational drones. The National Park Service banned the use of drones over its properties in 2014, and the U.S. Fish and Wild Service has done the same over national wildlife refuges. The Federal Aviation Administration is in the process of creating a regulatory framework for drone use in public spaces.