UPDATE, 5-23: LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Operations Manager, Soo Project office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has clarified the report below after a request from the Boatnerd news page editor. She said the news releaase was meant for mariners and “was to raise awareness and inform mariners traversing the Locks that (their) photos and videos have a different vantage point and can capture sensitive infrastructure the public doesn’t see from the park orobservation platform. Our intent is to deter these types of photos/videos for public broadcast.”
She said that the release was not meant to target to photos taken from Soo Locks Canal Park, the observation platform or from Soo Locks tour boats. “If you are on a Soo Locks boat tour, you can still take photos we just ask you to be mindful of government employees in the photos and any closeups of infrastructure are not allowed,” she said.
SooLeader contacted Jason Wojnaroski, assistant operations manager, for additional clarification for pictures and videos taken of the Soo Locks by drone pilots outside of the SSI/restricted airspace.
“As long as you keep your platform outside of the SSI (restricted airspace) and do not zoom in on operating equipment, lock shelters, security equipment or personnel, you should not have any issue with taking pictures of vessels in the locks or vessels transiting. However, if there is ever a question to release something, please feel free to email me a copy and I will give it a quick review,” Wojnaroski stated.
There is a way to request approval for the release, publication, or distribution of photos and videos taken within restricted areas, according to the USACE. To request approval, submit a written request to Wojnaroski at jason.r.wojnaroski@usace.army.mil.
ORIGINAL REPORT: DETROIT, MI – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, have noticed an increase in photos and videos taken within the St. Mary’s Falls Canal (Restricted Area) being shared publicly. To address this and help us protect this critical national infrastructure, we are issuing a reminder regarding dissemination of photography or videography obtained while transiting the canal. While taking photos and videos of the facility from public areas is
Soo Locks No Drone Zone.
welcome, capturing or sharing photos and videos of restricted zones, security infrastructure, or interior lock operations is prohibited under federal law. Mariners, passengers, and staff may not publish, distribute, or share photos or videos taken within any restricted area of the Soo Locks without prior written consent for the safety and security of our operations.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
Reminder: Soo Locks Area a No Drone Zone
DETROIT, MI – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District reminds the public that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated the airspace over the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan as restricted airspace. Under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §99.7, unauthorized drone operations over the Soo Locks are prohibited due to national security, defense, and public safety concerns. The FAA issued a Special Security Instruction (SSI) to help protect the Soo Locks and surrounding critical infrastructure.
Unauthorized drone operations within the restricted airspace are a serious violation of federal law. The FAA and law enforcement agencies may take immediate enforcement action against operators, including substantial civil penalties and potential criminal charges.
Drone operators are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable federal, state, provincial, and local aviation regulations. Operators should verify all airspace restrictions before flight to ensure operations are safe and lawful.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
