Algoma Highlands Conservancy is once again reminding visitors to stop using drones when visiting its lands – especially Robertson Cliffs.
“Fall is our peak season. From Labour Day to Thanksgiving I probably received about 25 to 30 notifications of drone use,” said Michaella McIntosh, Algoma Highlands Conservancy spokesperson.
The group’s plea to the public to honour Robertson Cliffs and all AHC lands as drone-free zones arises from concerns over wildlife.
“On Robertson Cliffs, we have peregrine falcons which were introduced to the area about 30 years ago as an endangered species and the cliffs were one of the Ontario-selected starting points for that reintroduction and breeding program. We really care about our peregrines,” McIntosh told SooToday.
Robertson Cliffs are located about 30 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie.
As reported in 2023, AHC suspected the use of fireworks by visitors to one of three main lookouts at Robertson Cliffs, along with the use of a drone close to a falcons’ nest near the first lookout, caused the birds to abandon the area.
“The birds left an egg behind and they did not come back. At this point, we do believe that they are nesting on the cliffs again but at a different location,” McIntosh said.
AHC lands are private property.
“We own select pieces of the King Mountain formation. We understand we don't control the air space. We understand that people have free will. However, as private property owners, it is our request that people refrain from using drones. Again, that's primarily because of the peregrines,” McIntosh said.
She added that drones also disturb the peace that human visitors to AHC lands are in search of.
“We receive feedback from visitors saying drones are not quiet.”
“There's a lot to be said for the tranquility that people are seeking when they are outside. People are looking for peace of mind. They're looking to disconnect.
"People aren't on their phones. So, removing drones has been our ask to ensure that the visitors that we have are being heard and respected as well as us as property owners,” McIntosh said.
Still photography on AHC lands is acceptable.
“We love people who come and take photos and share their stories about how this magical place has impacted them,” McIntosh said.
“We encourage the public that if they see somebody using a drone, just to simply let them know it's private property and it's just our request. We want our area to be respected and not just as a tourist destination but as a significant piece of ecological history.”
McIntosh said AHC has not looked into legal action against drone users on its lands.
"We genuinely believe that with enough education people will understand. We have full faith in our community and the naturalist community to hold people accountable and that information will spread. We're not out trying to penalize anybody. We are simply hoping that spreading this information will do enough."
The designation of AHC lands as drone-free zones and other points of AHC trail use policy – as well as a map of AHC lands – can be found on the conservancy's website.