H.R. 3433 — WILD Act of 2025

This section authorizes Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies to use and operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness study areas (i.e., areas identified under section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782))— (1) to carry out environmental monitoring and research activities, including with respect to harmful algal blooms and invasive species; (2) to carry out law enforcement and search and rescue activities, including such activities by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and (3) to monitor the effects of a natural disaster (as defined in section 602(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5195a(a))). (As background, the Wilderness Act generally prohibits motorized equipment, mechanical transport, and aircraft operations in wilderness areas to preserve their undeveloped character. Thus, this provision creates a targeted exception for agency UAS use.)