"Mount Rushmore imposes strict rules for pilots flying tourists over national parks"

New regulations are being implemented to restrict air tours over national parks and monuments in the United States, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The regulations aim to protect the serenity of these natural areas, but have sparked controversy between tour operators and visitors. Critics argue that the noise from air tours disrupts the experiences of visitors and the tribes who call the land around the parks home. The regulations are the result of a federal appeals court finding that previous laws governing commercial air tours were not being enforced. Litigation and resistance from the industry group are expected, while environmental coalitions have already sued over one plan.