In the effort to explain or explain away the drones cavorting in the skies above the Garden State, we may be overlooking a heaven-sent opportunity to convert these unexplained droning objects (UDOs) into cash. Opportunities abound: official UDO-viewing sites, UDO-themed attire, UDO maps, UDO souvenirs and bumper stickers and UDO-centric snacks…

All the folks in Trenton have to do is step up the campaign to dismiss or downplay UDOs. Telling New Jerseyans that UDOs are really just regularly scheduled commercial and private flights is a great start. It suggests that residents are so dim that they can’t recognize legitimate air traffic. The more officials try to rationalize UDOs, the more convinced citizens will be that they’re trying cover up the truth. (Those with good memories may recall the U.S. Air Force writing off UFOs as “swamp gas.”)

How could official doubletalk be turned into drone dollars? Consider:

Official drone observations sites

This is an ideal low-investment, high-return opportunity. Map out locations across the state where there have been significant sightings, roll out the asphalt (or less impermeable cover), build a booth or kiosk and start collecting cash.

Drone-related merch

What better place to sell souvenirs than the aforementioned observation sites? Who could resist glow-in-the-dark pennants bearing the official UDO logo — a flying school bus? Unisex sweatshirts, T-shirts, stocking caps (for UDO spotting in cold weather), plastic UDO model kits that give the state a reason to team up with manufacturers (and churn out press releases).

Guided UDO-spotting tours

At night of course, with ticketed admission. Guides would be needed, sharing the wealth with New Jerseyans lucky enough to be chosen to fill these positions. If the idea really takes off, the Garden State can tap its lottery expertise to set up profitable contests.

This is really just the tip of the UDO iceberg. Officials at all levels of state and local government can form committees, hold hearings and schedule public comments. But what’s to stop residents from making an end run into the UDO market? Sky-high fines could open another revenue stream.