Announcing Gunnison Gorge NCA as a Dark Sky Park!
It's official! Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is now a certified International Dark Sky Park!
What is a Dark SKy Park?
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. Parks are designated through a rigorous application process. There are currently 126 Dark Sky Parks in the world, with only a few being managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
How was Gunnison Gorge chosen?
The journey to dark sky certification spanned several years, as Gunnison Gorge NCA staff, CCA, the Western Slope Conservation Center, and dedicated volunteers documented the quality of the dark skies within the NCA by taking dark sky readings over multiple years and across various locations within the NCA. In addition to readings, volunteers took photographs of the dark skies, which portrayed the visibility of the Milky Way. A lighting inventory was conducted, confirming that the NCA has zero artificial lights within its boundaries. A light management plan was developed to guide future outreach and education about conserving the dark sky resource. Future threats, although minimal, were addressed in the application. Finally, many outreach and education events were conducted – and many more planned for the future – to promote the efforts towards certification and beyond. Through this process, it was determined the Gunnison Gorge exhibited exceptional dark sky characteristics.
“Most folks visit Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area during the daytime—as there’s great fishing, boating, hiking, and trail riding to do then—but for those who remain after dark, a whole different experience presents itself. Sleeping out under the stars can be one of the most peaceful and meaningful ways to experience this special place. I’m incredibly pleased to have the Gorge certified as a Dark Sky Park, and proud of the BLM’s commitment to conserving western Colorado’s dark skies.”
What’s next for Night Skies Gunnison Gorge? How can You get involved?
Along with in-person and virtual events, the BLM, partner groups, and local municipalities will continue to share information to the public through social media, newsletters, press releases, and interpretive materials. Topics include the importance of dark sky conservation, educational materials on the night sky, effects of light pollution, and guides to stargazing. BLM plans to incorporate information about light pollution on trailhead kiosks, brochures, webpages, and social media, all to promote dark sky viewing, astro-tourism, and astrophotography as recreational opportunities on public lands within the NCA. BLM will also include a “know before you go” section on their website to aid visitors with planning a dark sky outing (i.e., “star party”) and to help with visitor safety. Guided astronomy-themed backpacking trips, collaborations with local libraries, and other community events and outreach led by CCA and the Western Slope Conservation Center will continue to engage community members.
Thank you to the BLM, WSCC, DarkSky International, and the community for supporting this project!
