Colorado expands Dark Sky Certification program to state parks, including Sweetwater Lake
This week, Gov. Jared Polis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado Tourism Office announced the Colorado State Parks Dark Sky Certification program. Twelve state parks across the state will work with DarkSky Colorado to implement strategies that reduce light pollution and protect Colorado’s stunning night skies for stargazers. This opportunity will encourage visitor exploration of hidden gems in rural communities, provide educational opportunities for guests and promote off-peak-season travel.
“Reducing unnecessary light pollution saves energy, enhances stargazing tourism, and protects Colorado’s breathtaking night skies for everyone. This new collaboration with DarkSky Colorado will help keep our star-filled skies clear for future generations of Coloradans and tourists to enjoy comets, constellations, and meteors,” Polis said.
This opportunity also offers sky quality meter equipment, supplied by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to all participants who do not already have them on hand.
Participating areas include: Crawford, Eleven Mile, Elkhead Reservoir, Golden Gate Canyon, Highline Lake, John Martin Reservoir, Mueller, Rifle Gap, State Forest, Steamboat Lake, Sweetwater Lake, Staunton and Trinidad Lake. They will collaborate with DarkSky Colorado to structure a successful application for IDSP park certification and develop and implement a sky quality monitoring plan, among other outcomes.
For more information on the program and to view the full list of participants, visit Colorado.gov.