Oregon currently has seven certified International DarkSky Places – Sunriver, Antelope, Sisters, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Oregon Caves National Monument and part of the Oregon Outback. Benefits of dark sky certification include improved quality of life for people, protection of the wild ecosystem and the economic value of dark sky tourism.
With support from DarkSky Oregon and from visitor associations, we’re happy to report that a dozen groups of Oregonians across the state are organizing and working toward dark sky certification too. This newsletter summarizes that activity.
Albert Kaufman has organized an email list “Friends of the Portland Night Sky”. Sign up and get involved. Can Portland attain certification as an International Dark Sky Community? Yes, with your help.
Salem
A group “Dark Skies For Salem” is organizing with a goal to encourage the city to work toward dark sky certification. Contact DarkSky Oregon to participate in the Salem group.
A group “Dark Skies Over Bend” is organizing with a goal to encourage the city to work toward dark sky certification. Contact DarkSky Oregon to participate in the Bend group.
Applegate Valley
In the Applegate Valley of Southwest Oregon there is now a dark sky group, “Applegate After Dark.” Community members are working to raise awareness of dark sky concepts in collaboration with local non-profits. Join an evening event on Tuesday Sept 23rd at the Provolt Recreation Site.
The Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce has received a grant from Travel Oregon’s Recreation Ready program to work toward the City of Cave Junction's nomination as a Dark Sky Community. Here’s their Phase 1 Feasibility Report and Action Plan. Contact Megan Curtis (541)592-3326 or illinoisvalleycc@gmail.com for more information.
Blue River
Community members have organized the “Blue River Night Sky Alliance” with a goal of Dark Sky Community certification and in fact, dark skies along the entire 60 mile “Main Street” of the McKenzie River corridor. Here’s a writeup from the Lane Electric Cooperative, “Going Dark for the Stars.”
Eagle Crest
Community members have organized “Dark Skies Over Eagle Crest”, at the resort west of Redmond. The group is making progress, educating homeowners and management about reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting. Learn more.
Wallowa Lake State Park
Rangers at Wallowa Lake State Park in northeastern Oregon are working for certification as an International Dark Sky Park. Data from a Sky Quality Meter, running there for the past four years, demonstrates that the Park's night sky is quite dark!
