(Phoenix, Arizona – November 12, 2014) – Between the cities of Phoenix and Tucson, Oracle State Park is a 4,000-acre dark sky oasis in the desert. Now the park’s impressive night skies will be protected for future generations. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has named Oracle State Park an International Dark Sky Park. Designated at the “Silver” quality level, the park is the first in the Arizona State Park system to receive the IDA recognition. Other communities in Arizona have also been designated including Flagstaff and Sedona.
Today the wonder of the night sky is threatened by the use of artificial light. The IDA works to raise public awareness of the value of the night sky and to garner allies in the efforts to protect the natural night sky. The IDA defines International Dark Sky park sites as “a park or other public land possessing exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable as an important educational, cultural, scenic, and natural resources.”
Light pollution comes from lighting that is aimed horizontally or upward, is unshielded, brighter than it needs to be, and/or shines beyond where and when it is needed. Light pollution not only impacts the science of astronomy (an important business in Arizona), but can cause documented negative impacts on wildlife, the environment and human health. Light pollution wastes over $2 billion a year in unnecessary energy costs in the United States.
The IDA designates the quality of night skies in three tiers. Gold represents the highest award representing the darkest skies, followed by the Silver and Bronze designations. The Silver designation means there are three Point light sources and glary lights do not dominate nighttime scene. In addition, brighter sky phenomena can be regularly viewed, with fainter ones sometimes visible, and the Milky Way is visible in summer and winter.
Park Manager Steve Haas said, “The International Dark Sky Park Silver designation fits extremely well with the mission and goals of Oracle State Park as a Center for Environmental Education.”
This coveted designation owes much to the efforts of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee (ODSC), whose members include Oracle-area residents, members of the Friends of Oracle State Park, and State Park Rangers. Michael Weasner, a retired former U.S. Air Force pilot and aerospace industry manager, chairs the group and spearheaded the effort to obtain the IDA recognition.
“Oracle is proud to have its State Park receive this important designation to help preserve Arizona’s natural resources. The Oracle Dark Skies Committee worked hard to complete the necessary tasks and documentation in record time and is thrilled that Oracle State Park has received the designation,” said Weasner.
The Arizona State Parks department plans to give high priority to dark skies at its 30 State Parks and Natural Areas, and applying lessons learned in the Oracle application toward the goal of many more IDA designations in Arizona.
Executive Director Bryan Martyn said, “Arizona State Parks’ conservation efforts are an important part of the agency’s mission. We are excited to have Oracle State Park designated as a dark sky park and hope to see many more parks added.”
IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation program in 2001 to recognize excellent stewardship of the night sky. Designations are based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach. Since the program began, eight Communities, 20 Parks and nine Reserves have received International Dark Sky designations. For more information about the International Dark Sky Places Program, visit https://www.darksky.org/international-dark-sky-places/about-ids-places.
The International Dark Sky Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, advocates for the protection of the nighttime environment and dark night skies by educating policymakers and the public about night sky conservation and promoting environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. More information about IDA and its mission may be found at https://www.darksky.org. For more information about Oracle State Park call (520) 896-2425 or visit AZStateParks.com/parks/ORAC.
For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 or visit AZStateParks.com. Campsite or cave tour reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.
Source: Arizona State Parks