With approximately four-fifths of North Americans living in areas where the night sky is not visible due to light pollution, a number of Idaho community leaders are working to create America’s first-ever International Dark Sky Reserve. This involves the collaborative work of federal officials and municipal leaders in Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Stanley.
These efforts are being facilitated by the International Dark-Sky Association, with the organization pointing to the “profound experience” of viewing unblemished night skies as one that has inspired generations.
The work of creating an application for a 1,400-square-mile Dark Sky Reserve designation has been ongoing for several years. Already, Idaho resort communities have in place dark sky ordinances that include mandates that holiday lighting be turned off at night and exterior light fixtures have shields installed that prevents light from traveling upwards.