HUNTSVILLE | Scott County Commission will consider later this month drafting a resolution of support for the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area’s efforts to designated as an International Dark Sky destination.
Big South Fork NRRA Superintendent Niki S. Nicholas asked County Commission’s Community Development Committee Monday for the resolution of support, explaining that the national park is seeking to join Pickett State Park and the Obed Wild & Scenic River as International Dark Sky locations. Scott County Mayor Jerried Jeffers told commissioners that Nicholas first approached him to seek support, and he felt that a resolution from the county’s legislative body would carry more weight.
Dark Sky Parks are designated by DarkSky International as areas that offer exceptional star-filled skies while actively working to reduce light pollution and educate the public about the importance of preserving darkness. The designation is awarded only after a lengthy application and review process. Within the Dark Sky areas, celestial bodies — like the Milky Way, meteor showers, and countless stars — can be seen that have disappeared from view in much of the modern world.
Applicants for a Dark Sky designation are required to demonstrate that they are actively protecting the night environment through policies, education, and responsible lighting practices. In order to receive the designation, the Big South Fork will have to prove its outstanding night sky quality, assert that it is using lighting management that reduces unnecessary light escaping into the night sky, and offer public education programs — ranger-led night hikes and discussions that focus on astronomy and other aspects of the night.
The park has already hosted astronomy programs for decades, working alongside amateur astronomers and universities to offer telescope viewing events and educational programs at locations such as Bandy Creek.
DarkSky International says that artificial light at night affects wildlife, disrupting migration, feeding patterns, and reproduction, and also impacts human health by interfering with natural sleep cycles and circadian rhythms.
Nicholas told County Commissioners that becoming designated as an International Dark Sky location could boost tourism to the Big South Fork. If visitation patterns here follow what happened at Pickett State Park after its dark sky designation, she said, an increase in visitation of five to 10 percent can be anticipated.
Further, Nicholas said that Big South Fork joining Pickett State Park and the Obed Wild & Scenic River as a dark sky designation would allow the entire region to become eligible for designation as a dark sky region, which would carry even greater tourism potential.
The request for a resolution of support will be considered by the full commission when it meets on July 20.
