Oregon continues to receive gloomy sky designations.
DarkSky International has declared Sisters the second International Dark Sky Community in the state, a title the city believes will increase astrotourism in the area.
Situated on the eastern flank of the Cascade Mountains, this central Oregon city is well-known for its quaint center and easy access to adjacent natural landmarks including McKenzie Pass, Black Butte, and Skylight Cave. The most recent census indicates that 3,064 people call the city home.
It will now be recognized as a popular spot for stargazing as well.
The little town of Antelope, which received the designation in December, defeated Sisters, which had been striving to become Oregon’s first Dark Sky Community, according to Sisters Mayor Michael Preedin.
In a press statement, Preedin stated, “We will be proud to be the second.” We are thrilled about the astrotourism potential and believe that reducing light pollution in our local environment benefits all of humanity.
DarkSky International, a group that claims to be committed to safeguarding the evening environment and maintaining dark skies through ecologically conscious outdoor lighting, has bestowed the new label on Sisters as the most recent in a series of Oregon designations.
A Dark Sky Place at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, three Dark Sky Parks (Cottonwood Canyon, the Oregon Caves, and Prineville Reservoir State Park), and the expansive Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary—which is anticipated to grow soon—are currently located in Oregon in addition to the two Dark Sky Communities.
The Oregon Dark Sky Network, an ad hoc coalition of state, local, and federal governments, private citizens, entrepreneurs, and tourism organizations, is primarily responsible for the honors.
In a news release, Bill Kowalik, chairperson of DarkSky Oregon, the local chapter of DarkSky International, stated that the city of Sisters has now established a community guideline for responsible outdoor lighting in Oregon. This quality is advantageous to locals, tourists, and the wild nature in the area. Sisters, who are well-known to tourists for their arts and culture, are now recognized internationally for their environmental protection of dark sky as a result of this international certification.
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–Jamie Hale co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast and writes about travel and the outdoors. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-294-4077, or HaleJamesB.
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