International Dark Skies Reserve

[we-R-one]

What is International Dark Skies Reserve?

"An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core. Reserves are formed through a partnership of multiple land managers who have recognized the value of the natural nighttime environment through regulations and long-term planning."

Source: http://www.darksky.org/idsp/reserves/

See link above for additional locations.


I'm excited to see an area in my state, Idaho, to become the first in the United States to receive this designation:



"An area spanning more than 3,600 square kilometers (1,400 square miles) in central Idaho, U.S., has been designated as the nation’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. IDA today announced the accreditation of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first of its kind in the United States and one of just 12 such reserves worldwide.

“The importance of today’s achievement to the dark-skies movement in the United States cannot be understated,” IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend said. “Given the complexity of International Dark Sky Reserve nominations and the rigor of the protections that IDA requires for this honor, this is certainly a watershed moment in the history of American conservation.”

The Reserve stretches from Ketchum/Sun Valley to Stanley, including lands in Blaine, Custer and Elmore Counties and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is the third-largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world.

The IDA also granted the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve “Gold Tier” status, the highest level of a semi-objective system used by IDA to rank the quality of the night sky. Under IDA guidelines, Gold-tier status is generally reserved for the darkest skies, with only a small amount of light pollution tolerated."

Source: http://www.darksky.org/first-interna...-s-designated/

If you ever get a chance, come and visit this area, it's absolutely beautiful. Fly into Boise(totally easy airport to maneuver), it's about a 2.5 hour drive to Ketchum/ 3.5 to Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains. The nighttime skies are amazing and full of stars like you can't even imagine.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/idaho...erve/500634194

[Scorpio Girl]

We have one here in New Zealand which is called the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve which is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. This one would also be a good one to visit if you are touring around New Zealand.