Article 1: April 2022 –
Preserving the dark sky is important to our community so much so that Night Sky Preservation is a specific goal listed in our General Plan. Dark sky is also important to our state. Governor Spencer Cox has declared April as Utah’s Dark Sky Month. The Governor’s proclamation declares:
“Did you know that more than 80% of people in North America can’t see the Milky Way at night from their home[?] Utah is home to some of the darkest skies on earth and currently leads the world in dark sky preservation with 23 accredited International Dark Sky places including 4 of our Mighty 5 national parks, 10 state parks and two towns [Helper & Torrey]. Visitors to Utah engaging in astrotourism stay longer, spend more, and mitigate harmful impacts on the local community. Astrotourism is anticipated to generate nearly $6 billion and support more than 113,000 new jobs in the American Southwest over the next decade.Star-gazing, astronomy programs, star parties, dark sky photography and many other activities allow Utah residents and visitors to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of the night sky. The implementation of dark sky practices in land use, construction, utilities, and other aspects of community life actively promotes local governance, reduces energy-costs, and preserves Utah’s Western lifestyle. Dark skies are integral to the well-being of many animal and plant species, and they have positive health impacts on humans. We want to recognize these facts, as well as the partnership of federal, state, and local agencies and Utah’s recreation, tourism, and education sectors, which make night sky opportunities in our state available for all to enjoy.”