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A N N U A L R E P O R TCOLORADO PLATEAU DARK SKY COOPERATIVE2 0 2 0

Cover art by Crystal White

CPDSC 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

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R A N DY S TA N L E YNatural Sounds & Night Skies Coordinator | NPS Regional Office,

Serving Interior Regions 6, 7 & 8

The Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative (CPDSC) continues to build its reputation and make inroads throughout the Intermountain West. Under the continued leadership of coordinator Aubrey Larsen and assistant coordinator, Sophie Bellina, the cooperative is identifying supporters and building key partners. Recognizing that dark sky preservation is inherently a regional issue, Aubrey and Sophie established a new Western Night Skies Council (WNSC), with the goal of providing a platform for sharing resources and mutual support for night sky conservation. With the support of partners like the University of Utah Dark Sky Studies Minor, the Consortium for Dark Sky Studies, the Gateway & Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) initiative, and the Utah Department of Workforce Services – Community Development Office, the cooperative continues to identify key stakeholders and venues which can support its self-sustaining aspirations.

Aubrey and Sophie continue to support International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) efforts across the plateau and new emerging cooperatives such as the Basin & Range Dark Sky Cooperative (BRDSC). These valuable efforts provide a highly visible way to celebrate larger dark sky conservation successes, support the regional goals of our stakeholders, and share the many tools the CPDSC has created. In addition to monthly spotlight articles and many dark sky assessment, lighting inventory, planning, and best practice guidance documents, the CPDSC continues to maintain a considerable online presence and suite of dark sky support tools. In FY20, the CPDSC website was revamped, at least three major webinar presentations were offered, and two outstanding new dark sky operations dashboards were created to support WNSC stakeholders, the BRDSC, and NPS dark sky place efforts system wide.

We appreciate the support of the Utah Department of Workforce Services – Community Development Office and our many CPDSC partners. The Cooperative continues to prove its value. Including two new International Dark Sky Communities and three new IDSPs in FY20, the Colorado Plateau maintains the highest concentration of dark sky parks and communities within our region and the world.

2020 SUMMARY


REPORT CONTENTS2020 SUMMARY .................................................................................................................2

THE DARK SKY COOPERATIVE .................................................................................4-5

MISSION STATEMENT ..................................................................................................4

GUIDING PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................4

HISTORIC TIMELINE ......................................................................................................5

COORDINATION TEAM ..............................................................................................5

2020: THE YEAR IN REVIEW ....................................................................................6-13

TASK AGREEMENT PRIORITIES ..............................................................................6-7

COOPERATIVE OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................8

WHERE TIME WAS SPENT IN 2020 .........................................................................8

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS ......................................................................................9-11

NEW INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PLACE CERTIFICATIONS............................12

2020 KEY INITIATIVES IN SUMMARY ...............................................................13

STATS & INSIGHTS ....................................................................................................14-15

CPDARKSKIES.ORG ...................................................................................................14

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS & SUBSCRIBERS ..................................................15

DASHBOARDS & STORYMAPS INVENTORY ......................................................15

LOOKING AHEAD ....................................................................................................16-17

2021 FOCUS AREAS .................................................................................................17

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Special thanks to Janet Muir, Brad Voigt, and Danya Rumore for dedicating your extraordinary time and talents in support of the Cooperative’s future.

Image: Counting Stars against the Black by Jaime Lucas


THE DARK SKY COOPERATIVEM I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T

G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E S

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The Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative is a voluntary initiative to link local, state, and federal agencies, tribes, businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community partners in a collaborative effort to:

1. Celebrate the view of the cosmos

2. Minimize the impact of outdoor lighting

3. Protect natural nighttime skies and restore natural darkness in areas where it has been degraded, and;

4. Promote astronomy-based recreation and tourism.

The Cooperative encourages community-based landscape-scale approaches to night sky conservation and recognizes that civic engagement is the foundation for a shared stewardship of our starry sky heritage.

We invite all who live, work, or play in this incredible region to become dedicated to the conservation of quality night skies by adopting policies, promoting and participating in actions, and conducting educational outreach in support of night sky viability and natural nocturnal environments for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

• The view of the night sky is a precious resource and a cultural heritage that has become rare in America.

• Opportunities to experience naturally dark skies enhances local economies through astronomy-based tourism, extends visitor length of stay, and provides families more activities during their vacation.

• Dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting is more efficient, resulting in improved visibility and safety, energy savings, reduced costs, and elevated quality of life for residents

• Conservation will be enhanced through partnership between communities, public land managers, and other partners. Education, voluntary measures, and creative approaches will be emphasized.

• Dark night skies also benefit wildlife as well as help maintain wildlife corridors and ecosystem health.

• A shared vision can best protect dark skies for this and future generations.


H I S T O R I C T I M E L I N E

C O O R D I N A T I O N T E A M

1999Formation of the NPS Night Sky Team

2002The idea of a large contiguous expanse of dark skies is dicussed

2006The concept of a “Dark Sky Park” was born

2011NPS iniative “A Call to Action” Starry Starry Night to establish America’s first dark sky cooperative

Flagstaff, AZ named the first International Dark Sky City

2001

“Dark Sky Preserves” and landscape-level conservation ideas are discussed

2004

Natural Bridges NM becomes the first International Dark Sky Park. First map showing a proposed “Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Preserve” is created

2007

Birthyear of the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative

2012

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AUBREY LARSEN, COORDINATOR

May 2018 - Present

Aubrey is a native of Utah and many of her favorite childhood memories include camping under the stars in remote parts of the state. Aubrey holds a Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and a Masters in Bioregional Planning from Utah State University. Aubrey can often be found riding around the park in a green dragon onesie.

SOPHIE BELLINA, ASSISTANT COORDINATOR

November 2019 - January 2021

Sophie is originally from Vienna, Austria but has since moved to Salt Lake City for school and to enjoy the mountains. Sophie recently completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Ecology with a minor in Dark Sky Studies at the University of Utah. Sophie loves rubber duckies and avocado toast.


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1. Improve dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering public lands.

• Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, tribes, and local communities.

2. Enable stakeholder agreements to become a self-sustaining entity.

• Conduct targeted focus groups to assess the feasibility of transitioning back to the original CPDSC vision which included the full range of states and stakeholders along the Colorado Plateau working together toward common goals for preserving night skies.

• Identify strategic partnerships and develop a clear “ask” from each entity.

3. Explore future organizational and funding scenarios for the Cooperative

• Explore opportunities for expanding support base (especially funding and/or in-kind support).

• Explore the feasibility of the Cooperative becoming a 501(c)3 organization.

• Explore the feasibility of developing an interstate funded cooperative between Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.

• Explore the feasibility of housing the Cooperative within the Consortium for Dark Sky Studies at the University of Utah.

2020: THE YEAR IN REVIEWT A S K A G R E E M E N T P R I O R I T I E S


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4. Explore new partnerships that would leverage and enhance the work of the Cooperative

• University partners

• The American Planning Association

• The National Institute for Health

• The Illuminating Engineering Society

• The San Luis Valley Great Outdoors

• Various private sector entities

• Other federal agencies including BLM and NPS/ RTCA

• Various “friends” groups and other philanthropic nonprofits

• Develop relationships with tourism offices in all four corners states.

5. Continued support of the emerging Basin and Range Dark Sky Cooperative

• Share relevant tools, guides, and resources.

• Provide technical support and design skills for

• BRDSC resources such as “Member Spotlights” and Story Maps.

• Partner on resource development such as a guide on how to establish a Dark Sky Cooperative.

• Include certified IDSPs throughout the BRDSC on the Dark Sky Dashboard.

6. Provide support to broader night sky preservation work at the national level.

• Support the development and maintenance of a national “dark sky dashboard”

Image: Looking Up by Carrie Marsh


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COORDINATION & NETWORK BUILDING Coordinate efforts, communicate effectively, share resources and information, and provide mutual support to the larger network of dark sky advocates throughout the Colorado Plateau and beyond.

OUTREACH & EDUCATION Assist in the creation, promotion, facilitation, and improvement of the public’s understanding of the benefits and implications of night sky conservation.

TOOLS, GUIDES, & RESOURCES Support, create, and share actionable tools, guides, and resources that support landscape scale approaches to dark sky conservation.

SUPPORT & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Provide direct support and technical assistance to build the knowledge and capacity of stakeholders relative to their own dark sky conservation goals and activities.

COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN Enhance the effective communication of dark sky concepts through the creative use of media and graphic design including printed, crafted, electronic media or presentations.

W H E R E T I M E W A S S P E N T I N 2 0 2 05.3% (other)

9.1%

26.7%

23.9%

23%

12%

C O O P E R A T I V E O B J E C T I V E S


M O N T H L Y H I G H L I G H T S

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JANUARYMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• A cultural connectedness to the night sky. Guest: Daniel Bulletts, Tribal Administrator Assistant, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Developed Q&A overview document for the Southeastern Utah Night Sky Reserve (SEUNSR) initiative and updated SEUNSR base map and google site. Analyzed community statistics.

• Connected with Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve effort.

FEBRUARYMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• The importance of cultural astronomy. Guest: Kate Magargal, Postdoctoral Research Associate in the University of Utah Anthropology Department.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Developed a light pollution poster map that was featured at the Maps on the Hill event at the Utah State Capital.

• Updated and reprinted the Dark Sky Planning Guide.

• Connected with El Malpais Dark Sky Reserve effort.

• Presented on Utah’s legacy of dark skies at the Spring APA conference in Moab.

• Presented to the Peaks, Plateaus, and Canyons Association about the SEUNSR effort.

MARCHMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• All aboard the star train! Guest: Mark Bassett, Executive Director of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and Operator of the Nevada Star Train.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Presented on dark skies to UofU class “Day Hikes and Dark Skies.”

• Completed a new one-page brief on dark sky considerations for planners.

• Designed business cards for the SEUNSR.

• Connected with the RCAC and discussed the economics of dark skies.

APRILMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• University of Utah students engage community members in night sky advocacy in Helper, Utah. Guest: Sophie Bellina, Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative Assistant Coordinator

HIGHLIGHTS

• Presented to Illuminating Engineering Society Salt Lake Chapter in “a beautiful night in the neighborhood” webinar.”

• Developed a regional dark sky dashboard for NPS.

• Discussed BRDSC support moving forward as well as task priorities with Ashley Pipkin.

• Developed a virtual art show and contest for International Dark Sky Week 2020.


M O N T H L Y H I G H L I G H T S C O N T I N U E D

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MAYMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• The kid who can’t grow up and doesn’t want to. Guest: Von Del Chamberlain.

HIGHLIGHTS

• CPDSC website updates and improvements.

• Began bi-weekly SEUNSR coordination calls.

• Discussed ideas for Cooperative future scenarios with PI Danya Rumore, Jess Cleeves, and Anil Seth.

• Spoke with IDA Colorado, IDA Arizona, and Bettymaya Foott about the role of a Cooperative vs. an IDA Chapter.

JUNEMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• Birds need darkness too. Guest: Cooper Farr, Director of Conservation at Tracy Aviary.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Met with University of Utah Dark Sky Studies Minor to discuss potential CPDSC partnership.

• Discussed dark sky toolkit for GNAR toolbox with Danya Rumore.

• Met with Utah RCA to discuss collaboration and potential projects.

• Updated the BRDSC informational flyer.

• Concept for the Western Night Skies Council developed and explored.

• Connected with New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains Night Sky Consortium.

• Improvements made to CPDSC toolbox.

JULYMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• Part of the solution - IDA Colorado. Guest: Ryan Parker, IDA Colorado Chapter Chair.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Began exploration of Cooperative future scenarios with Janet Muir and Brad Voigt.

• Developed new one-pager in partnership with IDA Utah, “Best practices in approaching communities.”

AUGUSTMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• Introducing: dark sky studies at the University of Utah. Guests: Ian Van Der Merwe and Sophie Bellina – DSS Minor students and Stacy Harwood – Chair, City and Metropolitan Planning Department.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Connected with the Entrada Institute.

• Presented as part of a panel for Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) event.

• Provided recommendations to Alta, Utah

• Provided resources to Snow Crane for Heber/ Midway HOA lighting considerations.


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• Discussed a potential Great Lakes Dark Sky Cooperative and provided ideas.

• Wrote a letter of recommendation for an Eccles grant for the DSS Minor program.

SEPTEMBERMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• Dark sky champions - highlights from the 2020 Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Helped coordinate and edit videos for two sessions at the 2020 Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit.

• Met with Sophie Frankenburg to discuss outreach strategies and support for the DSS Minor.

• Spoke with Marcy DeMillion of RTCA New Mexico.

• Shared resources and information with Wallsburg, Utah regarding dark sky goals.

• Shared Dark Sky Planning Guide with Brian Healy in the UK.

OCTOBERMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• A high-tech town strives to shine less brightly. Guest: Galen Gisler, Jemez Mountains Night Sky Consortium.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Updated the Helper, Utah lighting inventory dashboard.

• Held the first Western Night Skies Council meeting.

NOVEMBERMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• Introducing: The Western Night Skies Council. Guest: Aubrey Larsen, Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative Coordinator.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wrote a letter of support for Moab, Utah’s IDSP application.

• Updated the CPDSC Dark Sky Dashboard to include dark sky places throughout the 11 western states.

DECEMBERMONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

• Show me the data: lighting inventory innovations. Guest: Bryan Boulanger, Professor of Environmental Engineering at Ohio Northern University.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Presented as part of panel for the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation Summit Speaker Series on the Economics of Dark Sky Communities.

• Presented to Rose Park, Utah community council on lighting.


N E W I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A R K S K Y P L A C E C E R T I F I C A T I O N S

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EAST CANYON STATE PARK, UTAUGUST 28, 2020

HELPER, UTAPRIL 1, 2020

TIMPANOGOS CAVE NM, UTSEPTEMBER 22, 2020

RIDGWAY COJULY 8, 2020

SLUMGULLION CENTER, COSEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Photo: Debbie Hatt

Photo: Pat King

Photo: Gary Ratcliff, OurayImage.com

Photo: Michael Underwood

Photo: Ryan Andreasen


2 0 2 0 K E Y I N I T I A T I V E SI N S U M M A R Y

N I G H T

U T A HS O U T H E A S T E R N

S K Y R E S E R V EN I G H T

U T A H

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SOUTHEASTERN UTAH NIGHT SKY RESERVEIn 2020 the Southeastern Utah Night Sky Reserve working group met biweekly in a continuing effort to establish the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. The COVID-19 Pandemic introduced new challenges and setbacks — most significantly an inability to conduct in-person community outreach activities. Virtual outreach strategies were embraced and helped to raise awareness and increase engagement. 2020 accomplishments include an active website, logo and branding development, business cards, multiple presentations, social media presence, and an FAQ document.

WESTERN NIGHT SKIES COUNCILIn October of 2020 the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative partnered with Utah State University’s Gateway and Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) Initiative to launch a Western Night Skies Council (WNSC). The WNSC provides a platform for increasing dialogue, sharing resources and information, and providing mutual support for the diverse groups of night sky conservation advocates throughout the Western United States. The council is composed of 40+ members representing state and federal agencies, community leaders, tribal nations, educational institutions, non-profits, and local businesses throughout the West. Council members meet virtually on a quarterly basis and host multiple webinars throughout the year. The function of the council will contintue to be refined during 2021 based on group input, preferences, and goals.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH PARTNERSHIPSThe Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative is currently exploring ways to partner with the University of Utah’s Consortium for Dark Sky Studies (CDSS) and the newly established Dark Sky Studies (DSS) Minor Program. In 2020, representatives from each entity came together for two dark sky visioning retreats in order to explore mutual goals, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for working together. Conversations will continue in 2021.


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STATS & INSIGHTSC P D A R K S K I E S . O R G

20,000

VIEWS

VISITORS

10,000

15,000

5,000

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

ANNUAL GROWTH IN WEBSITE TRAFFIC The Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative’s website went live June of 2016 and has experienced increased traction each year. The total number of views and visitors nearly doubled between 2019 and 2020.

NEW “DARK SKY TOOLBOX”In 2020 a more robust “Dark Sky Toolbox” was developed around eight specific toolkit categories. In 2021 the Cooperative will continue to refine content and integrate additional resources.

1. Dive into the Night

2. Dark Sky Certifications

3. Planning & Decision Making

4. Good Neighbor

5. Dark Skies & Culture

6. Lighting Design

7. Citizen Scientist

8. Astrotourism & Recreation


S O C I A L M E D I AF O L L O W E R S & S U B S C R I B E R S

D A S H B O A R D S & S T O R Y M A P SI N V E N T O R Y

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FACEBOOK2019: 4,3982020: 4,443

INSTAGRAM2019: 2462020: 449

NEWSLETTER2019: 5572020: 641

LINKEDIN2019: 4

2020: 6

DASHBOARDSWESTERN DARK SKIES DASHBOARD

• Formally the “Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Dashboard” the Western Dark Sky Dashboard offers an interactive glance at International Dark Sky Places throughout 11 western states.

HELPER LIGHTING INVENTORY

• A prime example of what kind of data are collected during a lighting inventory featuring 487 public light fixtures in Helper, UT. Data courtesy of Bryan Boulanger.

NPS DARK SKY DASHBOARD

• Developed exclusively for the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, this dashboard features certified International Dark Sky Parks in each Department of the Interior region.

STORYMAPSSTEWARDS OF THE NIGHT

• A tour of featured guest spotlights including summarized takeaways and links to additional resources.

THE BASIN & RANGE DARK SKY COOPERATIVE

• The Basin & Range Dark Sky Cooperative version of the Stewards of the Night StoryMap featuring BRDSC Member Spotlights.

LIGHTING ORDINANCE WALKTHROUGH

• A breakdown of what a lighting ordinance is, the different formats it may take, links to example ordinances, and best practices.


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LOOKING AHEAD2 0 2 1 F O C U S A R E A S• Hire a new Assistant Coordinator in 2021

• Continue to address and explore remaining Cooperative task agreement priorities

• Identify a sustainable home for the Cooperative

• Further develop and refine the role of the Western Night Skies Council and its relationship to the Dark Sky Cooperatives

• Develop a Cooperative “how-to” guide in partnership with Ashley Pipkin

• Continue support for the the emerging Basin and Range Dark Sky Cooperative

• Evaluate, update, and improve existing tools, guides, and resources

• Identify and formalize Dark Sky Studies Minor student engagement opportunities

• Continued support and collaboration with partner agencies and groups (IDA Chapters, communites, GNAR, NSNSD, NPCA, RTCA, PPCA, IES, etc.)

• Increase awareness of technical assistance and guidance options available to national park units and other interested partners

Image: Night Owl by Eli Wheeler


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