CPDSC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

A N N U A L R E P O R TCOLORADO PLATEAU DARK SKY COOPERATIVEJ u n e - D e C 2 0 1 8

In 2018 the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative is excited to announce a new coordinator and partner in support of its municipal engagement, local support, education, and outreach goals. Through an agreement between the Consortium for Dark Sky Studies and the Utah Workforce Services – Community Development Office, the cooperative has gained a tremendous ally and partner toward becoming a self-sustaining entity.

Led by new coordinator Aubrey Larsen, the cooperative is creating powerful new tools to support dark sky cooperatives, community leaders, and related planning efforts. These tools include a dark sky assessment guide, a planning and best practices guidance document for local leaders, a lighting inventory guide, an interactive GIS-based dark sky dashboard, and an associated dark sky tracker spreadsheet.With the support of a steering committee, the Cooperative is working toward possible interstate agreements to leverage tools created by Aubrey and empower various state and community partners. Under Aubrey’s leadership, the cooperative is furthering its reputation and empowering dark sky advocates in many gateway communities. Including the highest concentration of dark sky parks and communities within the Intermountain West Region and the world, the Colorado Plateau continues to lead the way.

SUMMARY

RANDY STANLEYNatural Sounds & Night Skies Coordinator,

National Park Service Intermountain Region

CPDSC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Launched in 2012 as part of the National Park Service’s Call to Action #27, The Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative is a voluntary initiative to link communities, tribes, businesses, state agencies, federal agencies, and citizens in a collaborative effort to:

1. Celebrate the view of the cosmos2. Minimize the impact of outdoor lighting3. Protect natural nighttime skies and restore natural darkness in areas where it has been degraded

The Dark Sky Cooperative encourages community-based landscape-scale approaches to dark sky conservation and recognizes that civic engagement is the foundation for a shared stewardship of our starry sky heritage. We invite agencies, business, communities and individuals to become dedicated to the conservation of quality night skies by adopting policy, promoting and participating in actions and conducting educational outreach in support of night sky visibility and natural nocturnal environments for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

MISSION

1969: Bryce Canyon Chief of Interpretation, Don Fellows, implemented

1994: Canyonlands National Park and

protected and monitored in management plans.

2001: National Park Service launched National Night Sky Monitoring Initiative, based out of Bryce Canyon National Park,

2007: International Dark-Sky Association designated Natural Bridges

Dark Sky Park in the world.

Dark Sky Activity in Utah 1969-2018

2013: Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley State Parks

to begin the International Dark Sky Park Designation process.

2014: Hovenweep National Monument designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2015: Utah State Parks began Dark Sky Initiative.

2015: Canyonlands National Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2015: Weber County North Fork Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2015: Capitol Reef National Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2016: Dead Horse Point State Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2016: Goblin Valley State Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2016: Consortium for Dark Sky Studies, housed at the University of Utah, formed.

2017: Antelope Island State Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2017: Cedar Breaks National Monument designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2017: Salt Lake Avian Collision Survey citizen science project initiated by Tracy Aviary.

2017: Utah Symphony Summer Dark Sky Concert Series performed at Utah dark sky destinations.

2017: Confederated Tribes of Goshute passed unanimous resolution to pursue Dark Sky Nation designation.

2018: Steinaker State Park designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2018: Torrey, Utah, designated Utah’s

2018: Rainbow Bridge National Monument designated an International Dark Sky Park.

2018: Dark Sky Studies Minor created at University of Utah.

2018: Lights Out Salt Lake initiative launched in Salt Lake City by Tracy Aviary and IDA Salt Lake City.

2018: Utah Legislature passed Concurrent Resolution Encouraging the Use of Shielded Light Fixtures on Outdoor Lights.

2018: Utah State Parks created a partnership with Utah State University Extension to develop Dark Sky 4-H Clubs and Dark Sky Master Naturalist Programs.

2018: Utah selected to host International Dark-Sky

Light at Night (ALAN) 5th International Conference.

2012: Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative launched.

A COMPREHENSIVE TIMELINE OF DARK SKY ACTIVITY IN UTAH 1969-2018

Timeline created by Monica Stamm

CPDSC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Establish a regional “dark-sky network” between communities, tribes, businesses, state agencies, federal agencies, and citizens in order to coordinate efforts, communicate effectively, share resources and information, and provide mutual support.

Between the months of June and December of 2018 the largest percentage of activities were in support of dark sky network activities whereas the smallest percentage of activities were in support of promotion and marketing. For a summary of activities by objective, see 2019 goals & priorities.

In support of the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative’s mission and goals five main objectives were established and are used to classify our activities and projects. Each month a CPDSC Stakeholder Report is released to inform key stakeholders about these activities and solicit feedback and input.

Assist in the creation, promotion, facilitation, and improvement of the public’s understanding of the significant economic, human health, ecological, and safety benefits of preserving dark skies, as well as the cultural and heritage implications of restoring our citizens’ access to starry nights.

Support, create, and share actionable dark sky tools, guides, and resources.

Facilitate trainings and provide technical assistance, where feasible, to build the capacity of communities to build and enact their own dark-sky preserving plans.

Help to promote night sky-related activities and provide community support for astronomy events.

OBJECTIVES

DARK SKY NETWORK

FOCUS AREAS IN 2018

OUTREACH & EDUCATION

TOOLS. GUIDES & RESOURCES

TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

PROMOTION & MARKETING

36%

5%

13%

20%

27%

CPDSC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative Coordinator Bettymaya Foott transitioned to a new position with the International Dark Sky Association in June of 2018 and an agreement between the University of Utah and the Utah Community Development Office was established to empower Community Development Specialist, Aubrey Larsen, to integrate the roll of Cooperative Coordinator with her State of Utah responsibilities. At the end of December 2018 Nick Kiahtipes was hired as an intern by the Utah Community Development Office to assist the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative Coordinator and expand capacity.

CPDSC FLYER UPDATE• Updated and printed new CPDSC informational

flyer.

MONTHLY CPDSC NEWSLETTER• To link communities, tribes, businesses, state

agencies, federal agencies, and citizens in a collaborative effort to celebrate the view of the cosmos, minimize the impact of outdoor lighting, and restore natural darkness to areas where it has been degraded.

MONTHLY GUEST SPOTLIGHTS• An effort to recognize the incredible people

involved in dark sky conservation throughout the Colorado Plateau and beyond featuring a short article on a different individual or group of individuals each month in the newsletter.

DARK SKY ASSESSMENT GUIDE• A guide for understanding and conducting a

dark sky assessment tailored towards rural communities.

DARK SKY PLANNING GUIDE• An introduction to dark sky planning and benefits

for local leaders.

DARK SKY PLANNING STORY MAP SERIES• A Story Map series that compliments the dark

sky planning guide and highlights dark sky conservation efforts throughout Utah.

LIGHTING CODE BASICS BRIEF• A brief description of lighting code, what makes

lighting code effective, and a generic lighting ordinance template.

INTERNATIONAL USE OF DARK SKY RESOURCES• A community on the south island of New Zealand posted the Dark

Sky Assessment Guide on their noticeboard.

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR DARK SKY PLANNING GUIDE• Awarded by Utah Department of Workforce Services

UTAH OUTDOOR RECREATION CONFERENCE• Tabled at the conference and shared resources and information

with attendees.• Presented on dark sky with Utah State Parks

IDA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING• Presented on a panel representing Utah’s dark sky conservation

efforts.• Prepared a poster presentation about the physical & cultural

geography of the Colorado Plateau.

ALAN CONFERENCE• Networked with dark sky leaders from around the world.• Shared tools and resources with other attendees.

2018 TRANSITIONS

NEW IN 2018

TOOLS & RESOURCES ACHIEVEMENTS

MONTHLY CPDSC STAKEHOLDER REPORT• To unite and inform key stakeholder throughout the Colorado

Plateau.

ACTIVITIES REPORT• A quick glance at monthly activities and ongoing projects

classified by objective types.

DARK SKY TRACKER• A spreadsheet listing the communities and parks throughout the

Colorado Plateau and includes notes about ongoing dark sky related efforts. Stakeholders are encouraged to add information and updates.

DARK SKY DASHBOARD• A geographic visualization of the status of dark sky conservation

efforts throughout the Colorado Plateau populated with data from the dark sky tracker spreadsheet.

CPDSC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

For 2019 the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative has established the following goals and priorities based on 2018 outcomes, goals established by past Coordinators, and feedback from key stakeholders and liaison Randy Stanley.

1. ESTABLISH PERMANENT FUNDINGCurrent MOU status:• The University of Utah shall reimburse DWS a

total of $10,423 in four quarterly payments of $2,605.75

• MOU terminates April 30, 2019

2. FORMALIZE STEERING COMMITTEEProposed Steering Committee Members:• Randy Stanely• Karen Trevino• Bob Meadows• Stephen Goldsmith• Janet Muir• John Barentine• Bettymaya Foott• Keith Heaton

3. INTERSTATE PARTNERSHIPS & SUPPORTInterstate agreements to leverage tools and resources• Have discussed with New Mexico Tourism & State

Parks Offices

2019 GOALS & PRIORITIES

2019 PRIORITIES

2019 ACTIVITY GOALS JUN-DEC 2018 2019

ACTIVITIES BY OBJECTIVE TOTALS GOALS

DARK SKY NETWORK 23 33

OUTREACH & EDUCATION 17 27

TOOLS, GUIDES & RESOURCES 13 23

TRAINING & TECH. ASSISTANCE 8 16

PROMOTION & MARKETING 3 6

4. HOST CPDSC STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOPTBD/ Fall 2019• Replicate and build upon past workshop success

5. COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ASSISTANCE PLANDevelop action plan for providing technical assistance

6. LIGHTING CODE TOOLBOXToolbox with resources for adopting lighting code

7. TOWN BEAUTIFICATION TOOLBOXA suite of tools surrounding town beautification topics

8. PUT TO USE NASA DEVELOP TEAM DATA