Beaver Island receives Dark Sky Sanctuary designation
BEAVER ISLAND — The star-filled night skies on Beaver Island are a special thing, and DarkSky International officials agree.
The International Dark Sky Places Program recently announced the formal recognition of the Michigan State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
It will be known as the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The distinction also makes it Michigan’s first certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
According to a press release from the Beaver Island Association, Beaver Island Chamber President Paul Cole helped lead the effort for the dark sky designation.
Cole said the recognition is important because it helps raise awareness about the valuable resource of the island’s dark skies.
“Increasingly we see that visitors come here to enjoy our uniquely dark skies," he said in the release. "Designation of the DNR’s research area as a Dark Sky Sanctuary will help us protect that resource.”
The Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary contains a total of 9,425.5 acres. It is comprised of 9,195.5 acres of the State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island owned and managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and 230 acres of land at Millers Marsh that is owned by Central Michigan University.
According to officials, Beaver Island's unique geography makes it ideal for stargazing. It is geographically isolated, accessible only by ferry or plane in good weather, and light pollution is minimal.
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As defined by DarkSky International, a Dark Sky Sanctuary consists of public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment, and that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, its cultural heritage or public enjoyment.
The new designation comes after several years of work by members of the island’s Dark Sky Task Force that was organized by the Beaver Island Chamber and the Beaver Island Association. They worked in cooperation with Peaine and St. James townships, the DNR, Central Michigan University and others.
"This certification demonstrates a significant commitment by the Beaver Island community, community officials, advocates and resource managers to recognize and share the value and importance of natural night skies," said Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places program manager, in a statement. "Through education and advocacy, these efforts protect the natural and cultural setting of the island against the threat of increased growth. It is a testament to our collective dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism, ensuring that the wonders of the night sky remain unspoiled for present and future generations. I am excited to continue our work towards growing the certification area to include the full island in the future."
Kevin Boyle, a member of the island's task force and vice president of the Beaver Island Association, celebrated the designation and what it means for the island's future.
“Combining the wilderness designation the state has made for this special place on our island with recognition of it as a Dark Sky Sanctuary will help us protect this important resource,” said Boyle in the release. “We plan to add to the astronomy programs we already have with additional presentations at the BIC Center and occasional displays at our museum. We also plan to make sure visitors to the island know how to enjoy the dark skies of the sanctuary without disturbing its protected nature. Eventually, we hope to expand the boundaries of the sanctuary to include the entire archipelago.”
A dedication event for the sanctuary is set for Sept. 20, 2024.
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0979 and [email protected]
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Beaver Island receives Dark Sky Sanctuary designation
