Dawn Nilson
Dark Sky Preservation Director

Congratulations RCA!

On March 11 a 2.5-million-acre area of eastern Lake County in a region often known as Oregon's Outback became the world's largest certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary. This Sanctuary is located within the largest, contiguous, pristine dark sky zone in the lower 48 states. Within the Sanctuary one will find Bortle 1 skies in a high desert environment with few trees. Dark sky protection of this area of Oregon is a major conservation advancement for astronomy, wildlife, and the starry heritage of the Outback's rural communities. Certification also provides an economic boost through dark sky tourism.

Rose City Astronomers has been involved with the nomination from the very beginning in 2019 when Dawn Nilson, our Dark Sky Preservation Director, developed the idea of a landscape-scale sanctuary in the Oregon Outback with the moniker "Oregon Outback." The idea was presented to RCA's Board in the form of a 10-page white paper prior to engaging others in the project. Dawn then became the strategist, manager, and author of the nomination submitted by the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network. The project was significantly advanced forward with active sponsorship and engagement from Travel Southern Oregon, Travel Oregon, and Eastern Oregon Visitors Association. The project is a testament to the benefits of collaboration. It involved multiple federal, Tribal, state, and local agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, destination management organizations, businesses, and private advocates. Together, the collective of advocates are called the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network. Go here to see DarkSky International's announcement of the certification.

More great news....on the evening of March 11 it was announced that Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek selected the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network as the recipient for the 2024 Oregon Governor's Tourism Award. This Award represents the culmination of the tourism industry’s deep appreciation for long-time commitment, accomplishment and service by an individual or individuals who have enhanced the Oregon visitor experience and elevated the travel and tourism industry. As a member of the Network, RCA is included among the many who made the certification possible. Congratulations RCA! Thanks especially to those who provided night-time imagery of the Outback and who collected and assessed sky quality data in support of the nomination application.