In a recent government meeting, officials discussed an ambitious initiative aimed at establishing an International Dark Sky Reserve in south central Colorado, spearheaded by the nonprofit Dark Sky International. This program seeks to combat light pollution and preserve the natural night sky through responsible lighting policies and public education.

The proposed reserve, which is still in its early stages, would encompass a significant area stretching from Salida to the New Mexico state line, including key locations such as Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The initiative aims to meet the minimum sky quality criteria set by Dark Sky International, which requires ongoing sky brightness measurements to demonstrate the area's suitability for certification.

Currently, there are 15 certified dark sky places in Colorado, and local coalitions, including the Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Coalition, are actively working to engage communities in adopting dark sky-friendly lighting practices. These practices include using fully shielded lighting fixtures, maintaining a color temperature of 3000 Kelvin or lower, and implementing controls like dimming and motion sensors to minimize light pollution.

The meeting highlighted the importance of community involvement, with plans to develop a lighting management plan that would require the support of at least 80% of the local population within the proposed reserve. This plan aims to guide local governments in adopting lighting policies that align with dark sky standards.

Concerns regarding costs and enforcement were addressed, with assurances that existing lighting would not need to be replaced and that new developments would adhere to the proposed standards. The initiative emphasizes that enhancing night sky visibility does not equate to eliminating necessary lighting for safety and security.

As the project progresses, officials are encouraging community feedback and collaboration to refine the boundaries and ensure that the initiative benefits both residents and the environment. The proposal is now open for further discussion and questions from the council and community members.