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Two New Dark Sky Parks Added in Utah04-20-15 | Association News

Two New Dark Sky Parks Added in Utah

The IDA, a nonprofit organization fighting to preserve the night sky, has announced two new International Dark-Sky Parks in Utah, including Capitol Reef National Park.
NPS/Jacob W. Frank

The International Dark Sky Association recently announced the addition of two new Dark Sky Parks in Utah: Weber County North Fork Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.

Weber County North Fork Park is the world's first Bronze-tier International Dark Sky Park, and is only the second county park in the world to receive the Dark Sky Park designation.

"The North Fork Park staff have worked remarkably hard to create a dark-sky friendly environment in the park," said IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend. "They reached out well beyond the park's border to successfully raise awareness about light pollution's impact on the park's protected resources."

Capitol Reef National Park has undertaken a multi-year program to educate park staff, visitors and local communities, and adopted good outdoor lighting practices, earning them recognition as a Gold-tier International Dark Sky Park.

"We are thrilled to honor the excellent work at Capitol Reef National Park that has put it on the map for serious amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike," said Feierabend.

For more information about IDA, please visit darksky.org.

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