The Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary is currently encompassing 2.5 million acres in Lake County, Oregon, but is expected to expand to more than 11.4 million acres upon completion. This designation is the result of efforts to reduce artificial light pollution and preserve the starry skies in the region. DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the night for people and wildlife, has certified the sanctuary as the 19th in its network.
The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network, which includes federal, state, and local government officials, as well as various organizations and individuals, spearheaded the designation after collaborating for over four years. The organization aims to protect ecosystems, human health, save energy and money, and promote a connection to the universe by curbing the negative impacts of artificial light at night. Regenerative tourism is one of the benefits of the sanctuary, with a focus on creating travel experiences that leave the destination better than before for both residents and the environment.
The establishment of such a large sanctuary is expected to sustain dark skies and potentially improve the quality of night skies. The hope is that surrounding communities will take note and practice responsible outdoor lighting to protect the starry legacy of places like the Oregon Outback. Participating public agencies and private businesses have already taken steps to retrofit outdoor lights to ensure compliance with the Lighting Management Plan for the sanctuary designation.
Visitors looking to experience the Oregon Outback sanctuary can stay in hotels in gateway communities like Lakeview, Summer Lake, and Burns, or opt for primitive campsites and cabins in public lands within the sanctuary area. An economic impact study conducted by the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative found that visitors engaged in night-sky tourism activities spend three times as much money in a community compared to others. Plans are already in motion to expand the sanctuary to encompass Harney and Malheur counties to the east, making it one of the largest dark sky sanctuaries in the world.
Prior to this development, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota was the largest dark sky sanctuary, covering just over 1 million acres. The designation of the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary is a significant milestone in the efforts to preserve the night sky and promote responsible outdoor lighting practices. With the support of various stakeholders and ongoing initiatives, the sanctuary is set to become a model for sustainable and low-impact tourism that benefits both the community and the natural environment.
