Michigan is well known for its spectacular star-viewing sites. The state is home to six state-protected dark sky preserves and three internationally dedicated preserves. This gorgeous natural aspect of the state has become an increasing point of government promotion and tourism. As a matter of fact, stargazing tourism has recently been adapted into the Pure Michigan campaigns. These dark sky parks, while serving as tourist destinations are incredibly important to the environment. Designation as a dark sky park entails special protections that vitally support nocturnal animals and further insulate the flora.
However, despite being considerably dark at night, much of the Upper Peninsula lacks dark sky parks. Much meaning all in this scenario, the only exception to this rule is the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park which is one of the three international dark sky preserves.
Why is it that a major point of government promotion would go so egregiously overlooked? Surely the State would be interested in preserving these areas, at the very least, for the sake of securing an asset? The reason for such a lack of protection is due to an outdated and unnecessary stipulation in MCL 324.75102(2) which states that “Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, a dark sky preserve shall not be established in the Upper Peninsula”. This completely unneeded stipulation renders over 16,000 square miles of Michigan completely ineligible for state protections. A point of special concern is the Porcupine Mountains. The Porcupine Mountains are home to 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, wildlife, lakes, and animals. If even a portion of this state park were designated as a dark sky park it would increase the protection of the area. However, this designation on the state level has a major asterisk to it, “the use and development of land within a state-owned dark sky preserve, including the use of the land for motorized and nonmotorized recreation, shall not be restricted due to the designation as a dark sky preserve” MCL 324.75104(2). Nonetheless, such a designation would still have its benefits and it would make it much harder for the Porcupine Mountains to lose their protection in general.
While an international designation could still occur, it is important to make a change as a state to the outdated rules prohibiting a state-designated dark sky park in the Upper Peninsula. To join the ongoing conversation about protecting the Porcupine Mountains, there are postings on Instagram by the page @protect_the_porkies and a running petition to repeal section 2 of MCL 324.75102 on Change.org. The petition can be found here. As of posting the petition only has slightly over 2,000 verified signatures, more support is needed! Petitions aren’t the only way to take action, you can also email your state representatives to voice your support.
I've never heard of a protected dark sky preserve, that sounds so cool! It seems very strange that they wouldn't protect the areas that are the darkest and best suited for this. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about this until now, thank you for bringing this up.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting subject! I am very surprised to learn that there are only three international dark sky preserves. I wonder if the Big Wild Forest Carbon Project in the UP will be considered a dark sky park since it is so large. Thank you for sharing this information and providing Michigan legislator that covers dark sky prohibition.
ReplyDeleteLight pollution is an very interesting subject. Protecting what makes Michigan what it is, should be very important to the state government. Keep unique feature such as the night skies of the Porcupine Mountain should be top of the list.
ReplyDeleteDark sky preserves are really cool and we should have more of them, fortunately there isn't much in the UP going on with light pollution and I hope it will stay that way.
ReplyDeleteWow. I had no idea that Michigan's Upper Peninsula was legally restricted from having state-designated dark sky parks. It's very surprising this outdated law is still in place.
ReplyDeletevisiting a dark sky park is definitely on my bucket list! They seem so fascinating. I wonder if that older policy will ever be overturned and we will see a few dark sky parks in upper michigan.
ReplyDeleteInteresting information! I had no idea there was a law preventing dark sky parks in the Upper Peninsula. Was that rule even put in place? Protecting areas like the Porcupine Mountains would be a huge benefit for both nature and tourism. Do you think there’s a real chance of getting this law changed anytime soon?
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this before and I love it! Thank you for spreading this awareness and allowing new goals for some of us. Michigan is such a beautiful state. It would be a shame not to update these laws and keep our state beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have only seen the Porcupine Mountains once, but I remember its beauty to this day. I want more parts of our world to be protected since its a host to biodiversity, millions of trees and wildlife that need our help to survive these coming years. I would love to see dark sky parks pop up everywhere they can. When people can truly experience nature untouched I feel like they change their mind and stance on climate change.
ReplyDeleteI personally have never been to the Porcupine Mountains, but I wonder about the development of the area and what laws look like for this. You mentioned a lot about how they cannot have dark sky parks in the UP because on an outdated law. Do you think that this could be changed to help protect this area?
ReplyDeleteThis is such a unique and cool topic, I have never heard of a Dark Park and think that is such an amazing concept. When we think of how sorts of pollution and even light pollution can damage our views and earth, we have to be more responsible with the things we are putting into the atmosphere and environment.
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ReplyDeleteThis is interesting. I didn't know that dark sky preserves were a thing until now. The existence of the law blocking the creation of dark sky reserves in the UP begs the question of why it was ever instituted in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about this before thank you for sharing Michigan is such a lovely place it would be a shame to not keep it that way for future generations.
ReplyDeleteVery intresting. What are your thoughts on the importance of dark sky parks?
ReplyDeleteMichigan’s outdated law prevents the Upper Peninsula from receiving state-designated dark sky protections, leaving vital ecosystems like the Porcupine Mountains vulnerable. Advocating for policy changes and supporting petitions can help ensure these natural treasures receive the preservation they deserve.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic, and it is disappointing that these areas are not taking priority for preservation. Light pollution is a very real thing and it is crazy to think that the sky we see today is significantly different than how it is supposed to appear and exist naturally. I think implementing more laws to reduce light pollution or using less harmful light sources would have an impact on overall greenhouse gas emissions as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting topic. I had no idea these existed and now I want to go to one. I think you did a great job with this post. I was wondering where exactly is that park near the center of Michigan on the map?
ReplyDeleteI've been to one or two dark sky parks before now (one was cloudy at the time), and they are simply amazing. I forget which one it was, but I visited one as part of a course field trip, and the thought that went into it was astounding. It has an observatory, red lighting to protect people's night vision, special blinds for windows. Also a deliberately long and winding driveway wrapped in trees leading up to the main area designed to keep headlights from ruining the experience for others. It would be awesome on a clear night.
ReplyDeleteThey got a ton of pushback from the local community when they first founded it, but it has proved to be great for tourism! I hope more get to come along soon, and that we preserve our dark sky!
I long to go to a dark sky park. And a sign that the area is producing les greenhouse gases. I am willing to bet that the exclusion of the UP has to do with Republican law makers from that area who somehow saw the parks as a threat to economic development.
ReplyDeleteI have any idea to buy an electric bike and go on one of these trails. I love nature but creature live in it so ill need something fast, and no fossil fuels messing up the area in any way
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