About - Dark Sky Reserve

Welcome to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

Here in the heart of central Idaho, we celebrate our pristine night sky as an essential part of our heritage and a treasure to be preserved into the future both for our own children and for subsequent generations. Across the country, more than 80% of the population resides in cities and urban areas where light pollution obscures their view of the stars. Research shows the Milky Way is not visible to more than one-third of the world’s population.

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a treasured resource for local residents and for all Idahoans and visitors from across the world that come to experience the wonder of the starry night sky. The Reserve is the result of a collective commitment by communities, public land managers, and private landowners to support the dark sky experience

Whether you use your eyes, binoculars, or a telescope, you will find it is truly humbling to view the Milky Way, planets, meteors, comets, and even deep sky objects.

The First International Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) designated the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in December 2017, it is only the twelfth Dark Sky Reserve worldwide. IDA awarded the area Gold Tier status- their highest ranking for night sky quality. For more information about other Dark Sky Reserves, go to www.darksky.org.

The designation represents nearly two decades of planning efforts and policy decisions by city and county leaders, local businesses and organizations, and public land managers. Working together, these partners continue to focus on preserving the quality of the night-time environment and reducing the impact of light pollution in the area.

Through our combined efforts, we are working to:

Preserve and enhance the natural nighttime experience to improve quality of life.
Highlight the economic benefits associated with dark sky compliant lighting—from energy savings to tourism revenue.
Conserve our robust nocturnal ecosystems and support the needs of wildlife.
Enhance local scientific and educational opportunities through astronomy and other natural studies.
Promote our dark skies as a unique community asset and part of our local and national heritage

Programs & Events

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Becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) designated the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in December 2017, the first Dark Sky Reserve in the US and twelfth one worldwide. IDA awarded the area Gold Tier status- their highest ranking for night sky quality. The designation represents nearly two decades of planning efforts and policy decisions by city and county leaders, local businesses and organizations, and public land managers. Working together, these partners continue to focus on preserving the quality of the night-time environment and reducing the impact of light pollution in central Idaho.

An extensive application was prepared and submitted to IDA. It provided detailed background information about the area and identified plans for managing light pollution throughout the reserve.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) works with communities and public land managers to develop responsible lighting practices and public education efforts to protect and preserve the night sky. The IDA website provides information about the various types of designations for Dark Sky Places.

‘An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core. Reserves are formed through a partnership of multiple land managers who have recognized the value of the natural nighttime environment through regulations and long-term planning.’ (IDA website)

Ketchum A Dark Sky City

In 2017, Ketchum received national recognition as the first city in Idaho to be designated as an International Dark Sky Community, dedicated to reducing light pollution and preserving the night skies. In an effort to promote the quality of life and the ability to view the night sky, the city is working with residents to have all exterior lighting in compliance by 2019.

Programs & Events

Click Here for Programs & Events

Becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve

Ketchum A Dark Sky City

Dark Sky Reserve Brochure & Map

Annual Reports

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