Photo by Kurt Kuznicki
Friends of Nevada Wilderness first began working on dark sky protections in 2016, when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) asked for our help seeking certification from Dark Sky International for the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area. Together, the Friends team and the BLM developed a proposal to certify Massacre Rim as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary for its exceptional starry nights. In addition to dark skies, sanctuaries are distinguished by 'a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.' With its remote location and sweeping vistas, Massacre Rim provides a respite for humans flooded by artificial light as well as an important habitat for species such as the sage-grouse. The certification from Dark Sky International took three years to achieve, and on March 19, 2019, Massacre Rim became the seventh Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world and the first on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The achievement was recognized by Senator Cortez Masto in the Senate in April of that year.
As part of the certification process, Friends conducted light pollution monitoring of the area, which it continues annually. Friends has also begun monitoring other locations across the state in partnership with the BLM, and hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival in Cedarville. We are committed to educating the public about the historical and current values of dark skies and how they can preserve them. Funding from the Save Starry Skies plate will allow Friends to grow its dark sky work, and spread the word about this amazing resource overhead!
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Friends of Nevada Wilderness Executive Director Shaaron Netherton displaying the Congressional Record from April 4, 2019 recognizing the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study area as a dark sky sanctuary.