Southern Oregon Named Home to the World’s Largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The astrotourism scene in the United States is set for a stellar year in 2024, highlighted by a total solar eclipse in April and the most vivid northern lights displays in over a decade. Further enhancing this exciting phase is the recent designation of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary, sprawling over 2.5 million acres in southern Oregon.

Dark Sky Sanctuaries are distinguished areas recognized by DarkSky International for their exceptional night skies and commitment to preserving the natural darkness for scientific, educational, or natural value. These sanctuaries meet rigorous criteria, including implementing dark sky-friendly lighting and engaging in public education about the importance of dark skies.

The newly designated sanctuary is located in the remote and sparsely populated Oregon Outback. The area is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and wild horses, as well as its dramatic landscapes from river basins to mountain ranges, offering an unparalleled backdrop for stargazing.

Dawn Nilson, the environmental consultant behind the sanctuary’s application, emphasizes the significance of preserving these dark skies amid increasing light pollution. The sanctuary not only promises a refuge for stargazers but also plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation.

This initial designation covers areas like Summer Lake, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, and parts of the Fremont–Winema National Forest. Plans are underway to expand the sanctuary to an astounding 11.4 million acres, encompassing vast portions of Harney and Malheur counties. This expansion will secure the sanctuary’s position as a significant natural asset in southern Oregon, covering roughly one-fifth of the state’s total land area.

The certification process involved a collaborative effort spanning four years, requiring negotiations and planning between federal, state, and local authorities. This included creating a joint Lighting Management Plan, decommissioning and retrofitting lights to meet dark sky standards.

Bob Hackett, executive director of Travel Southern Oregon, highlights the sanctuary’s role in promoting regenerative tourism, benefiting both visitors and local communities while preserving the region’s natural beauty for future generations.

With the establishment of the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the global network of sanctuaries now includes 19 sites across five continents. This network aims to safeguard the night sky’s pristine beauty, with the Oregon sanctuary now surpassing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota as the largest of its kind.

Since its inception in 2001, DarkSky International has awarded Dark Sky designations to over 200 locations worldwide, including Sanctuaries, Reserves, Parks, and Communities, across 22 countries. The organization continues to expand its efforts to protect the night sky, including recognizing its first Dark Sky Lodge in 2023, furthering its mission to preserve these precious natural resources.