|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. (September 12, 2022) - The Nebraska Tourism Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the International Dark-Sky Association, is proud to announce Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County, Nebraska has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park. As the first International Dark Sky Place to be recognized in the state, this achievement is a major first step in conserving Nebraska’s nightscape and an opportunity to highlight it as an astrotourism destination.
“This is an exciting first for our state,” said Executive Director of Nebraska Tourism John Ricks. “The Dark Sky Park will attract people to experience the awe and splendor of our night skies, adding yet another excellent, unique experience to visiting Nebraska.”
Located in northwestern Nebraska, Merritt Reservoir SRA spans 729 acres and is known for its excellent fishing, boating and camping opportunities. The scenic reservoir offers 44 miles of shoreline, with nine designated camping areas along the eastern and southeastern shore. The park is surrounded by wildlife management area, land maintained as native Nebraska habitat situated in what is arguably the state’s most fascinating ecosystem: the Sandhills.
The expansive, undisturbed land tracts of the Sandhills provide breathtaking vistas, spectacular bird populations inhabiting the hundreds of lakes and wetlands throughout the lowlands make for excellent wildlife viewing. The small towns bespeckling the region are known for their charm and hospitality.
Due to its rural nature and lack of light pollution, Merritt Reservoir SRA has been an ideal host location for the annual Nebraska Star Party for 29 years. The state’s premier, weeklong astronomy event offers both beginner and advanced astronomy field schools, observing challenges, an astrophotography contest and day of educational presentations. Nebraska Star Party is thrilled that the long-held aspiration for Merritt to become an International Dark Sky Place has finally been realized.
The certification required Merritt Reservoir SRA to survey and retrofit exterior light fixtures throughout the park and implement a Lighting Management Plan to maintain outdoor lighting to be dark-sky friendly into the future. The closest town of Valentine, Nebraska, is also doing its part to keep the Sandhills dark. With guidance from Nebraska Star Party planners, the city council selected dark sky friendly fixtures for its downtown beautification project currently underway.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program: The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is now the 200th International Dark Sky Park to have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy, striving to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting www.darksky.org/conservation/idsp.
About the International Dark-Sky Association: The mission of IDA is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.
|
