Commissioners send letter of support for Colorado Parks and Wildlife's International Dark Sky application

The Board of Mesa County Commissioners approved a letter of support to the Dark Sky Board of Directors for Colorado Parks and Wildlife's International Dark Sky application for Highline Lake State Park during their May 13 public hearing. 

The Mesa County Commissioners support CPW's commitment to integrating Dark Sky strategies into Highline Lake State Park management in order to preserve the amazing night skies, reduce and reverse light pollution, and educate visitors and residents about the importance of protecting the Grand Valley's darkness. 

Read the full letter:

The Mesa County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to offer our support of Colorado Parks and Wildlife's ("CPW") application to designate Highline Lake State Park (the "Park") as a Dark Sky location. 

The designation of the Park as an International Dark Sky location would carry on CPW's commitment since 2020 to integrate Dark Sky strategies at the Park to preserve the night sky and serve as a living classroom, offering a unique opportunity to study astronomy, ecological processes, and the impacts of light pollution. We appreciate that this commitment to designate the Park as a Dark Sky location protects the critical habitat and natural process of nocturnal wildlife. The designation and plans to build the Horizons Amphitheater will also attract visitors from across the country looking for a unique way to connect with nature and experience the serenity of the night sky. 

This initiative promises to further enhance the work that CPW has undertaken in creating a recreational facility that offers family fun, connection to nature, and environmental conservation. We believe Highline Lake State Park is a great candidate for this designation and urge you to give it your highest consideration.