SAVE RED ROCK SHOOTS FOR THE STARS,
PURSUING DESIGNATION AS AN
URBAN NIGHT SKY PLACE
Save Red Rock partners with BLM to launch public outreach campaign, and prepare the application; Brett Torino Foundation is named lead sponsor
Save Red Rock and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are teaming up to pursue designation of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) as an Urban Night Sky Place. Brett Torino Foundation (BTF), a long-term supporter of Save Red Rock, joins the team as the lead sponsor of the project.
Determined by the International Dark Sky Places Program (IDSP), the designation preserves and protects dark sites – even those around urban areas – through responsible lighting policies and public engagement. If achieved, this distinction would help reduce the impacts of light pollution, which disrupts wildlife and obscures our view of the night sky. Additionally, Dark Sky Places benefit from increased visitation and local economic activity in the communities in which they are located.
“The night sky and nocturnal environment are often forgotten when it comes to conservation,” says Boris Poff, Ph.D., manager of Red Rock Canyon NCA. “We are excited to partner with Save Red Rock to connect our community to another side of nature, and prove these environments are culturally and environmentally worth preserving.”
The IDSP outlines a rigorous set of guidelines to ensure that each certified place participates in actions and stewardship that improve the quality of the nightscape environment. Red Rock Canyon will be required to demonstrate its eligibility by providing a lighting management plan and robust series of public outreach strategies.
“Interest in astronomy and astro-tourism has grown exponentially over the past decade,” says Michael Rymer of Dark Sky International. “This project is timely and purposeful, and we look forward to continually educating the public about the celestial world.”
In service of the application process, Save Red Rock is raising $7,000 to purchase an in-house telescope for Red Rock Canyon NCA, and to plan a series of educational outreach events. Public is encouraged to contribute here: saveredrock.com/dark-sky
“This is the start of a multi-year effort to keep Red Rock’s nighttime environment healthy, and encourage responsible visitation and education,” says Pauline van Betten of Save Red Rock. “We have an enormous opportunity to capitalize on public interest, enroll support from surrounding neighborhoods, enhance the economic outlook of Nevada, and protect and conserve our public lands. It’s a win-win no matter where you look.”
To learn more about the IDSP and Urban Night Sky Places, visit https://darksky.org/. To learn more about how Save Red Rock is “Keeping Red Rock Healthy”, visit https://saveredrock.com/healthy.
About Save Red Rock
Save Red Rock is a 501c3 organization with a mission to preserve and protect the safety, serenity, and sustainability of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the nation’s first and most-visited NCA. For more than 20 years, Save Red Rock has been a devoted steward of the conservation area, with its programs aiming to keep Red Rock safe, healthy and rural. For more information or to donate to the cause, visit www.saveredrock.com.
About the Brett Torino Foundation (BTF)
The Brett Torino Foundation has been a powerful force in supporting the principles of its founder, Brett Torino, who believes in being an active part of the community, providing ongoing educational opportunities, and protecting the environment. Through BTF, Torino has built lasting partnerships with prominent nonprofits such as the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, Sunshine Nevada, Save Red Rock, Las VegasMetropolitan Police Department Foundation, and the Clark County School District through the educational program. For over 25 years, BTF has utilized Torino Ranch as a sanctuary for young people and mentors, collaborating with various charitable organizations to host transformative summer camps and programs. These initiatives provide children with a nurturing environment, fostering growth, education, and lasting memories.
