Coconino County: A Defender of the Dark

The word is out that Coconino County has some of the darkest skies and best opportunities in the country to view and explore the wonders of the universe. Knowing this, the county enacted its first dark skies lighting ordinances more than 45 years ago. This action acknowledged the importance of dark skies to generations that have been in the region for a long time – Native cultures, scientists, astronomers, explorers and dreamers. And it demonstrated a commitment to preserving and protecting dark skies for many reasons, including future generations.

“Star formations and our night skies shape beliefs, are the source of traditional stories, offer lessons and are important in rituals and religious practices,” said District 1 Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman. “Dark skies offer spiritual sustenance. They are a source of inspiration, essential to the cycle of life and part of the culture and values of Coconino County.”

Thus, county partnerships with the City of Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory, the Navajo Nation, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and others, have allowed for unparalleled educational, scientific and stargazing opportunities for locals and visitors.

“The county’s commitment to preserving our dark skies also furthers the military and scientific mission at the U.S. Naval Observatory,” added Horstman. “Preserving our dark skies provides economic opportunities, health benefits, reduces energy consumption, maintains cultural values and minimizes disruption to wildlife. It also has produced a thriving astro-tourism industry.”

Complementing efforts by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition to recognize Flagstaff as the first International Dark Sky City in 2001, Coconino County established regulations, nearly identical to those adopted by the City of Flagstaff, to reduce light pollution and maintain dark skies. The county promotes the value of dark skies on its website, through social media and in brochures designed for residential, commercial and industrial property owners to “Help Defend the Dark.”  

“These brochures explain the benefits of protecting dark skies, including saving money on our electric bills and honoring the value we as a community place on dark skies, whether for science, spirituality or stargazing for fun,” said Horstman.  

In addition, the Coconino County Community Development Department meets with home builders and developers regarding the importance of the Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance. “We make recommendations to homeowners and businesses alike for lighting options that maintain and enhance dark skies, from color and shielding to proper alignment, glare prevention and types and styles of lighting fixtures,” she said.

To promote dark skies awareness and public education opportunities, the county also supports the Coalition’s Celebration of the Night and Flagstaff Star Party – three nights of stargazing with astronomers and their high-powered telescopes – free for all ages in Buffalo Park each fall.

For these reasons and more, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition recognizes Coconino County as a Flagstaff Dark Skies Champion.

“Working in partnership with others and through education and promoting awareness, we strive to maintain a county that is truly out of this world,” said Horstman. FBN 

Photos by Bonnie Stevens: Andrea Michaels of Flagstaff demonstrates what a dark-skies friendly light fixture looks like on the outside of this home.