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September 10 | Issue #17
BWCAW Becomes Certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary 13th In The World
Service Spotlight
DULUTH, MN  August 31, 2020 – The entirety of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) gained Dark Sky Sanctuary status this summer after initial Forest discussions began back in 2008 with the Heart of the Continent Partnership and both U.S. and Canadian sister site agencies. This makes this area on the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota the first-certified Minnesotan site and first federally designated wilderness site. The BWCAW is only the 13th location in the world to gain this unique title and at 1,098,000 acres in size, it will be the largest.

“We are excited to receive the Dark Skies Sanctuary designation for the BWCAW and are committed to preserving dark sky opportunities for future generations."
 
Superior National Forest Supervisor
Connie Cummins


“Conservation and preservation laws, policy and guidance all lead to the protection of the night skies for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, and public enjoyment values, which are all part of protecting wilderness character"
 
BWCAW Program Manager
Ann Schwaller

Photo by Ethan B. Allen @ethan.b.allen
The International Dark Sky Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 with the goal of reducing light pollution and protecting night skies for the present and into the future. A Dark Sky Sanctuary is “public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.”

“Experiencing the night sky provides perspective, inspiration, and leads us to reflect on our humanity and place in the universe. The history of scientific discovery and even human curiosity itself is indebted to the natural night sky.”
 
– International Dark Sky Association


For more information on the Heart of the Continent Dark Sky Initiative visit our National Geographic Geotourism WebSite MapGuide Starry Skies - Preserving the starry skies in the Heart of the Continent
A Heart of the Continent Dark Sky Initiative
Preserving International Dark Skies
Quetico, La Verendrye, and Pigeon River Provincial Parks, The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the Superior National Forest, and Voyageurs National Park teamed up with U.S. National Park Service’s Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division and Starry Skies Lake Superior IDA. Together the agencies are working towards a large dark sky region. This week we are celebrating a first big step with the certification of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Photo -High Falls and Comet NEOWISE - Travis Novitsky @travis_novitsky
The Pigeon River separates two countries but shares the water and the sky of our beloved public lands.
Heart of the Continent Partnership is working with our public land managers to help build vibrant and resilient communities that value and protect public lands in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario including initiatives like preserving our dark skies.
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