Browns Canyon National Monument recognized as stargazing destination with new Dark Sky Park certification

CAÑON CITY, Colo. – Browns Canyon National Monument has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. The monument now joins the growing list of International Dark Sky Places known for dark-sky conservation and education through management of all exterior lighting and promoting best practices to visitors and nearby communities through interpretive programming. Browns Canyon National Monument now becomes Colorado’s 18th certified International Dark Sky Place, and its 12th International Dark Sky Park.

“Browns Canyon National Monument is a haven for dark skies in central Colorado, a region that continues to push for stronger protections of the precious natural resource of the night sky,” said DarkSky International Program Associate Michael Rymer. “Browns Canyon’s example will no doubt be a substantial one in influencing communities surrounding the national monument and beyond to practice responsible outdoor lighting to better impact the night-time environment of the site. Furthermore, the staff’s ingenuity in bringing the monument’s lighting into full compliance is something worthy of praise and promotion.”

Browns Canyon has many outstanding characteristics, including a scenic river corridor, impressive wilderness areas and numerous recreational opportunities. It is an area rich in history and is highly valued by Indigenous and First Nations people for its cultural significance. It was designated as a national monument on February 19, 2015, by President Barack Obama. Currently, the land is jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. River-based recreation is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife through the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.

Browns Canyon National Monument encompasses a section of the Arkansas River and includes nearly 22,000 acres of pristine public lands. Just a short drive from major urban centers, the monument is in Chaffee County—an area known for spectacular daytime recreational opportunities. As an International Dark Sky Park, its special night sky viewing opportunities are now recognized.

"We're thrilled for Browns Canyon to receive the night sky designation as it is in direct alignment with our management goal to protect the Monument's resources,” said Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Deputy Forest Supervisor Jim Pitts. “This is a great opportunity to highlight a shared landscape between the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and we welcome the public to enjoy this unique landscape that is part of our shared public lands."

The effort to seek DarkSky certification was organized by a local advocacy group, Friends of Browns Canyon. The group hosted night sky events, including fundraisers, concerts and photography outings. They also conducted the light meter readings and hired a contractor to assist in developing the application.

"Friends of Browns Canyon were instrumental in getting the International Dark Sky Park certification and recognition, and should really be applauded for their tireless efforts,” said Bureau of Land Management National Monument Manager for Browns Canyon Kalem Lenard. “All of the managing partners are really excited to celebrate the dark sky resource, further recognizing Browns Canyon as a special place in the heart of Colorado."

Since the location is naturally suited for night sky viewing, the work required to meet standards for DarkSky certification was minimal. “Because we have a lot of camping in the area, we had to retrofit some of our lighting near Browns Canyon National Monument to make sure we met certification standards,” said Tom Waters, Park Manager for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. “With a bit of ingenuity from our staff, and some exceptional coordination with our local and federal partners, we have been able to provide this exciting opportunity to our community and visitors.”

The Bureau of Land Management and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are training staff to deliver night sky programming and to educate visitors on the expanded recreation options being offered in the area.

The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at https://darksky.org.