FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2024
Colorado Tourism Office Selects Town of Grand Lake to Participate in 2024 Dark Sky Certification Mentorship Program
Grand Lake to receive technical assistance from the state to achieve International Dark Sky Place (IDSP) certification, aiming to increase Town’s competitive edge as a destination and provide a wealth of community benefits.
Grand Lake, CO – The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program. The program was created in 2022 in collaboration with the International Dark-sky Association (IDA) as a result of HB22-1382 and seeks to partner with tourism destinations across the state that are interested in advancing strategies that help achieve International Dark Sky Place (IDSP) certification and enhance Colorado’s visitor experience.
“Astro-tourism is an emerging trend in Destination Stewardship and I'm proud that Colorado is the first state to offer a program like this,” said CTO Director, Timothy Wolfe.
Program objectives include increased collaboration between state and local tourism leaders, reduced energy consumption, economic impact from cost savings and increased property value, and increased awareness of the value of visible night skies and their benefit to local wildlife. Additionally, it will elevate local and regional quality of life through enhanced health and well-being, cultural heritage and sense of place, all while increasing the number of IDSP certifications in Colorado.
According to the IDA Colorado Chapter, known as DarkSky Colorado, the state is currently home to 15 International DarkSky designated places, including 10 DarkSky parks and five DarkSky communities. This also includes three of the state’s four national parks.
Each participating organization will receive 70 hours of complimentary consulting from DarkSky Colorado to implement activities that reduce light pollution and protect access to Colorado’s incredible night skies. Successful implementation will increase Colorado’s competitive edge as a destination and provide a wealth of benefits for Colorado communities.
Program participants will collaborate with representatives from DarkSky Colorado to develop a scope of work that details how they will utilize the free consulting provided through the program. Examples of consulting activities include:
- Understand how to structure a successful application for IDSP certification
- Foster alignment between local stakeholders and buy-in for IDSP certification
- Understand the requirements and successful language related to local ordinances and land use codes to reduce light pollution and energy consumption
- Facilitate site visits to conduct assessments of local lighting infrastructure and measure darkness levels with a Sky Quality Meter
- Host stargazing or other community dark sky awareness events
- Develop, enhance and promote visitor experiences related to stargazing
The Town of Grand Lake’s application was championed by Community Development Director, Kim White, who explains, “our current Town code already discusses the requirement of dark-sky compliant lighting, but this program will help the Town Staff better understand how to measure the darkness levels, create a lighting inventory and get the public engaged in data collection, with the end goal of International Dark Sky Place certification.”
Participants were selected by a panel of industry partners and representatives from both CTO and DarkSky Colorado who reviews applications and recommends awards based on demonstrated need, capacity to participate and demonstrated support from appropriate governing bodies. Awarded partners are responsible for providing a project coordinator who will work directly with the assigned mentor, participate in planning meetings with the Colorado Tourism Office and DarkSky Colorado, and commit to ongoing leadership within their destination to implement the scope of work, with the mentor acting as extended support team.
The Town of Grand Lake received support from the following local partner organizations:
- Grand County Astronomy Club
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Grand County Tourism Board
- Grand County Economic Development
- Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce
- Colorado Headwaters Land Trust
- Grand Lake Creative District
To volunteer to help with upcoming Dark Sky plans, events and projects, please contact Kim White at kwhite [at] toglco.com ().
About the Colorado Tourism Office:
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The Colorado Tourism Office seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation and leadership. In 2021, Colorado travelers spent $22.5 billion, generating $1.5 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $690. For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.
About the International Dark-sky Association:
The International Dark-sky Association (IDA) is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. IDA’s vision is that the night sky, filled with stars, is celebrated and protected around the world as a shared heritage benefitting all living things. The IDA Colorado Chapter fulfills the mission of the IDA within the geographical area of the State of Colorado. Learn more at www.darksky.org.
About the Dark Sky Mentorship Program:
For more information on the program, please visit the official program page at https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-dark-sky-certification-mentor-program.
GRAND LAKE CONTACT:
Katie Hearsum
Community Engagement Manager
Town of Grand Lake
(513) 505-9553
khearsum [at] toglco.com
COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE CONTACT:
Andrew Grossmann
Director, Destination Development & Research
(973) 270-7804
andrew.grossmann [at] state.co.us