DENVER (KDVR) — The town of Breckenridge has officially been designated as a Certified Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International, marking the first mountain resort community in the world to achieve the designation.
The Breckenridge Tourism Office said the designation has been sought since 2023, when the town began work to meet Dark Sky certification requirements, even starting to replace non-compliant streetlights in 2024, and making measurable progress in reducing light pollution.
“The Rocky Mountain towns of Colorado offer immense natural beauty, especially when it comes to the night sky,” said Michael Rymer, communities program manager with DarkSky International and a Colorado resident. “With Breckenridge’s work as an International Dark Sky Community, the town hopes to protect and preserve the night sky for residents and visitors, now and into the future. We at DarkSky International are excited to certify a significant tourist destination that will highlight the wonders of dark skies to visitors from all around the world.”
The town’s goal was to commit to protecting its alpine nightscape and natural environment from light pollution. Now, the town is working with residents to have non-compliant lighting meet Dark Sky regulations.
“The certification not only honors our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, but it sets the Town up for a more sustainable and economically resilient future,” said Breckenridge Mayor Kelly Owens in the Dark Sky release. “Stargazing, education, and responsible tourism are now part of what makes Breckenridge shine — under the stars.”
Dark Sky locations have been developed since 2001
In 2001, Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the world’s first DarkSky-certified location. The voluntary program certifies communities, parks and protected areas around the world that “preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.”
There are currently 59 Dark Sky Communities across the world, with the majority located in the U.S.
The program was created to incentivize communities and protect places, encouraging them to follow Flagstaff’s example and choose better nighttime lighting. This is because light pollution impacts nighttime ecology.
Researchers say that plants and animals have long relied on the rhythm of Earth’s day and night cycle, but humans have disrupted that cycle through artificial lighting.
Scientists have even asked residents in areas that experience critical migration periods for birds to limit the use of non-essential lights. Artificial light can disorient and attract birds, threatening their migratory patterns and sometimes leading to them colliding with buildings and landing in vulnerable areas, like cities.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
