Governor Jared Polis declared June 2021 as “Dark Sky Month” in Colorado.

“With the State’s ever-growing population, the commitment to protecting and preserving our natural nights and landscapes from excessive light pollution and trespass is as important now as ever. A special thanks to Governor Polis and his staff for their efforts in helping to protect Colorado’s legacy for future generations,” said Ryan Parker, Chair of the International Dark-sky Association Colorado chapter.

“Dark skies in the Rocky Mountains are a Colorado treasure and a key attraction for our tourism industry. I’m grateful to the International Dark-sky Association Colorado chapter and Gov. Polis for prioritizing this natural resource and reminding all of us to reduce light pollution for the public’s health and well-being, as well as for our state’s wildlife and natural environment,” said Julie McCluskie, Colorado State Representative for House District 61.

In the last few weeks, two Colorado parks, Mesa Verde National Park and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and the communities of Crestone, Nucla and Naturita received Dark Sky certification. With these added to the list, Colorado now has thirteen certified Dark Sky Places.

“We appreciate the International Dark-sky Association Colorado chapter and Audubon Rockies for their important advocacy to reduce the impacts of spill light, preserve our unparalleled Colorado night-time skies, and educate on the ecological benefits of dark skies,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “June is an appropriate month to celebrate and bring awareness to the importance of dark skies as more Coloradans venture outdoors with the warming weather and are awed by the brightness of the milky way and celestial planets.”