Title: Sis earns recognition in Oregon's Dark Sky initiative
Sisthersburg, Oregon, gets the stamp of approval as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. This small achievement makes it the second town in Oregon to earn this title and the seventh International Dark Sky spot in the state overall. Joining the exclusive club is Easy Lake County (part of the proposed Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary), Oregon Caves National Monument, Antelope, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, and Sunriver International Development of Distinction.
This prestigious accolade reflects years of unwavering dedication by the Sisthersburg community towards preserving the essence of nature's nighttime beauty. By safeguarding this precious resource, the town guarantees future generations the opportunity to be captivated by the celestial display while supporting wildlife reliant on darkness. Besides, it opens doors for educational programs, eco-friendly lighting makeovers, and responsible lighting practices – all factors that contribute to boosting tourism, a cornerstone of the town's economic growth.
In recognition of their hard work, Amber Harrison, the International Dark Sky Places Program Manager, commends Sisthersburg. She highlights the students, advocates, and local officials who played a crucial role in spreading awareness and enhancing the town's environment-friendly lighting, making both the atmosphere and the overall living experience better for residents and visitors.
As an enchanting western-style town with approximately 3,475 residents, Sisthersburg is nestled amidst a blanket of lush forests and the awe-inspiring Cascade Mountains. The township boasts a plethora of recreational activities, including hiking, alpine lakes, and nearby ski areas, all within a 3-hour drive from Portland and the Pacific Ocean. Even closer is the vibrant recreation hub, Bend, which is only 20 miles away.
The town's diverse landscape transforms from lush Ponderosa Pine and alpine forests to the east, featuring junipers, sagebrush, and the expansive high desert. Wildlife thrives in this ecological hotspot, with residents sharing the space with a prominent herd of deer as well as bears, cougars, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Sisthersburg is also home to significant local populations of fish, like the native interior Columbia Basin redband trout and federally listed Steelhead salmon, thanks to conservation efforts in the region.
Sisthersburg's history pre-dates European settlers; the land was once revered by the Paiute, Warm Springs, and Wasco peoples, who fished and gathered in Whychus Creek and the nearby mountains. The arrival of European settlers resulted in the establishment of the town in 1901, transforming it from a humble pioneer hub with industries like sheepherding, cattle ranching, and timber production, to a flourishing community recognized for its western architectural charm with tourism at its helm, following the development of Black Butte Ranch in the 1970s.
Sisthersburg's commitment to preserving dark skies gained momentum in 2000, when an astronomy program was introduced at Sistherburg High School. This commitment culminated in the drafting of the city's Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and expansive community engagement. Newsletters, social media, newspaper articles, and events aided the town in raising awareness about light pollution. The formation of astronomy clubs, upgrading lighting to meet certification standards, and garnering support from local officials and residents further cemented Sisthersburg's dedication to its night sky. Rigorous compliance monitoring and continuous data collection underscored their unwavering resolve to protect the night skies.
Patricia Jones, a Sistherburg High School Science Teacher, remarks on the joy of witnessing an endless expanse of stars and the community's appreciation for the natural world. This International Dark Sky Community certification embodies the Sisters team's desire to maintain their legacy of clear night skies, allowing future generations to marvel at the Milky Way and cultivating a sense of connection to their environment.
Mayor Michael Preedin showcases Sistherburg's civic pride, acknowledging the town's second-place status in relation to Antelope. Despite the minor setback, he is elated about this milestone, which he believes will lure in astro-tourists and benefit all of humanity. Preedin also pays homage to the pivotal role of the Sistherburg Astronomy Club in securing this designation.
Bill Kowalik, Ph.D., Chairperson of DarkSky Oregon, applauds Sistherburg's exemplary measures in outdoor lighting, emphasizing what a significant achievement this certification represents. He believes that Sisthersburg, recognized for its art, culture, and now its dedication to environmental preservation, will inspire future dark sky communities in Oregon.
With education at its core, Sistherburg plans to disseminate information about the benefits of dark skies preservation and the measures residents and businesses can take to upgrade non-compliant lighting. This mission will be carried out through newspaper articles, community events such as star-gazing parties, and funding assistance for lighting upgrades. By maintaining its exemplary status as a dark sky protector, Sistherburg will lead by example and continue to inspire a starry future.
- The efforts of Sisthersburg's residents and local officials to combat light pollution have garnered attention from DarkSky International's sister organization in Oregon, Dark Sky Oregon.
- With the night sky now protected, both locals and visitors can enjoy the starrydisplay of the Milky Way in the Sisters Oregon night sky, further boosting tourism and economic growth in the area.
- The Sisters Oregon Dark Sky Community is also working closely with Dark Sky International to introduce educational programs, encouraging responsible lighting practices and eco-friendly lighting makeovers across the town.
