Baker County is stepping into the cosmic tourism arena. The county’s parks board voted on January 26, 2026. They decided to apply for DarkSky International certification. This designation is for a park. It sits within the Sumpter Valley dredge trailings. This move aims to attract a new kind of visitor. This visitor seeks dark skies.
A New Dawn for Sumpter Valley Tourism
The Sumpter Valley dredge trailings represent a unique landscape. This area is west of Baker City. Gold dredging operations shaped it long ago. For decades, massive dredges unearthed the valley floor. They searched for precious gold. This left behind vast piles of gravel. Nature is now slowly reclaiming these areas. The Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area preserves this history. It draws visitors interested in mining heritage. Now, Baker County sees another potential. It seeks to enhance this draw with its night skies.
DarkSky Designation: What It Means
DarkSky International is a nonprofit. It started in 1988. It works to reduce light pollution globally. The organization certifies places with exceptional night skies. These are International Dark Sky Places. Certification recognizes efforts in protecting darkness. It raises awareness for staff and visitors. This designation can attract new tourism. It helps promote responsible lighting practices. There are several categories for certification. These include Parks, Reserves, Sanctuaries, and Communities. Baker County seeks certification for its park.
Astrotourism: A Growing Market
“Astrotourism” is gaining popularity. This means travel focused on space and the night sky. Dark sky designations boost visibility for locations. They can be added to online maps. This attracts visitors seeking clear views of stars. Many people cannot see the Milky Way from home. Oregon has pristine dark skies, especially in its eastern regions. The state already has several Dark Sky Places. This includes parks and sanctuaries. Dark sky tourism offers economic benefits. It attracts visitors who support local businesses. It can also save energy. It preserves a natural resource. This is a natural resource that is disappearing rapidly.
Previous Efforts and Future Prospects
Baker County has considered dark sky initiatives before. A previous “dark sky” ordinance was rejected by the Planning Commission in 2009. Farmers and ranchers then opposed restrictions on outdoor lighting. They cited needs for essential night work. However, the landscape of tourism and conservation has evolved. The parks board voted unanimously for this new application. This indicates a shift in perspective. The application fee is a modest $250. The county now aims to protect its 972-acre property. Previously, there were discussions about banning mining in these dredge tailings. The focus is now on preservation and new opportunities. This initiative could be a great start for the county. It offers a chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. This includes both its unique daytime landscapes and its pristine nighttime skies. The news highlights a forward-thinking approach for Baker County. It seeks to leverage natural assets for economic growth.
This initiative could bring new visitors to explore. They can enjoy the unique history of the Sumpter Valley. They can also experience the wonder of Oregon’s dark night skies. This news marks a significant step. It embraces the growing field of astrotourism.
