By Drew Reagan, DarkSky Writer
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve was certified as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This achievement reflects the culmination of a multiyear effort by Park staff to improve natural darkness and reflects the progressive evolution of the Park’s management goals to ensure the holistic stewardship of the rich natural resources of the Siskiyou Mountains.
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve was established as a National Monument in 1909 to protect a sprawling system of marble caves and beautiful formations beneath the Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon. In 2014, the original designation of the Park as a National Monument was expanded to include the surrounding National Preserve in recognition of the importance that the region plays in maintaining global biodiversity. The 4,554-acre Park protects diverse environments, including old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, glacial cirques, and alpine rock gardens, through which snow-fed streams flow and sink underground into the cave systems. These sinking streams feed the River Styx, the only subterranean Wild and Scenic River in the nation, that winds through the cave system and out into Cave Creek.
To achieve status as an International Dark Sky Park, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve underwent a comprehensive lighting inventory assessment by resource management staff. Coordination among the Park divisions was essential to the success of this operation, and care was taken to ensure that updates to the lighting within the Historic District balanced the need for historic preservation with the reduction of light pollution. At the same time, the Park established its first night sky monitoring program to track changes to the night sky over a three-year period. The results of the program highlight the exceptional natural resources of the Park and its potential to provide visitors with an unparalleled experience exploring the Siskiyou Mountains. “We are excited to join the dark sky community and to do our part in preserving dark skies across Oregon and the National Park Service” said park superintendent Jeremy Curtis.
“Leading this application allowed me to experience first-hand the incredible visual resources that the night skies at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve has to offer. The vast brilliance of the night sky above the Park, even if viewed from small clearings throughout the forest, provides an incredible and immersive experience that will inspire visitors of all ages,” remarked Dr. Joshua Zimmt.
Looking to the future, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve will seek to further its commitment to preserve natural darkness, both above and below ground. Future projects and updates to infrastructure throughout the Park will be completed in compliance with DarkSky International guidelines to elevate the visitor experience and protect the natural systems of the Park. Partnerships formed with nearby communities will be made with the hopes of protecting and preserving the natural and historical character of the Park and region for future generations to come.
“This achievement demonstrates a commitment to dark sky preservation and offers visitors a unique blend of natural and celestial experiences, highlighting conservation and community engagement. We are excited to welcome Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve as the 46th site administered by the National Park Service into the International Dark Sky Places Program,” stated Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager.
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