Responsible Lighting in Saskatchewan

On September 28, 2004 at approximately 10:00 pm CST, a declaration was made creating a unified CYPRESS HILLS DARK-SKY PRESERVE. It was signed at the Cypress Hills West Block Ranger's Station in Saskatchewan, Canada and includes Cypress Hills Centre Block (SK), Cypress Hills West Block (SK), Cypress Hills West Block (AB) and Fort Walsh National Historic Site (SK). Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (CHIPP) is now the largest Dark-Sky Preserve in Canada with a total of 39,600 hectares (97,800 acres).

The signing took place as part of the Canadian Parks Council Conference, where about 70 park managers from all across Canada and the northwest U.S. were in attendance to witness this historical event. The Dark Sky Preserve was formed through a partnership of Saskatchewan Environment, Alberta Community Development, Canada Parks agency and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). Representing the RASC at the ceremony were Bob King (Calgary, AB), Vance Petriew (Regina, SK) and Richard Huziak (Saskatoon, SK). Park Managers Brad Mason (CHIPP SK) , Rick Goett (CHIPP SK), Julie MacDougall (CHIPP AB) and David Rohatensky (Ft. Walsh) are delighted at the declaration and look forward to protecting their natural dark skies environmentally, historically and culturally for park visitors to enjoy.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Centre Block has been the home of the annual Saskatchewan Summer Star Party (SSSP) for the past 8 years. Amateur astronomers from all over the world come to the SSSP to enjoy the dark skies and natural beauty the park has to offer.

Saskatchewan Press Release
Alberta Press Release

International Dark-Sky Newsletter
Saskatchewan EcoTourism Newsletter

Photos courtesy of Vance Petriew

	Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park West Block was host to a special event for the Canadian Parks Council Conference.
	Dusk progressed quickly on this cool September evening.
	The food was delicious and the music enlightening.
	Attendees got a good look at the Harvest Moon rising over the hills.
	Rosemary begins the program with the announcement of the Cypress Hills Dark-Sky Preserve.
	The crowd listens intently.
	Bob King and Richard Huziak give presentations about lighting and its effects on humans and the environment.
	Reading the declaration are representatives from: Parks Canada Agency Saskatchewan Environment Alberta Community Development Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
	Spirits are riding high as the declarations are signed.
	The declaration in ink!  The Cypress Hills Dark-Sky Preserve consists of: Cypress Hills I.P.P. SK - Centre Block Cypress Hills I.P.P. SK - West Block Cypress Hills I.P.P. AB - West Block Fort Walsh National Historical Site
	A proud moment for Richard, Bob, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park staff and the Conference attendees.
	The evening is complete with the handing out of t-shirts.
	Cypress Hills Dark-Sky Preserve overlaid onto a light pollution map.  The big red spot is Medicine Hat, AB.  This Dark-Sky Preserve is now the largest in Canada at 39,600 hectares (97,800 acres).
	A detailed road map of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.  Image is copyright Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park ©2004.

 

National Light Pollution Abatement Award
August 6, 2005

On August 6, 2005, The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada presented it's National Light Pollution Abatement Award to the agencies involved with the CYPRESS HILLS DARK-SKY PRESERVE. Over 250 amateur astronomers attending the annual Saskatchewan Summer Star Party were on hand to witness the event. 

In May 2005, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada voted to award its National Light Pollution Abatement Award to Alberta Community Development, Saskatchewan Environment and Parks Canada Agency for their work in reducing light pollution within the Cypress Hills Dark-Sky Preserve.

Richard Huziak from the RASC - Saskatoon Centre officiated the ceremony held in the Cypress Hills Resort Inn.  Vance Petriew, from the RASC - Regina Centre, presented the awards on behalf of Peter Jedicke, President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and on behalf of all 27 RASC Centres across Canada.  

Accepting the award on behalf of Alberta Community Development was Rosemary Jones, Planning Team Leader.  Keith Bocking, Heritage Appreciation Team Leader and Aaron Domes, Visitor Services Officer were also in attendance from Alberta.  

Assistant Deputy Minister, David Phillips, accepted the award on behalf of Saskatchewan Environment.  Brad Mason, CHIPP Saskatchewan Park Manager, Rick Goett, CHIPP Saskatchewan Park Supervisor, Melody Nagel-Hisey, CHIPP Naturalist where in attendance from Saskatchewan.     

Cheryl Penny, Superintendent South Saskatchewan Field Unit, accepted the award on behalf of Parks Canada Agency.  David Rohatensky, Fort Walsh National Historic Site Manager, was also in attendance from Saskatchewan.

In Elkwater, Alberta, the RASC - Calgary Centre recently instituted a light bulb exchange program to provide better outdoor lighting for cottagers.  On the Saskatchewan side, cottage owners unanimously agreed to support the Dark-Sky initiatives within Cypress Hills Centre Block.

For new releases of this event visit the following websites:

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada News Release
Alberta Community Development Press Release

Photos Courtesy of Darcy Kozoriz

	Over 250 amateur astronomers were at the ceremony in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
	Richard Huziak officiated the ceremony.  He's looking a little tired after three all night observing sessions in a row at the star party.
	David Phillips accepted the award on behalf of Saskatchewan Environment.
	Rosemary Jones accepted the award on behalf of Alberta Community Development.
	Cheryl Penny accepted the award on behalf of Parks Canada Agency.
	Brad Mason presented appreciation awards to RASC members Richard Huziak, Vance Petriew and Bob King on behalf of the Cypress Hill Dark-Sky Preserve partners.
	Front row L to R:  Brad Mason, David Phillips, Cheryl Penny, Rosemary Jones, Richard Huziak. Back row L to R:  Rick Goett, Keith Bocking, David Rohatensky, Aaron Domes, Vance Petriew, Melody Nagel-Hisey
	Light Pollution awareness is now being taught by park interpreters at the dark-sky preserve.  Brochures on light pollution and the nocturnal environment are freely available to park visitors.
	The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's National Light Pollution Abatement Award for 2005.