Jackson Hole Airport becomes first airport certified as an International Dark Sky Place
Jackson, Wyoming
DarkSky International certified Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) as an Urban Night Sky Place for its ongoing efforts to limit light pollution, making it the first airport in the world to become an International Dark Sky Place. The Jackson Hole Airport is a public-use commercial airport located in Jackson, Wyoming. It is the only commercial airport located in a National Park (Grand Teton), and is dedicated to being an industry leader in environmental responsibility, green building initiatives, and energy efficiency. The Jackson Hole Airport Board also owns and operates Jackson Hole Flight Services, which is a general aviation airport.
“This certification of the world’s first airport as an International Dark Sky Place is certainly special for the obvious reasons”, said DarkSky International Program Associate Michael Rymer. “But what is really worth celebrating is how much work the airport’s managers and staff put into retrofitting nearly 200 light fixtures in under a year. Their leadership in recognizing the need for and then implementing responsible outdoor lighting is a huge part of this project’s success.”
JAC staff dedicated hundreds of hours to updating lighting fixtures and programming to adhere to responsible lighting practices. These measures will not only improve the stargazing experience, but they will also help protect the wildlife in Grand Teton National Park as well as surrounding areas that rely on the natural nocturnal environment to thrive. The initiative is part of the Airport’s broader commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices, while saving energy and operating efficiently.
The Airport hopes to promote responsible outdoor lighting locally and across the aviation industry. This certification strengthens the collective approach of the Town of Jackson, Teton County and JAC in the certification as an International Dark Sky Community, which will elevate the protection of nighttime darkness across the dynamic landscapes of northwestern Wyoming.
“The staff and Board at the Airport are mindful of the special obligation we have to Grand Teton National Park and our surrounding community. This DarkSky certification furthers our commitment to being a good neighbor. I thank our team of dedicated professionals for shepherding this landmark designation to completion,” added Rob Wallace, Airport Board President.
This pursuit aligns with the Airport’s values as a steward of its unique location within the National Park. For safety and security reasons, the Airport must maintain its obligation to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lighting standards. Through this process, JAC staff developed a lighting management plan that established a policy for its outdoor lighting practices on the landside. Staff undertook a large-scale project replacing and upgrading exterior lighting, totaling over 250 fixtures to date. Operational practices were also modified inside the terminal building to minimize light spill, which includes turning off screens and lighting in the ticketing area in the evening.
The Airport’s Lighting Management Plan (LMP) conforms to local ordinances, complies with the International Energy Conservation Code, and establishes general guidelines for lighting at JAC, which apply to existing outdoor lights and future installations. The LMP also embraces DarkSky’s five principles for responsible outdoor lighting: useful; targeted; low level; controlled; and warm-colored. The plan is focused on exterior landside lighting and miscellaneous exterior lighting on the airside that is not associated with the safe operation of aircraft.
Lighting on the airfield and aircraft parking apron are exempt from compliance with DarkSky requirements, due to compliance with FAA requirements related to lighting for safe aircraft operations. The LMP addresses landside facilities including the terminal area and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) parking lots, terminal area roads, terminal building, fuel farm, rental car wash facility, administration building, and hangars. Interior lights are also included in the LMP inventory because the Airport will be systematically upgrading interior lighting in the future with 3000K CCT lights and modifying controls where possible.
“Grand Teton National Park is a place where people can still see planets, stars and be mesmerized by the Milky Way just by stepping outside. A night sky is a resource as valuable and awe-inspiring as seeing a grizzly bear or catching a fish in the Snake River. Protecting the night sky requires effort from all of us and we appreciate how the Jackson Hole Airport has embraced this work. Congratulations on becoming the first airport to receive this certification, setting a shining example for preserving our night skies for future generations,” said Chip Jenkins, Superintendent, GTNP.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program:
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Jackson Hole Airport now joins more than 240 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.
About DarkSky International:
The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org
Contacts:
Kevin Dunnigan
Jackson Hole Airport, Communications
307 413 1845; [email protected]
Michael Rymer
DarkSky International, Program Associate
+1 (520) 347-6365; [email protected]
