Paonia becomes the sixth International Dark Sky Community in Colorado
Paonia, Colorado
DarkSky International has designated the Town of Paonia, Colorado, USA as the newest addition to the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program. Paonia is now the 17th International Dark Sky Place and the 6th International Dark Sky Community in Colorado, joining neighboring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and the newly certified Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.
Located on Colorado’s Western Slope in eastern Delta County, Paonia is a small, rural town with nearly 1,500 residents, making it the most populous International Dark Sky Community in Colorado. Its high-desert climate provides abundant clear, starry nights, with the Milky Way visible from many backstreets and open spaces throughout town. Paonia is surrounded by public lands, including the Grand Mesa National Forest, West Elk Wilderness, and Raggeds Wilderness, all contributing to its world-class night skies.
“Advocates in Paonia have much to be proud of with their work to certify the town as an International Dark Sky Community,” said DarkSky International Program Associate Michael Rymer. “Their extensive work in measuring night sky quality and engaging with the community, even in schools, is nothing short of exceptional. Paonia will be a strong example for future communities that pursue this certification.”
Paonia is unique in that its night sky quality has improved over the past two decades. As the local coal mining industry declined, many mines shut down and turned off their lights, allowing for the restoration of the natural night. Now, only one coal mine remains about fifteen miles up the valley, with a modest impact on the town’s artificial skyglow compared to that produced by the town itself.
With the downturn in coal mining, Paonia has embraced its rural charm and pristine beauty to bolster the local economy. Agriculture and the arts are primary activities for many residents, with world-famous organic fruit orchards, wineries, farms, and ranches serving as major tourist attractions. Local businesses and tourism outfitters are already benefiting from promoting the area’s naturally dark and starry night skies.
Dark Skies Paonia, the local advocacy group formed in 2018, has worked on several projects to improve the town’s lighting and educate residents and visitors about the harms of light pollution and the benefits of dark skies. In 2022, Paonia adopted a comprehensive lighting ordinance to preserve its natural nights. The town has also installed two continuously logging sky quality meters, with a third in the process of being installed on the Town Hall roof.
Paonia’s dark sky efforts have gained recognition, including a feature in a 2020 National Geographic article on Colorado stargazing and a 2023 PBS special on dark skies filmed on location in the town.
Dark Skies Paonia Board President Lyn Howe emphasized the importance of teamwork: “Years ago, this quote inspired me: ‘Working together, tiny stars light the universe. That’s the power of teamwork’. For seven years, we have overcome many challenges to put Paonia on the map as an International Dark Sky Community. It has been inspiring to realize how important keeping our night skies dark is to so many people.”
Paige Smith, Mayor of Paonia, acknowledged the significance of the town’s Dark Sky Community certification: “Few people are lucky enough to live beneath a night sky so star-rich, including the most impressive sight by far, the Milky Way. Light pollution affects more than 80 percent of the world’s population in some way. As mayor of Paonia, we are honored to contribute to this important international movement to keep our night skies dark.”
The Town of Paonia encourages residents and visitors to help preserve and protect the area’s natural night by using light responsibly and only when needed. Together, dark-sky advocates can ensure that the natural night is protected and accessible for the benefit and enjoyment of all life, now and in the future.
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. The Town of Paonia now joins more than 220 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more at www.darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.
About DarkSky International:
DarkSky’s mission 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:
Aaron Watson and Lyn Howe
Dark Skies Paonia
DarkSkiesPaonia.com
[email protected]
DarkSky International:
Michael Rymer
Dark Sky Places Program Associate
520-347-6365
[email protected]
