CASS COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — T.K. Lawless County Park may soon become a dark sky preserve thanks to legislation supported by State Rep. Aaron Miller.
The legislation would designate the Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Cass County as a dark sky preserve. It was approved by the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee this week.
“The dark sky movement in Michigan is on fire — there is a high demand for these unique preserves,” Miller said in a statement. “My plan would create an additional location in Michigan for celestial viewing opportunities, which would help increase tourism.”
A dark sky preserve is an area in which night-time lighting is controlled, promoting astronomy and enjoyment of the night sky.
“We’re doing this not just for tourism, but for educational and recreational purposes,” Miller said. “It’s an amazing thing that has really taken off in recent years. It would be worth a trip to Cass County just to see T.K. Lawless County Park.”
There are currently six dark sky preserves in Michigan, all of which are on state-owned land. If adopted, this would be the first one established on county-owned land.
House Bill 4740 will now head to the Ways and Means committee for further consideration.
