CASS COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Legislation introduced in the Michigan House to further T.K. Lawless County Park as a Dark Sky Park has been approved as of Tuesday, February 25.
Previously, legislation by State Rep. Aaron Miller, R-Sturgis, was introduced to make the park a Dark Sky Park. It later received that designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.
This makes T.K Lawless County Park the second Dark Sky Park in Michigan, second only to the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City.
“The dark sky movement in Michigan is on fire — there is a high demand for these unique preserves in order to see our wonderful universe better,” Miller said. “The international community has already recognized the value of Lawless Park; hopefully the state will do so as well.”
There are currently six dark sky preserves in Michigan as designated by law, all on state-owned land. If adopted, this would be the first one established on county-owned land.
As written, the new legislation, HB 4740, would simply add it to the state list as well.
“Dark sky preserves create wonderful tourism and educational opportunities for residents and non-residents of all ages,” Miller said. “It would be worth a trip to Cass County just to see T.K. Lawless County Park alone.”
House Bill 4740 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
