Associated Press

LANSING -- A bill has been signed into law that aims to protect three areas of state-owned land in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan from artificial light pollution.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed the bill Tuesday. The areas now designed as dark sky preserves are Rockport State Recreation Area in Presque Isle and Alpena counties, Negwegon State Park in Alpena and Alcona counties, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County.

29 Michigan parks to celebrate beauty of dark sky

The new law is meant to protect activities including stargazing and nighttime photography. Land with the designation is required to have outdoor lighting fixtures that are shielded or built in a way with little to no light interference.

The new dark sky preserves join Wilderness State Park in Emmet County, Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County and portions of Port Crescent State Park in Huron County.