A measure to designate T.K. Lawless County Park in Cass County as a dark-sky preserve was approved this week by the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

The measure was supported by State Rep. Aaron Miller.

He said there is a high demand for dark-sky preserves. The plan would create an additional location in Michigan for celestial-viewing opportunities, which would help increase tourism, Miller added.

Michigan is the first state to establish dark-sky preserves, with the first created in Lenawee County in the early 1990s. The parks are areas in which night-time lighting is controlled, promoting astronomy and enjoyment of the night sky.

There are currently six dark sky preserves in Michigan, all on state-owned land. If adopted, this would be the first established on county-owned land.

House Bill 4740 now advances to the Ways and Means committee for further consideration.