“With provisional status during the NPS Centennial year and full certification for the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park in 2019, the timing could not be any better for this announcement,” said Jane Rodgers Deputy Chief of Science and Resource Management. Rodgers, who submitted the application, also added, “Grand Canyon offers a spectacular night sky that visitors come from all over the world to experience. That experience would not be the same without the help of our staff, community, the NPS Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, the generous support from Grand Canyon Association, and of course the IDA.” Grand Canyon Association (GCA), the park’s official not-for-profit sponsor, helps fund and sponsor events such as the ongoing Star Party, as well as park stewardship activities including the Night Sky Initiative.

“Our mission to preserve and protect the canyon for future generations is important during the day–and also at night,” said Susan Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of GCA. “We are so pleased to support this initiative. Our members and donors are very engaged in helping the park preserve our night sky. We’ve funded the assessment work and now look forward to funding the retrofitting portion of the project so the night sky is protected for all, forever.”