From license plates, state identification cards and even highway signs, the phrase “Pure Michigan” is everywhere throughout the Wolverine State. Michigan’s natural beauty is worth fighting for. Unfortunately, the Upper Peninsula’s skies are under attack.
Michigan is home to some of the most breathtaking night skies in the country, and for decades, they have been under the protection of the state’s dark sky parks: areas where dark skies are protected through a reduction of artificial light. Such preservation is crucial for protecting the skies from light pollution and for continuing hobbies and critical research. Researchers, especially astronomers, need dark skies to conduct clear and accurate observations. Light pollution can be detrimental to entire ecosystems as well. Many species rely on natural darkness for survival, especially those that are guided by moonlight or nocturnal animals whose lifestyle patterns are disrupted by artificial light. And yet, despite the clear environmental and scientific value of preserving dark skies, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula remains excluded from these protections.
Currently, all six of Michigan’s designated dark sky preserves are south of the Mackinac Bridge. The Upper Peninsula, which boasts some of the darkest skies in the Midwest, is noticeably left out. Ironically, its sparse population and vast, undeveloped land makes it especially well-suited for preserving natural night skies. But in 2012, former state Rep. Frank Foster, R-Petoskey, created an unusual barrier: While establishing dark sky preserves near Mackinaw City, he included a provision that banned such designations in the UP entirely.
Last February, the state legislature passed the bill, and this policy change is both dangerous and unnecessary. The ban on dark sky preserves in the UP has harmed the environment, limited tourism and blocked conservation progress.
On June 10, Michigan House Democrats introduced HB 4641. If passed, it would change the state’s environmental protection law to protect the night skies. The bill now sits in the House Committee on Government Operations. Lawmakers must pass HB 4641 to reverse this harm. If the state truly values protecting the environment as it claims, lawmakers would repeal this ban and allow dark sky preserves to be established in the UP.
Every year, more and more people travel across the country specifically for stargazing. That growing market for astrotourism means dark sky preserves could actually be a surprisingly strong economic driver. The Upper Peninsula already draws visitors from across the country for its scenic spots and natural beauty. The Porcupine Mountains (popularly known as the “Porkies”) are a prime example. Local advocates have already launched the Protect the Porkies campaign to fight environmental degradation from mining. Adding dark sky protections would only strengthen those efforts and offer even more of a draw. While grassroots movements like Protect the Porkies focus on shielding the region from environmental threats, other community-led efforts have already laid the groundwork for dark sky preservation.
However, overturning Michigan’s ban on dark sky preserves in the Upper Peninsula presents significant legislative hurdles due to the influence of the mining industry. This industry generates billions of dollars and provides hundreds of jobs in the Upper Peninsula. Some lawmakers backed by mining companies may be hesitant to support dark sky protections if they perceive them as a threat to economic interests, particularly in industries threatened by environmental regulations.
As our lawmakers continue to resist calls to conserve the state’s beautiful night sky, we should encourage them to prioritize mindful economic growth that protects our natural resources. One clear step in that direction is passing HB 4641. Alongside the new bill, there is an ongoing petition to repeal the prohibition.
If you believe in protecting Michigan’s skies, call your representative. Talk about it with your close ones. Support the University of Michigan’s Department of Astronomy and local groups that have been doing research and preservation work for years. And the next time you’re in the Upper Peninsula, look up. Let the night sky remind you why this matters to keep the “Pure Michigan” brand.
Shreya Srivathsan is an Opinion Analyst studying political science and interdisciplinary astronomy. She is interested in exploring the policy implications of diverse issues and can be reached at shreysr@umich.edu.
