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From license plates, state identification cards and even highway signs<\/a>, the phrase \u201cPure Michigan\u201d is everywhere throughout the Wolverine State. Michigan\u2019s natural beauty is worth fighting for. Unfortunately, the Upper Peninsula\u2019s skies are under attack.<\/p>\n Michigan is home to some of the most breathtaking night skies<\/a> in the country, and for decades, they have been under the protection of the state\u2019s dark sky parks<\/a>: areas where dark skies are protected through a reduction of artificial light. Such preservation is crucial for protecting the skies from light pollution<\/a> and for continuing hobbies and critical research<\/a>. Researchers, especially astronomers, need dark skies<\/a> to conduct clear and accurate observations. Light pollution can be detrimental<\/a> to entire ecosystems as well. Many species rely on natural darkness for survival, especially those that are guided by moonlight<\/a> 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\u2019s Upper Peninsula remains excluded from these protections.<\/p>\n Currently, all six of Michigan\u2019s designated dark sky preserves are south of the Mackinac Bridge. The Upper Peninsula, which boasts some<\/a> 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<\/a> an unusual barrier: While establishing dark sky preserves near Mackinaw City, he included a provision that banned such designations in the UP entirely.<\/p>\n Last February, the state legislature<\/a> passed the bill<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n