WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The Michigan House has approved state Rep. Aaron Miller’s plan to designate Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Cass County as a dark-sky preserve.
Miller’s legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support Tuesday, is expected to create educational and recreational opportunities.
Miller said there is a high demand for dark-sky preserves.
Michigan was the first state to establish dark-sky preserves, he added, with the first created in Lenawee County nearly 30 years ago. The parks are areas in which night-time lighting is controlled, promoting astronomy and enjoyment of the night sky.
The International Dark-Sky Association, which certifies parks internationally, includes 78 parks worldwide and Lawless Park is the second of those locations in Michigan.
House Bill 4740 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. If the measure is adopted, Lawless Park would be Michigan’s first on county-owned land.
