Support for management actions to protect night sky quality: Insights from visitors to state and national park units in the U.S.

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118878
• Publication Date: 2023-08-31T17:12:54Z
• Authors: J. Adam Beeco; Emily J. Wilkins; Anna B. Miller; Chase C. Lamborn; Sharolyn J. Anderson; Zachary D. Miller; Jordan W. Smith
• Keywords: Light Pollution; Visitor pattern

Light pollution is a global phenomenon where anthropogenic light sources continue to grow unabated, affecting both social and ecological systems. This leaving parks protected areas as some of the last vestiges naturally dark environments for protecting views night sky. Yet, even have outdoor lighting. Alternative lighting practices are needed reduce or prevent from within parks. However, making darker may not be desirable visitors if they believe it will navigability, safety, restrict how recreate (e.g., requiring use red-light flashlights after before dawn). How respond alternative that park managers can implement still unknown. We used an on-site intercept survey at nine state national units in Utah, U.S., investigate nighttime visitors' support opposition management actions protect sky quality their interest learning about topics related skies. Further, this study also segmented into two groups: those 'dependent' on resource whose activities did depend Defining what 'dark dependent' visitor is, which has yet done literature, fundamental step furthering research efforts. Across areas, 62% participated dependent activities. Findings indicate broad designed improve quality, with between 74% 89% all supporting seven different actions. There was stronger elements practices, but there strong who do participate recreation. Additionally, 57% 75% were interested more indicates most would welcome preserve rapidly dwindling experiences offered by areas.