INTERIOR, S.D. – Last week, the Badlands National Park Conservancy
(BNPC) announced that its multi-year initiative to protect the night sky has
culminated in Badlands National Park being officially certified as an International Dark
Sky Park. This historic milestone makes the Badlands the first and only designated Dark
Sky Place in South Dakota, ensuring that one of the country’s most spectacular celestial
canvases remains protected for generations to come.
As the official philanthropic partner of the park, the Conservancy has served as the
driving force behind this achievement. Recognizing that public systems and federal
funding are often subject to transition, BNPC stepped in to serve as the “through line”
for this initiative. The Conservancy provided the critical private funding necessary to
retrofit the park’s infrastructure, upgrading dark-sky compliant lighting from 33 percent in 2018
to over 93 percent today.
“We do not simply inherit the night sky; we hold it in trust,” said Marissa Marshall,
Executive Director of the Badlands National Park Conservancy. “This designation is the
result of years of quiet, intentional stewardship and private investment. But more
importantly, it is the result of a community coming together. By convening tribal leaders,
scientists, local business owners, and the National Park Service, we are proving that
conservation and rural economic vitality can thrive side by side.”
Currently, only about 10 percent of National Park Service units hold this prestigious
certification. By securing this designation, the Conservancy is positioning the Badlands
as a premier global destination for astrotourism. Certified Dark Sky Parks often
experience a 20 percent to 40 percent increase in visitation, driving overnight stays and vital
“shoulder season” revenue that directly benefits South Dakota’s rural gateway
communities.