MEDIA RELEASE

COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA DESIGNATED AS INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY COMMUNITY

COTTONWOOD, Arizona (December 5, 2019)  The City of Cottonwood has become the newest addition to the International Dark-Sky Places Program, as an International Dark Sky Community. In an effort to continue to promote and protect our dark skies, it has been a mission of the City to obtain this designation since 2016. Working with the community as a whole the City of Cottonwood has become the 23rd designated dark sky community in the world. The State of Arizona now accounts for 6 of those dark sky communities, with 4 of the 6 communities located in the Verde Valley. Light pollution effects the world as a whole, not only does it disrupt the natural day-night pattern but it also has negative impacts on the eco system, wildlife, and human health. Committing to being a dark sky community not only benefits the City but the surrounding community.

A lot of community effort went into this designation along with their support, the City would like to thank all who helped make this possible.

Photo credit goes to JD Maddy with the Astronomers of the Verde Valley.