Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation launches dark skies toolkit

New statewide resource empowers communities to combat light pollution and protect one of Nevada’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures

In a significant step toward preserving Nevada’s night skies, the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) and Travel Nevada announced the launch of the Nevada Dark Skies Toolkit—a “stellar” new resource designed to help communities, entities, and land managers reduce light pollution and embrace the growing potential of astro-tourism across the state.

The first-of-its-kind toolkit provides practical guidance for communities looking to adopt dark sky-friendly practices. The launch supports the momentum of Nevada’s Starry Skies Certification Program, established under Senate Bill 52, and aims to empower schools, municipalities, unincorporated communities, parks and open spaces, tribal governments, businesses, and homeowners associations to take meaningful action to protect Nevada’s night skies.

What’s inside the toolkit?

• Step-by-step guide to applying for the Nevada Starry Skies Certification
• An overview of the importance of dark skies
• Information on the “Save Starry Skies” License Plate
• Best lighting practices based on the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting
• Dark Sky Tourism and Destination Development ideas
• Education and outreach ideas to engage schools, residents, and businesses

“Nevada is one of the best places in the country to experience the night sky in all its glory,” said Chelsea Kincheloe, Program Officer at NDOR who oversees the Nevada Starry Skies Certification program. “This toolkit is more than a guide—it’s an invitation for every Nevadan to be part of something bigger. Protecting our night skies strengthens local communities, supports tourism, and reconnects us with the natural world.”

“Nevada’s darkest skies are home to its brightest lights. In towns like Ely, Tonopah, and Gerlach, light pollution is scarce, and travelers only need to look up to spot entire constellations, the Milky Way, and thousands of stars,” said Rafael Villanueva, CEO, Travel Nevada. “We encourage residents and visitors to get a little out there and enjoy our natural light show.” 

Nevada is home to two internationally recognized DarkSky sites—Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary and Great Basin National Park—and 80% of the state’s land is public. With minimal urban sprawl in many areas, Nevada is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in astro-tourism and night sky conservation.

Communities like Pahrump and Boulder City are already taking steps to reduce light pollution by implementing dark sky ordinances and working toward official DarkSky International designation.

The Nevada Dark Skies Toolkit is now available to download for free at https://ndor.nv.gov/dark-skies.NDOR is seeking to collaborate with eligible groups to pilot the Nevada Starry Skies program in its first year. For more information or to express interest, please contact the program manager via email at nvstarryskies@ndor.nv.gov.