A local effort is underway to designate parts of northwest Wisconsin as an international dark sky park. The Superior Telegram reports that the site in question could encompass parts of the Douglas County State Wildlife Area, which includes the bird sanctuary, as well as portions of the North Country Trail, St. Croix River and flowage—spanning the towns of Gordon, Wascott, Solon Springs and Dairyland, and possibly reach into Burnett County. Angela Botner, a photographer and board chairwoman for the town of Solon Springs is spearheading the effort. She says the designation could attract tourists to Douglas County and raise awareness of lighting choices that curb light pollution. Two northern Minnesota properties earned the dark sky distinction in 2020 — the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.
