Did you know that Michigan is among the best places in the lower 48 states to see the northern lights (aurora borealis)? The auroral oval of visibility is centered on the magnetic pole, which means that northern Michigan offers the same auroral visibility as Oslo, Norway; Helsinki, Finland; and Kodiak, Alaska. However, since Michigan is farther south, night time lasts much longer from spring to fall than in these locations, which are famous for “white nights” in which the sun does not fully set. Dark, moonless nights are needed to see the northern lights, so Michigan provides excellent opportunities to see them all year—including summer. However, light pollution is increasingly an issue—with a rate rising up to 20 percent per year. Scenic Michigan is committed to working toward practical solutions to address the problem of light pollution and we’re working on developing resources to guide communities on the development of better lighting ordinances.
We are partnering with Michigan Dark Skies and the International Dark Sky Association to develop better guidance for Michigan communities. Please reach out to us if you need any assistance developing a lighting ordinance for your community.
If you’re interested in visiting a dark sky preserve in Michigan, check out the following websites for helpful guidance.
The Scenic Michigan Board of Directors has elected Peter A. Letzmann as President, effective January 13, 2022. Most recently, Mr. Letzmann was Scenic Michigan’s Vice President and member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Letzmann is an attorney, mediator, educator, and consultant; has 50 years of experience in government law….
Jake Parcell, Ph.D Jake comes to Scenic Michigan by way of Wayne County, where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Wayne County Land Bank. Formerly, Jake was a Community Analyst in the City of East Lansing and a Planner in the City of Flint. Jake is a…
Are you passionate about the need to protect Michigan’s scenic qualities? Do you have strong nonprofit management experience/and or professional urban planning background? Are you looking for a position that allows you creative freedom and a good work/life balance? If so, you may be interested in applying to serve as…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert significantly impacted local governments’ approach to sign regulation. The case’s application of the content neutrality doctrine rendered most of the local sign regulations in Michigan unconstitutional. Recent Sixth Circuit court decisions challenge local governments’ ability to continue with longstanding modes…
Scenic Michigan celebrates the life and legacy of Frank Kelley, Michigan’s attorney general from 1961-98, who died March 5 at the age of 96. Lauded across the U.S. as a giant of public service and champion of civil rights, consumer and environmental protection, Kelley served on Scenic Michigan’s Board of…
This Michigan Sign Guidebook addresses local planning and regulation of nearly all types of exterior signs.
