[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 59 (Thursday, April 4, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2266-S2267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE MASSACRE RIM WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

  Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I come forward today to recognize 
the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area's designation as an 
International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Located 150 miles north of Reno in 
Washoe County, NV, Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area is a region with 
rolling hills, buttes, plateaus, and narrow canyons, covered in 
sagebrush and junipers. Massacre Rim is a natural, undisturbed, and 
isolated environment that offers visitors rare opportunities to enjoy 
scenic vistas of up to 60 miles, as well as solitude away from 
development and distraction. Thanks to the location's remoteness, 
Massacre Rim's night views are completely uninhibited by light 
pollution. These unique qualities allow for nearly unparalleled 
stargazing, which has attracted visitors from around the world.
  On March 30, 2019, the International Dark-Sky Association designated 
the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area as an International Dark Sky 
Sanctuary, only the fourth location to achieve this distinction in the 
United States and the seventh in the entire world. The International 
Dark-Sky Association deemed Massacre Rim worthy of this honor due to 
its qualifications as ``land that has an exceptional or distinguished 
quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected 
for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural 
heritage and/or public enjoyment.''
  For most of human history, a night sky teeming with stars and 
shooting comets was a regular occurrence for our ancestors. Prior to 
the Industrial Revolution, one could look to the sky and find awe-
inspiring wonder, intrigue, and entertainment. For most of us, that is 
no longer the case. According to a 2016 National Geographic article, 80 
percent of Americans cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution. 
While light pollution is a necessary and small consequence to our 
growth and development as a society, it is imperative that we recognize 
the significant value in our increasingly rare dark sky places, such as 
Massacre Rim. Fortunately, for visitors and residents of the great 
State of Nevada, views of both the Milky Way and our neighboring 
galaxy, Andromeda, are available at Massacre Rim.
  Our State's booming outdoor recreation economy is a testament to the 
success of our public lands and highlights the importance of keeping 
our invaluable natural resources available for all to utilize and 
enjoy. I commend the nonprofit organization, Friends of Nevada 
Wilderness, for spearheading the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area's 
Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, and for continuing to educate others 
about the natural wonders available in the Silver State.
  From Massacre Rim, to the Lake Tahoe Basin, to the Ruby Mountains, 
residents and visitors can attest that

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our public lands allow us to connect with our collective past and 
preserve our shared treasures for future generations.

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