Page 60 - High Knob Master Plan

DARK SKY LODGE AND TELESCOPE
Taking advantage of forest immersion, nearby collegiate educational facilities, and lack of similar facilities in the local market, the Dark Sky Lodge and Telescope is proposed on the south slope of High Knob Mountain. Surrounded by National Forest lands, this is one of the best dark sky locations in the region, and because of its location, is highly likely to remain in that condition. Thoughtful protections can help preserve this superior night sky darkness far into the future.
Proposed facilities include a small lodge with a telescope and trails that connect to surrounding amenities. Situated on a promontory above a forested valley, the lodge is an ideal location for stargazing. Outdoor platforms and terraces will orient stargazers to the night skies. The site planning and architecture of the lodge is designed to preserve the quality of the night sky. The lodge will attract all interest and skill levels, with the telescope’s view projected and explained by professional astronomers. The lodge may also serve as a teaching facility for visitors or students who want to learn more about outer space.
NEXT STEPS
1. Working with Scott County EDA, seek an option on current lands for sale that fit the dark-sky criteria, and are immersed in the Forest.
2. Work with Scott County EDA to compose a developer RFP, which includes a package of incentives for the development project. This package may include significant incentives for rural jobs creation. Seek and evaluate competitive development proposals, based on criteria including the HKRI Master Plan.
Rural / suburban transition
Suburban sky
Bright, suburban sky
LEADERSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING
IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS:
BOARD RECOGNIZES EAGLE SCOUT, DARK SKIES PROJECT
Coalfield Progress
Jenay Tate, Editor and Publisher March 15, 2019
Wise County School Board Tuesday recognized Daniel
Rose of Coeburn for attaining the prestigious rank of
Eagle Scout. “Eagle Scout is a big deal, I mean a real big deal,” observed District 2’s John Graham as board members provided their end-of-meeting comments. District 4’s Mark Raymond noted the hard work and effort required while District 1’s Martha Jett remarked at how impressed she was by the two-and-a-half-year effort on his Eagle project. Rose explained to the board that he and Jack Kennedy had come up with the idea of trying to earn International Dark Sky Park designation for the Bark Camp Lake area. They began by making an application to the official organization in Arizona. They set about making the improvements required to earn the designation, shielding lights and taking light readings to determine that the skies were dark enough to see the stars. They did what was required but still couldn’t obtain the official designation, he explained. So, since they already had done the work and determined that the light readings were low enough to see the stars and get certification, they shifted focus, he said. They kind of created their own designation, he said, and called their project Dark Skies over Bark Camp Lake, and it still can be used to promote tourism. Rose built a panel at Bark Camp with information on what they had done, light readings, light pollution and showed the importance of protecting our night skies. He finished the project in December 2018 and had board review in January to become an Eagle Scout. Board Chair Larry Greear of District 4 noted his love of astronomy and the night skies. Greear said he planned to go up to Bark Camp “when it gets a lot warmer.” Commending Rose’s work. District 3’s Donnese Kern said she and her husband were campers and now they would Dneaerkd StokycaLomcpaotuiot nusndineHr tihgehdKanrkosbkieRseagtioBanrk Camp.
With fellow Boy Scout troop members watching, new Eagle Scout Daniel Rose shakes hands with county schools Superintendent Greg Mullins.
3. Phase and Build improvements.
4. Brand and market the facility as part of HKRI brand.
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60 CHAPTER 8: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
HIGH KNOB REGIONAL INITIATIVE
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SIGNATURE PROJECTS