Proposed Rules and Actions for the "Astronomy Observation Field" area of Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park

I agree with most things here. I don't feel that we need a Ranger on site all night. The Astronomers can self police. This will safe the State a lot of money that can be used for other activities.

The proposed regulations seem reasonable.

I have not been able to visit Cherry Springs in a while. Getting some news from others that attend often. I agree with all of the rules listed. There was not mention of "Vaper devices" in the smoking section. Should there be? I appreciated those taking these steps to preserve the status of this park as friendly place for the stargazers in all of us. When approved these rules should be posted, online or otherwise, that anyone new to the park are well aware of before arriving to camp.

I fully endorse the proposed rules and actions, as they are much needed to preserve Cherry Springs State Park as one of the world's premier dark sky astronomy parks. Without changes to the current situation at the park, I fear it will perish as a safe, peaceful and dark location for people who love star gazing.

I think setup fees/Galaxy Passes should be increased slightly to cover minimal usage of the electricity in regards to small campers. Sometimes it hard to know when telescope equipment or power is integrated in with the camper as many are. I know I feed 12v from my camper to run my equipment. The rest comes from 110v outside outlets. Much safer this way too!

I Fully Support this effort! What ever it takes to keep Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park.

Sounds good to me.

I fully support this! With regard to concerns about small campers and outlets, I think it is self-evident that the rule is to prevent large campers/RVs from plugging in and using air-conditioners, etc. that require much higher amps and will trip the circuits in the power poles.

I agree 100% with the petition. CSSP is one of the few remaining east coast dark sky locations accessible to the public and needs to be preserved.

I agree with this petition and fully support it. But, I would like to ask that the park allow small campers to plug into the electric. Not being able to plug in is a big impact, as my video-astronomy equipment is integrated into my little teardrop camper. I would rather prefer to pay a higher 'Galaxy Pass' fee, (even double), to cover being able to plug in my small camper. Thank you in advance for the consideration.

Help save this dark sky, we do not have many areas left. Thank You Greg Mazurek

Nice park set up and the recommendations will really enhance it's usability for amateur astronomy.

Can we set up another observing area on the airport? I know people have been having issues with groups who set up to enjoy the sky, but aren't really there to observe. Instead they spend the night talking and goofing around, then go to bed early. In the morning they get up early and keep people awake who have been observing all night. Set aside an area on the old runway for people to camp and observe, who don't have a scope. Separate them from the dedicated observers.

As the number of dark sites continue to diminish, especially in eastern U.S., it is important to preserve these areas.

I have had issues with people and food on the field. Too many people set up like they are tailgating, not observing. I realize some people set up for many days at the park. Most of them are very careful with food. Others aren't. Cooking and food waste are the problems. A gas stove makes minimal impact, a charcoal grill makes far more. Grilling 12 steaks at a time makes a considerable amount of air pollution. There are areas in the park to make food, but everyone wants to do it right beside their tent. The other problem is waste. People washing their dishes by the water faucets is a problem. The waste attracts wildlife, not just bears. The last thing we need at CSSP is a group of raccoons taking up residence. The park must support people eating, but make it clear where it can be done. Then the rules need to be enforced.

100% agreement

I agree with the proposals, but with one question. Does "grilling" mean things like Coleman stoves or small camp stoves? Seems that campers need to be able to cook. How about set times like 7-9 am, 11-12 pm and 4-6 pm, during which times scopes can be covered? Bob Young

I support the new rules and ideas for amateur astronomy and photography!

I suggest possibly a separate pedestal for camper hookups or some leniency on the hookup rule. Other than that I fully support this petition no matter what the outcome of my suggestion.

There is a need to have your camper plugged in at night, so you can power a computer for astro imaging. Most of us do this from inside our campers, and is not any different than being plugged in outside.