SCOTTSBURG, Va. (AP) _ A state park in Halifax County is the first in Virginia to be named as an International Dark Sky Park. Staunton River State Park is among 25 worldwide to receive the designation from the International Dark-Sky Association. The nonprofit works to reduce nighttime light pollution and to promote natural nighttime darkness. The association says in a news release that Staunton River staff has established an outdoor lighting policy that minimizes light pollution. The staff also conducts community outreach and promotes an annual stargazing and camping event at the park. Virginia State Parks director Craig Seaver says Staunton River’s outdoor lighting design principles will be used at other Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation properties.
