A campaign to establish the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a dark sky park has gained momentum, highlighting the issue of light pollution affecting stargazing and the visibility of the Milky Way and Northern Lights. Despite the UP being home to some of the state’s darkest skies, a decade-old law prohibits the establishment of dark sky preserves on state-owned land in the region. The Protect the Porkies campaign emerged partly in response to a proposed copper mining project near the park, and has gathered over 3,000 signatures in its petition to lift the ban. Local representatives are considering changes to the legislation, recognizing the importance of dark skies for both conservation and astrotourism. Experts warn that light pollution is growing globally and advocate for proactive measures to protect and restore dark skies.