CHARLESTON — West Virginia Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby talked about the launch of the West Virginia Dark Skies promotion Wednesday during Gov. Jim Justice’s regular briefing on what was happening in the state.

The West Virginia Department of Tourism has partnered with the International Dark-Sky Association to launch a new campaign highlighting the state’s stargazing opportunities.

This promotion of West Virginia’s skies began this week as part of International Dark Sky Week, April 15-22, and will run through the end of the summer.

Ruby said many people are still looking to get away from the crowds and wanting to do something outside.

“They just want to get away,” she said. “One of the most popular activities we have seen is stargazing.”

West Virginia skies are not obstructed as much as other parts of the country with city lights.

“We have one of the largest and darkest sky sheds in the entire U.S. and especially on the East Coast,” Ruby said. “We are receiving a lot of recognition for the stargazing opportunities available here.”

The International Dark-Sky Association has designated Watoga, Calvin Price, and Droop Mountain Battlefield state parks as “Dark Sky Parks,” which is the highest honor available for stargazing parks.

Designations are based on the quality of the night skies, stringent outdoor lighting standards, and innovative community outreach. The organization has designated less than 200 parks around the world, Ruby said.

More information on stargazing activities is available at wvtourism.com.

Justice added there are people in certain parts of the country, who might look down on West Virginia, but the state’s skies are clearer than what many of them have to deal with in more urban areas.

“Just look at the pristine skies,” Justice said. “Here we go again, West Virginia being discovered as being a spot for stargazing that is second to none.”

Justice also talked about issuing a proclamation banning all outdoor burning at this time. It will be in effect until conditions improve and the state receives more rainfall. The governor will then officially rescind the order by proclamation.

The ban will include debris burning as well as campfires due to the danger of igniting a large-scale brush or forest fire.

“If we get some rain, we will lift this,” Justice said. “Right now, we absolutely can’t have outdoor burning that can turn into forest fires and other issues.”

Justice also announced that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in March. The national average is at 3.5%.

“We picked up 1,900 people that were unemployed and we have picked up an amazing amount of new jobs,” he said.

The state Department of Health and Human Resources has hired 29 additional child and youth protective service workers.

“It is not enough, but it is a significant improvement,” Justice said.