Photo by Susan Oling
DARK NIGHT SKIES
Both Fox Lake Association and the Town of Huntsville's Plan encourages landowners to help Stop Light Pollution in Our Night Skies.
FOCA points out that there are many benefits to "Dark Night Skies". They list and elaborate on the following:
WHY we should care:
-Star gazing is an amazing family activity:
-Better night time with less nuisance glare
-Increased safety on both land and water. Light pollution from unshielded, broad range lights near lakes is made worse by the reflection off water.
-Energy and Monetary savings
-Protection of wildlife and lake ecosystems. Light plays myriad roles in nature: changing light patterns can disrupt an ecosystem’s balance. In water environments, daily cycles for organisms such as zooplankton are controlled by light, while others, such as fish, are attracted or repelled by it. Studies show that moths, fireflies, salamanders, frogs, songbirds and other wildlife are affected when artificial nighttime lighting influences navigation, predator-prey relationships, foraging behaviour, reproduction, mating, and other biological and ecological characteristics.
HOW we can help:
Landowners are encouraged to prevent light pollution by:
-When shopping for lights ask questions and seek out lights that reduce light pollution.
-Light only for necessity
-Choose glare-free lights and lights that are shielded to direct light down on targeted areas stop light from escaping sideways and upwards.
-Aim lights down and away from water Choose lights that direct light onto the ground, where it is needed.
-Install lower wattage bulbs
-Use dimmers and timers
For further information, please visit FOCA :
https://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Night-Skies.pdf
DARK NIGHT SKIES
Both Fox Lake Association and the Town of Huntsville's Plan encourages landowners to help Stop Light Pollution in Our Night Skies.
FOCA points out that there are many benefits to "Dark Night Skies". They list and elaborate on the following:
WHY we should care:
-Star gazing is an amazing family activity:
-Better night time with less nuisance glare
-Increased safety on both land and water. Light pollution from unshielded, broad range lights near lakes is made worse by the reflection off water.
-Energy and Monetary savings
-Protection of wildlife and lake ecosystems. Light plays myriad roles in nature: changing light patterns can disrupt an ecosystem’s balance. In water environments, daily cycles for organisms such as zooplankton are controlled by light, while others, such as fish, are attracted or repelled by it. Studies show that moths, fireflies, salamanders, frogs, songbirds and other wildlife are affected when artificial nighttime lighting influences navigation, predator-prey relationships, foraging behaviour, reproduction, mating, and other biological and ecological characteristics.
HOW we can help:
Landowners are encouraged to prevent light pollution by:
-When shopping for lights ask questions and seek out lights that reduce light pollution.
-Light only for necessity
-Choose glare-free lights and lights that are shielded to direct light down on targeted areas stop light from escaping sideways and upwards.
-Aim lights down and away from water Choose lights that direct light onto the ground, where it is needed.
-Install lower wattage bulbs
-Use dimmers and timers
For further information, please visit FOCA :
https://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Night-Skies.pdf
