9069-R4_ML&P_LSLA_2024_SummerNewsletter_Web

Light Pollution, Little Sebago & The Vanishing Milky Way Barbara Sawhill

How DarkSky friendly are your outdoor lights? How DarkSky friendly are your outdoor lights?

W elcome to warmer weather and the opportunity to enjoy more time outdoors. Now is also the time to make adjustments or repairs to your home or camp before the steady stream of summer guests arrive. As you make your to-do lists and trips to the hardware store, please take a look at the angle, intensity, and color of your outdoor lights. It could be that the spotlight over your garage door is also shining into your neighbor’s patio, or a beacon you have set on your dock is actually preventing a loon or a boater from coming to shore. These are all forms of light pollution. Light pollution (defined as the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally) can negatively affect many parts of the natural world, including migratory birds, pollinators, and animals, and humans too. We live near population centers that emit great amounts of light that impact our night sky but we can take steps on our own property to limit ongoing light pollution. Take a look at the graphic on page 7 and see how your lights measure up. Then use the checklist to score how your lights align with the DarkSky principles - let’s all strive for a 5! Dark Sky International ( http://dark sky.org ) has a wealth of helpful online resources that include how to incorporate responsible outdoor lighting, where to purchase fixtures, how bright spotlights don’t always deter criminal activity, and how to talk to your neighbor about a light that prevents you from gazing at the stars or snoozing on your porch. If you are interested in talking more about residential (and commercial) light pollution around Little Sebago Lake, please contact bsawhill@ littlesebago.com .

Is it targeted? Is it useful? All light should have a clear purpose. Use lights only when and where they are needed. Is it useful? All light should have a clear purpose. Use lights only when and where they are needed. Shield and aim your light so it only falls downward and where it is useful. Is it targeted? Is it low-level? Shield and aim your light so it only falls downward and where it is useful. Lights should be no brighter than necessary to save money and reduce glare. Is it low-level? Is it controlled? Lights should be no brighter than necessary to save money and reduce glare. Lights should only be on when needed. Use timers and motions sensors. Is it controlled? Is it warm-colored? Warm-colored light reduce light pollution. Use amber toned lighting when possible. Is it warm-colored? Lights should only be on when needed. Use timers and motions sensors. Warm-colored light reduce light pollution. Use amber toned lighting when possible.

+1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1

SCORE: ___ / 5 SCORE: ___ / 5

The Maine State Legislature will be voting soon on LD 567 - a bill that will designate the 2 nd weeks of May & September as Dark Sky weeks. The intent of this law is to bring attention to the effects of artificial light on spring & fall bird migration and the importance of curbing artificial light pollution. At the time this newsletter went to print this legislation had not had a final vote but had bipartisan support coming out of committee.

6 LittleSebagoLake.com | Spring 2025