Council passes ‘Dark Skies’ resolution

HOOD RIVER — April 21-28 is officially International Dark Sky Week in Hood River.

Mike Hendricks, co-chair of Dark Skies Gorge, appeared before Hood River City Council April 14 on behalf of its 100 members to share facts about nighttime light pollution in Hood River and the Gorge ahead of Mayor Paul Blackburn’s proclamation.

International Dark Skies Week is celebrated worldwide.

“Here in the Scenic Area, my co-chair Mike McKeag is helping to install 12 Sky Quality Meters. These sophisticated instruments measure the darkness of the sky immediately overhead every five minutes, giving us a valuable, continuing report card on our night skies,” Hendricks said.

The group is also encouraging designers of the proposed new Hood River-White Salmon bridge to utilize minimal lighting, and for city’s planning department to update codes to include outdoor lighting.

“Light pollution harms us humans, migrating birds, moths pollinating at night, insects, fish, and other creatures,” he said. “Plus, light pollution costs us about $3 billion per year, since we generate additional electrical power that then goes to waste.”

Councilors passed the proclamation unanimously; you can find a copy of the text online at columbiagorgenews.com.