Less competition for stars in Minden

Monday, April 24, 2000 | 4:47 a.m.

Commissioners took the action Thursday after International Dark-Sky Association member Maggie Tracey of Genoa said obtrusive lighting in Reno and Carson City already is threatening the county's night sky.

She urged commissioners to consider a county ordinance on outdoor lights that would keep the county's night sky as dark as possible.

County ordinances governing businesses effectively limit light pollution, but residential ordinances could use some work, she said.

Her group encourages people to equip houses with low-wattage lights and to use shields that focus the glare on the area that actually needs to be lit.

"We're not asking you to turn your lights off," she said. "We're asking you to keep them from going on your neighbor's property."

Tracey said commissioners' response reflects residents' wishes.

"It's unbelievable. People all over are noticing it," she said. "It's an issue with everyone."

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