Genoa looks to curb light pollution

Monday, May 15, 2000 | 12:05 p.m.

Town board members have passed a resolution supporting efforts to reduce light pollution and educate residents about using good neighbor lighting.

Genoa, population about 300, doesn't have a big light pollution problem. But housing developments are popping up all over Douglas County, slowly lighting up the natural dark sky.

"One of the neat things about Genoa is you can walk outside and see the Big Dipper," said Bernie Carter, Genoa Town Board chairman. "Maybe with a little bit of awareness and education we can continue to see the stars there. Maybe other communities will look at us as an example."

There's no enforceability to the town's action, Carter said, but it is a statement that Genoa cares about the night sky and about controlling light pollution. The town will provide anyone interested with information on how to reduce light pollution.

The resolution was sought by Maggie Tracey, a frequent early-morning walker who began to notice wayward light cutting into her view of the stars about two years ago.

Tracey located the Tuscon-based International Dark-Sky Association and is now the co-director of the Northern Nevada International Dark-Sky Association.

"Light pollution creeps up on you," she said. "Genoa made a really good-faith effort to show they value their community and they value the night sky and natural resources. It sets a precedent for other communities to look at how they want their communities to look."