(Note: The membership link at the end of this email has been fixed.)
While SedonaFacts does not publish comments, unless they are comments that cite verifiable information, we do read the comments and make a concerted effort to address issues that many Sedonans find confusing…such as information about the requirements of the International Dark Sky Association as it relates to any application by the City of Sedona. Rumors have been heard about Sedona that the continuous lighting of SR89A by ADOT would keep Sedona from being able to apply for the “Dark Sky” designation. 
Timely is this email that was sent by IDSA to the City of Sedona, the Mayor, and the Councilors:
From: Kim Patten [mailto:Kim@darksky.org]
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 2:30 PM
To: radams@sedonaaz.gov; pcolquitt@sedonaaz.gov; mdinunzio@sedonaaz.gov; chamilton@sedonaaz.gov; nscagnelli@sedonaaz.gov; jfrey@sedonaaz.gov; dsurber@sedonaaz.gov; AWelsh@SedonaAZ.gov; AZelms@SedonaAZ.gov; CCARC@SedonaAZ.gov; TErnster@SedonaAZ.gov
Subject: International Dark Sky Community
Dear Mayor and Council of the City of Sedona,
It has come to our attention that the debate over the lighting of State Route 89A is still under consideration by the Mayor and Council and that the concept of lighting this route may compromise the City of Sedona’s ability to become an International Dark Sky Community (IDSC) under the IDA certification process. I hope with all sincerity that this letter will assist in the decision making process.
First, it is important to state that the designation of the IDSC is not wholly interrelated to this particular lighting process. The requirements of the IDSC, which can be found on the Web site www.darksky.org/page/IDSPlaces, essentially mandate a comprehensive outdoor lighting code, examples of projects built under that code, retrofitting of grandfathered projects to meet the code, and a series of public participation programs to help educate the public on the values of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting practices. From this brief description, I believe it is clear that quality lighting projects can actually enhance the community’s ability to successfully apply for the IDSC.
That being said, the community must also evaluate the necessity of the municipal lighting project, i.e. whether or not the outdoor lighting is warranted. This is something that the IDSPlaces review committee cannot do as we do not have the appropriate knowledge of the particular communities, particularly on a project such as the lighting of SR 89A. For example, it would be easy for the committee to evaluate a community as having too much outdoor lighting in general, such as over lighting of streets, parking lots, floodlighting, etc.; however, in general, if particular projects are validated by the City Council, and it is apparent that the lighting is warranted, again, that lighting project, if completed using dark sky friendly lights, may actually contribute to the communities ability to apply to the IDSC.
International Dark Sky Association
Any project approved by Mayor and Council should first and foremost be warranted. This decision is one that only the city can make. Secondly, the lighting project should be dark sky friendly. That means that the fixtures selected should be full cutoff fixtures and using a lamp source that is 1) High Pressure Sodium or Low Pressure Sodium or 2) using a dimmable white light source limited in hours of use and dimmed at or near 11p.m. at the latest or 3) a hybrid white light/yellow light source where the amber source replaces the white light source at or near 11p.m. at the latest. When using white light sources it is important that they can be dimmed at later hours, or switched to yellow/amber light sources at later hours to help conserve energy and reduce the skyglow. Particularly with Sedona’s location near Flagstaff, Arizona and the multiple observatories of the area, it is important to note that blue-rich light sources contribute at a higher rate to skyglow and scatter.
I hope that this email answers any questions that you may have regarding the IDSC program in relation to the City of Sedona and the lighting of 89A. At this time it is important to remind you that we cannot determine the appropriate lighting levels for your community or where you use light at night; however, we encourage you that if you do choose to light a project, you do so in an environmentally sensitive manor.
If I can answer any additional questions for you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you for your time and Happy Holidays.
Best,
Kim Patten, Programs Director & Public Affairs International Dark-Sky Association
kim@darksky.org 520-293-3198 Join IDA today: www.darksky.org
“To preserve and protect our nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting”
SedonaFacts is proud to give you a link to IDSA membership, which begins at $50. We have perused the information on IDSA’s website and think you will agree with their concern for the environment.
The email from Kim Patten has gone a long way to dispel misinformation.
Left: No Right: Yes
