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Local conservation group asks Lake Forest to join Lights Out program to reduce bird collisions
Summary
A conservation volunteer asked the council to adopt a Lights Out program during migration windows to reduce bird collisions and energy use; she cited studies showing dramatic reductions when lights are dimmed or turned off.
A regional conservation volunteer asked the Lake Forest City Council on Oct. 7 to adopt a Lights Out program to reduce bird collisions during migration periods and to save energy.
Hope Guerra, chair of a bird-collision subcommittee with a regional organization, asked building owners, managers and residents to turn off or dim exterior decorative lights during migration periods, shield outdoor fixtures and use motion sensors. She cited studies showing significant reductions in bird collisions when buildings participate in coordinated light-reduction efforts.
Guerra referenced the Field Museum study and a U.S.-level estimate of bird deaths from collisions, and she encouraged Lake Forest to join the National Lights Out Network. Several cities, including San Diego and San Francisco, have adopted similar programs, she said.
Council accepted the comment and thanked Guerra for the presentation; no council action was taken during the meeting but the suggestion was entered into the public record for potential staff follow-up.
