Council hears Monarch City USA presentation, proclaims April as Dark Sky Week

The Sandpoint City Council heard a presentation from a member of the Mighty Monarchs conservation group and received a request that Sandpoint become a certified “Monarch City USA,” a program that encourages planting native milkweed and other pollinator habitat within city limits.

Perky (given name in the public record) — who identified herself as a member of the Mighty Monarchs Conservation Group and noted partnerships with Wings Rising, Kinixu Land Trust and others — outlined declines in monarch butterfly populations and described local activities including pollinator plots, propagation gardens and school outreach. She said communities that become Monarch City USA publicly commit to steps such as issuing a proclamation, encouraging milkweed planting, working with schools and community groups, and paying modest registration fees (the presenter cited roughly $150 for a sign and a $150 lifetime registration fee to the national program). She also described ongoing local plantings at the public library, WDC and a naval base project in Bayview.

Mayor Jeremy Grimm also read a separate proclamation proclaiming April 2025 as International Dark Sky Week in Sandpoint and encouraging residents to reduce excessive outdoor lighting to protect night sky resources.

Why it matters: Monarch City designation is a voluntary local pledge focused on pollinator habitat and education, and a small administrative fee is part of the national program. The council did not take formal action on the Monarch City request that evening but members and the mayor expressed support and asked for staff follow‑up. The Dark Sky proclamation was read as an informational proclamation and does not create new regulation.

Community and council comments: Council members asked practical questions — whether milkweed grows at local elevations, planting options and how to work with schools and land trusts. Councilor Pam Duquette said the city has started a pollinator garden in Centennial Park and expressed support. The presenter offered to help with events such as an annual monarch festival and a “Fly with the Pollinators” fun run idea.

Next steps: The council did not vote to adopt the Monarch City USA designation on the spot. If the council chooses to pursue designation, next steps would typically include a formal proclamation, modest registration or sign purchases and coordination with local conservation partners to implement planting and education efforts.

Ending: The presentation aligned with broader local activity around pollinator gardens and community education; councilors signaled interest in follow‑up and staff coordination.