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Residents urge City of Yankton to adopt ‘dark sky’ lighting standards to protect night sky and wildlife
Summary
A Sierra Club representative asked the City of Yankton to pursue dark-sky certification, citing ecological, health and tourism benefits and offering model ordinances and technical help; commissioners said they would take the idea under advisement and explore coordination with parks and the National Park Service.
Kaye Smyheart, speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club and at the request of the Missouri River National Park, urged the City of Yankton on Aug. 26 to adopt dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting standards, arguing that light pollution is degrading the community’s night sky and harming wildlife.
"Our dark sky is a natural resource, and we are losing it," Smyheart said, describing light pollution as wasted energy that disrupts ecosystems, human circadian rhythms and stargazing opportunities. She cited Dark Sky International programs, examples of certified communities and model ordinances she said the city could adapt.
Smyheart outlined common problems—sky glow, glare and light trespass—and recommended technical fixes…
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