Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rappahannock County proclaims April 13–20, 2026 International Dark Sky Week
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation recognizing International Dark Sky Week, citing local designation of a Dark Sky Park, concerns about light pollution, and a goal to raise awareness of dark‑sky friendly lighting practices.
Rappahannock County’s Board of Supervisors formally declared April 13–20, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week at its April 6 meeting after a public comment urging support from a local resident.
Claire Castle Stonewall Hawthorne, who identified herself as a Castleton resident during public comment, told the board she supports establishing the week and highlighted that 2025 proclamations have been issued by more than two dozen states and several countries to raise awareness about light pollution and encourage voluntary dark‑sky friendly outdoor lighting.
The proclamation adopted by the board cites the county’s Dark Sky Park designation, states a goal to preserve viewsheds and night skies, and references scientific and ecological consequences from excessive artificial lighting. The board approved the proclamation by voice vote.
Why it matters: the proclamation is a county recognition intended to encourage voluntary measures—such as using shielded, lower‑glare fixtures—and public education about the environmental and cultural value of dark skies. The item drew no recorded dissent at the meeting.
