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Astronomers and Humboldt Waterkeeper urge stricter night-sky and bird protections
Summary
Conservation groups, astronomers and bird advocates supported the Coastal Commission edits and urged extending the color-temperature limit inland to reduce sky glow and protect migratory birds.
Multiple public commenters urged the board to protect night skies and migratory wildlife by adopting the Coastal Commission's recommended color-temperature limits and shielding requirements.
Sylvia Van Rhijn, speaking for Humboldt Waterkeeper, thanked planning staff and urged the board to "incorporate the Coastal Commission edits that included a blanket color temperature limit into the inland version of this ordinance," arguing that "migratory birds don't recognize the limits of the coastal zone." Eileen Mandelbaum cited US Fish and Wildlife Service findings about nighttime lighting drawing migrating birds and urged outreach to entities outside county jurisdiction. Mark Wilson of Astronomers of Humboldt said the warmer lights enable night-sky viewing and emphasized community benefits of darker skies.
Speakers noted that blue light scatters in the atmosphere and increases sky glow, and recommended outreach and cooperative approaches with agencies and utilities that the county cannot directly regulate.
