Leander officials to seek Dark Sky designation

The city already has ordinances aimed at restricting light pollution and keeping the night skies dark, said Michael Chenausky, senior planner with the Leander Development Services, in an interview with Community Impact.

He said city staff hope that pursuing the Dark Sky Place designation will strengthen ongoing efforts to stop light pollution and preserve what he called an important element of Leander residents’ quality of life.

“I think it will get citizens interested in going out, looking at the sky and seeing the importance of low light pollution—where you don’t have to drive far away to experience the night sky and be able to see the stars,” Chenausky said.

He also noted the importance of preserving dark skies for local wildlife.

Some context

According to DarkSky International, light pollution damages ecosystems in many ways, including making it difficult for animals to hide from predators and disrupting bird migration patterns.

The Dark Sky Places program “certifies communities, parks and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education,” the program's website states.

The organization’s aims “to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife from light pollution.”

Several other cities in Central Texas are already designated Dark Sky Places, including Liberty Hill, Bee Cave and Dripping Springs.

What’s next

Robin Griffin, executive director of development services for the city of Leander, said council members will have a workshop with city staff to discuss the details of the city’s dark sky regulations and any potential impacts on local businesses.

Chenausky said representatives from Dark Sky International told city staff to expect a timeline of about two years from the initial application to official recognition.