DISTRICT OF LAKELAND NO. 521
Serving Emma, Christopher, Anglin & McPhee Lakes, and a portion of the Boreal Forest Region.Environmental Bylaws and Environmental Plan
Healthy Shorelines
- Lakeshore Erosion
- Love Your Lake: Natural Edge Program
- Vacationland News: Shoring up our Shorelines
- Boat Wakes
- Video (NSRBC)
- ATV’s Illegal In Lake Water
- Wetlands
Water Quality
- Water Quality Overview
- Yearly Water Quality Summaries
- You and Lake Water Quality
- FAQ’s
- Tips for Healthy Lakes and Recreation
Wildlife/Invasive Species
- Bears
- Loons in Lakeland
- Invasive Species Directory
Fires in Lakeland
General Information & Resources
About the Committee/Contact Us
Dark Sky Lighting
What is Dark Sky lighting? It is a campaign to reduce the amount of light pollution. Light pollution is generally caused by the over-use of poorly designed lighting fixtures. If you have ever looked up at the sky at night hoping to see a mass of twinkling stars, but see a halo of bleary light instead, that is light pollution. Dark Sky lighting helps to make the night sky more visible, while cutting down on the amount of energy being used, and reducing the negative impact that unnatural light has on the environment.
The IDA (International Dark-Sky Association) is addressing the issue by educating manufacturers, designers, local governments, and the public about minimizing light pollution. The IDA believes the way to protect the natural night environment is to manage outdoor lighting.
An outdoor lighting fixture achieves Dark Sky compliance when it receives the IDA (International Dark-Sky Association) Seal of Approval.
Here are 5 helpful hints to help make your modern outdoor lighting Dark Sky compliant:
- Install shield lights – when choosing outdoor lighting fixtures, make sure they are fully shielded so that the light is pointing downward. This helps cut down on light pollution, reduces glare, and facilitates better vision at night.
- Go for LED lighting – LEDs are a great option because they are energy efficient, thus cutting down on waste. Dimmable LEDs are even better, as their effects can be turned down.
- Colour matters – blue light is known to be harmful to not only nature and wildlife, but also humans. Lights should have a colour temperature of no more than 3000 kelvins. Look for “warm” lighting temperatures such as low-spectrum LEDs.
- Reduce light waste – only light the areas that need it. This also means turning lights on only when required, or setting them on to a timer or sensor.
- Only use what you need – make sure your lights are not unnecessarily bright. Figure out the minimum amount of brightness you need to safely navigate in the darkness; choose lights that meet that minimum.