Let’s get Cape Hatteras National Seashore designated as an International Dark Sky Park

In June, Virginians Kaye and Rick Kohler gave a presentation at the Ocracoke Community Library: “Dark Skies: How to Preserve and Protect One of the Island’s Natural Wonders.”  See: Restore the night: Ocracoke’s dark skies

Those who live on Ocracoke may take it for granted that we can head out to the beach and watch a space shuttle pass by, a rising moon, shooting stars, satellites and the Milky Way.

Most people don’t have this opportunity.

One statistic postulates that approximately 80 % of Americans have never seen the Milky Way.

This is because of “sky glow,” i.e., a form of light pollution that brightens the night sky in populated areas (large and small). It is caused by artificial light sources — commercial and residential lighting, floodlights and streetlights and blocks out stars, planets and astronomical activity.

DarkSky International (www.darksky.org) addresses this problem.

Founded in 1988, DarkSky seeks to raise awareness about the negative effects of artificial night light on human health and wildlife and provide information and resources to help restore the night. The organization has created several certification programs to recognize places that are committed to preserving dark skies.

One is the International Dark Sky Park, bestowed on a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment and which is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and/or cultural heritage resources, and/or for public enjoyment.

In 2021, neighboring Cape Lookout National Seashore became one of 122 national parks designated as an International Dark Sky Park and the first along the Atlantic Coast.

This honor was accomplished primarily in close partnership with the Crystal Coast Stargazers Astronomy Club and the support of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center and the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

About 10 years ago, there was momentum in getting the Cape Hatteras National Seashore designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

The Seashore has completed some steps in the process, but an official application has not been submitted, said Mike Barber, the public affairs specialist.

We think it is time to have the Seashore complete this process, provided they can meet the strict criteria.

To be certified as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky, a national park must:

–Demonstrate Exceptional Night Sky Quality, i.e., exceptionally clear night skies that are free from light pollution;

–Develop and implement a light management plan so that its outdoor lighting minimizes sky glow by addressing the type, brightness, and placement of outdoor lighting fixtures;

–Get the support of the local community and stakeholders for its dark sky conservation efforts. This can be demonstrated through public meetings, support letters, and collaborative projects;

–Sponsor educational outreach activities to raise public awareness about the importance of dark skies with programs about astronomy and the impacts of light pollution.

Once certified, the park must commit to ongoing monitoring of the night sky quality and report regularly to the IDA. This ensures that the park maintains the standards required for the IDSP designation.

Much of this may already have been done due to the need to minimize artificial lighting for nesting sea turtles.

A few years ago, the Seashore rebuilt the shower/restrooms using a contractor at Lifeguard Beach. An islander alerted the Observer that the bright lights on the outside of the new building and an accompanying streetlight could be seen from his house in the village.

After the Observer alerted the NPS about these lights, to their credit, they quickly changed the lighting to yellow downward lights. (See photos below.)

The Seashore cannot achieve an International Dark Sky Park designation on its own. It will need partnerships with local communities, schools, governments and community organizations.

One cooperating partner could be Tideland Electric EMC, which is the primary electric source on Ocracoke. This co-op is converting its streetlights to dark sky-friendly LEDs, according to Heidi Jernigan Smith, manager of Energy Services & Corporate Communications.

The Seashore does a decent job of holding meetings and seeking community involvement and input of their plans and should hold one for this effort.

By teaming up with the already certified Cape Lookout National Seashore it would mean a combined 126 miles of North Carolina coastal Dark Sky.

There are economic benefits that come with this designation by promoting Astro tourism, e.g., visiting college classes, astronomy clubs and amateur astronomers.

Although we may have some of the best dark skies in the eastern United States, the Kohlers, who have been visiting Ocracoke for years, noted that village has some sky glow, especially in the denser part of the village, which has grown increasingly brighter at night in recent years.

This glow could be diminished by retrofitting with down-shielded LED lights so that they do not shine upwards.

Something all of us can do is turn off outside lights at night when not needed. Neighbors will appreciate that.

This will save on your electric bill, but more importantly, it will provide the wildlife in your yard with a more natural environment.

To show your support for becoming an International Dark Sky Park, here is the contact information:
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Email: https://www.nps.gov/caha/contacts.htm
Phone: 252-473-2111
Fax: 252-473-2595