On May 15th, the Fredericksburg City Council passed a resolution affirming its support for the City’s application to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for a Dark Sky Community designation. The resolution, proposed to Council by Kate Peake of the Hill Country Land Trust, recognizes the cultural, natural, and economic value of the night sky in Fredericksburg as well as the steps that the City has already taken to preserve the night skies and promote good lighting in the City.
Application for a Dark Sky Community designation is a reasonable next step for a city like Fredericksburg, which already has an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. The Dark Sky Community designation is a part of the IDA’s Dark Sky Places program, which recognizes communities, residential developments, parks, and broader landscapes for their dark skies and the ongoing efforts of local entities to preserve them through policy, outreach, and education.
If Fredericksburg’s application is successful, it will become the third Dark Sky Community in the Hill Country, following Dripping Springs and Horseshoe Bay. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and South Llano River State Park are both recognized as Dark Sky Parks. In fact, according to IDA Program Manager, Dr. John Barentine, the Texas Hill Country stands out world-wide as a region for night sky preservation. That is due to the vision and dedication of officials, staff, business owners, and other community members in Fredericksburg and so many other Hill Country communities.
To see the City of Fredericksburg’s resolution supporting the IDA Dark Sky Community application, click here.