by Kathy Dickinson
With so many natural resources at our doorstep, a group of Becket neighbors has begun an effort to preserve our nighttime dark skies by adopting practices to prevent light pollution. There are multiple reasons for this interest. Reportedly, light pollution may have detrimental effects on our health, safety, and the wildlife around us. With community development and expansion, light pollution increases ten percent each year.
The initial goal of the Becket Dark Skies group is to raise awareness so that citizens can make informed decisions when it comes to selection and use of outdoor lighting. Over 50 other municipalities in Massachusetts have enacted some means of limiting or preventing light pollution, whether by updating Town Bylaws, adopting requirements outlined by Planning Boards, or amending other administrative functions to include appropriately selected controls. A “kick-off” meeting hosted by the Becket Bylaw Review Committee took place on January 17th, during which advocates of Becket Dark Skies were able to share their concerns and receive valuable feedback and input from the Committee members.
On February 21st, Becket home-owner Destin Heilman (Professor of Biochemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute) provided the Committee an overview of the importance of Dark Skies and simple measures which can be taken to protect our environment. Members of the community were able to share their stories.
The Dark Skies group here in Becket has launched a website which provides basic information, a presentation by Dr. Heilman and more. For more details, visit BecketDarkSkies.org.
