Wasco County Commissioners Declare April 2-8 Dark Sky Week in Wasco County
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., March 6, 2024 – Wasco County Commissioners held a short regular meeting on March 6, 2024. Commissioners Steve Kramer and Scott Hege moved through the agenda with great efficiency.
Wasco County Commissioners declared April 2- 8, 2024 as dark sky week in Wasco County in honor of International Dark Sky Week. The proclamation calls Oregon’s dark skies a “significant natural resource” and draws attention to the importance of mitigating light pollution.
The community is encouraged to participate by mitigating light pollution from homes and businesses during that time. For ideas on ways to mitigate light pollution click here.
Before approving the proclamation Commissioner Kramer pointed out that while the County may adopt the proclamation light pollution from the Portland metropolitan area could be seen from the Mt. Hood area. Some dark skies stewards with the Oregon Dark Sky Project want to change that.
Oregon holds the largest area of pristine night skies in the contiguous 48 states. Oregonians can access this natural resource at Prineville Reservoir State Park and in Sunriver, which are accredited Dark Sky areas.
Several parks and communities in Oregon are working toward Dark Sky Place recognition. These include: Antelope, Mosier, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Wallowa Lake State Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, Black Butte Ranch and the City of Sisters.
Dark sky is measured with the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale. A score of 1 means it is an excellent dark sky and a score of 2 means it is average dark sky.
An image of light pollution map based on data from 2015.
The map shows that Portland has a score of class 7;
The Dalles and Hood River score at class 5 (suburban sky) in the downtown with the outskirts being at a level 4 (rural/suburban transition) and class 3 and 2 areas within a short distance;
Goldendale is class 4, with class 3 and 2 sky’s available on the outskirts;
Mt. Hood has a Bortle class 3.
Why do Dark Skies Matter?
Dark Skies Are a Natural Wonder
“The experience of standing beneath the starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe and encourages stewardship of our shared environment and our magnificent dark skies.”
-Wasco County Proclamation
Dark Skies Are a Part of a Healthy Environment
“Dark skies are an integral aspect of the sustainability of Oregon's wild ecosystems as a key environmental factors in bird migration, insect pollination and human sleep patterns.”
-Wasco County Proclamation
Dark Skies Provide Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Dollars
“Astro-tourism, including star gazing, astronomy star parties, and dark sky photography, is an evolving facet of outdoor recreation with real economic benefits for communities across Oregon.”
-Wasco County Proclamation
To find an internationally accredited Dark Sky place near you click here.
To see a light pollution map click here.
The rest of the meeting in brief:
Other items on the Commissioners agenda included the appointment of Roger Nichols to the Wasco County Planning Commission.
“He has served this community for many many years, he’s very knowledgeable,” said Steve Kramer, Wasco County Commissioner.
Commissioners also approved the 2024 Youth Think Overdose Prevention subcontract, Humane Society Management Agreement, and a Facilities purchase of a new truck through Dick’s Auto Group in Canby, Oregon, which had the lowest quote and is currently in stock.
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