Turning off the lights at Chaco.

Abstract

AbstractArtificial lighting within and outside of Chaco Culture National Historical Park has reduced the ability of visitors to experience "natural darkness" and the celestial sky as seen by the Chacoan people thousands of years before (Impacts to night skies). "Light pollution" can also impact wildlife and vegetation (Impacts to wildlife; Impacts to vegetation). Within Chaco, mercury vapor lights shined brightly outside the visitor center (Impacts to attraction sites). The park retrofitted its lighting structures (Facility development/Site design/Maintenance) and informed the public about the issue through night sky programs at an observatory they constructed (Information/Education). This program of management is designed to pursue two management strategies: expanding opportunities to experience natural night (Increase supply), and reducing light pollution related to park visitation (Reducing the impact of use). The leadership of Chaco Culture and other southwest parks inspired legislation that is reducing light pollution in the region.