Agenda 11/15/2016 Item # 4D 4.D
11/15/2016
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Big Cypress National Preserve has some of the last remaining dark night skies
in Florida, where it is still possible to view the Milky Way. Big Cypress
National Preserve is a cherished location for amateur astronomers and night
sky enthusiasts in the region, many of which volunteer their time and
observing equipment to support the Preserve's annual Winter Night Sky
program that often draws South Florida residents from over 100 miles away;
and,
WHEREAS, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the protection of the night sky by educating on the effects of
light pollution and the benefits of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.
In 2001, IDA established the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP)
designation program to encourage communities around the world to preserve
and protect dark sky places through responsible lighting policies and public
education. An IDA International Dark Sky Park is an IDSP designation for
lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a
nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural,
educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment; and,
WHEREAS, in October 2016, Big Cypress National Preserve earned a Silver-tier
International Dark Sky Park designation, which distinguishes the Preserve for
having good quality night skies and exemplary nighttime lightscapes with minor
impacts from light pollution; and,
WHEREAS, Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the most biologically diverse areas
within the America's Everglades with many species that depend on a naturally
dark nocturnal environment to thrive, including fireflies, moths, the
endangered Florida Panther, Florida Bonneted Bat and ghost orchid.
WHEREAS, the Preserve has set an example in stewardship of the night sky by improving
its own outdoor lighting to reduce or eliminate the impacts of light pollution
and by educating the public on a diversity of topics related to the night,
including nocturnal ecology, astronomy, folklore, light pollution and good
lighting; and,
WHEREAS, Big Cypress National Preserve is the first National Park Service (NPS) unit
east of the Mississippi River to earn an International Dark Sky Place
designation and the second location designated in the State of Florida; and,
WHEREAS, the designation will help elevate the importance of night sky conservation and
engage communities across South Florida in protecting this valuable natural
resource and will help promote local ecotourism and economic activity by
increasing the popularity of the Preserve as a dark sky destination.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that
Big Cypress National Preserve
Packet Pg. 34
4.D
11/15/2016
be recognized for its International Dark Sky Place Designation
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 15th Day of November, 2016
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
DONNA FIALA, CHAIRMAN
Packet Pg.35
4.D
11/15/2016
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 4.D
Item Summary: Proclamation recognizing the Big Cypress National Preserve for earning a Silver-
Tier Dark Sky Place designation by the International Dark Sky Association which distinguishes the
preserve for having good quality night skies and exemplary nighttime lightscapes with minor impacts
from light pollution. Accepting the proclamation from the Big Cypress National Preserve are Tamara
Whittington, Superintendent; J. D. Lee, Deputy Superintendent; Dennis Bartalino, Chief of Facilities;
Christine Clark,Management Assistant; and Luke Gommermann,Park Ranger.
Meeting Date: 11/15/2016
Prepared by:
Title: Executive Coordinator to Commissioner—Board of County Commissioners
Name: Michael Brownlee
10/31/2016 9:54 AM
i
I Submitted by:
Title:—Board of County Commissioners
Name: Tim Nance
10/31/2016 9:54 AM
1
i
Approved By:
Review:
Communication and Customer RelationsMike Sheffield Additional Reviewer Completed 11/01/2016 9:59 AM
1
1 County Manager's Office Nick Casalanguida County Manager Review Completed 11/06/2016 3:41 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 11/15/2016 9:00 AM
I
i
I
I
1
I
i
(
Packet Pg. 36