Backup Documents 11/15/2016 Item # 4D 4 0
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 ID5P 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
Americas 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
be recognized for its International Dark Sky Place Designation
DONE AND OR A;r1 THIS 15th Day of November, 2016
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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DONNA FIALA, CHAIRMAN
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