GUIDANCE AND POLICIES

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This information is provided for general guidance only and reflects voluntary, community-minded practices; and it is not an enforceable rule or requirement of the Association.

A Dark, Quiet Night—Why It Matters for Us and the Wildlife. www.darksky.org

Why turning off exterior lights matters: 

• Protecting wildlife and ecosystems: Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts the natural behaviors of nocturnal creatures from confusing moths and insects (many perish at light sources) to disorienting bats, amphibians, birds, and migratory species (see DarkSky.org). Light pollution also creates skyglow, erasing starry skies and upsetting nocturnal rhythms.

• Promoting responsible, wildlife-friendly lighting: DarkSky.org recommends downward-shielded fixtures, warm-colored bulbs, and lighting only when essential. These choices preserve both night skies and wildlife habitats.

What about bears? Do lights keep them away?

•Outdoor lighting is not considered a reliable or primary bear deterrent, as bears rely primarily on their sense of smell rather than sight when locating food sources.  Bears rely heavily on smell—not sight—to locate food. A porch light won’t stop a food-hungry bear. In fact, it may even highlight possible attractants like unsecured trash.

•  Motion-activated or strobe lighting may provide short-term deterrence in some situations, but effectiveness is inconsistent and often diminishes as bears become accustomed to it.

POA Neighborhood Night Lighting Tips

• Use lighting only as needed – turn lights on to walk safely from your car to  

your home, then turn them off again.

• Opt for motion sensors wherever possible—so lights stay dark until 

genuinely needed.

• Choose wildlife-friendly bulbs (amber or warm LED vs. blue-white).

• Install fully shielded fixtures to focus light downward and avoid glare and 

skyglow.

• Secure attractants like garbage, pet food, or bird feeders to reduce bear 

lure, rather than relying on light.

Summary: Why We Do This

For Nature: Preserves insect, bat, amphibian, and bird behaviors; reduces skyglow and light pollution; does not compromise safety when used responsibly.

For Us: Brings out the stars and restores natural night beauty; saves energy and can lower bills; builds a safer, less startling environment for visitors and wildlife.

Let's all enjoy peaceful, star-filled nights—only lighting the path when needed, turning it off when we're inside, and keeping our wildlife and surroundings thriving.

Learn more at: https://www.darksky.org